The Temptations - Live At The Copa (Live At The Copa/1968) (2015)

David Ruffin is history as a Temptation, and his replacement Dennis Edwards shows his stuff on this live recording of a Copacabana performance. This is on a par with their previous live album, The Temptations Live. They successfully combine their hits with songs from the In a Mellow Mood LP, making for an entertaining, well-rounded set. Eddie Kendricks was never in finer voice than here, emoting and pleading on "Please Return Your Love to Me," while showing his ability to sing standards on "With These Hands." Edwards' rendition of "The Impossible Dream" is appealing to even the most die-hard fans of soul music. You can almost see Paul Williams sweating as he reaches for the notes and belts out the theme from Man of La Mancha; he also treats the crowd to his popular version of "For Once in My Life." Bass singer Melvin Franklin gets a rare lead and sings his crowd-pleasing "I Truly Believe," the popular flip side of "I Wish It Would Rain." Otis Williams handles the introductions, but the roar comes when Edwards take the lead with his powerful, churchy voice. He makes "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)" his own; you completely forget David Ruffin's original version. A powerful statement from the Temptations.