Special

Released in July 1989, Special marks a pivotal moment in The Temptations' later career, specifically the return of Ali-Ollie Woodson as lead singer following the final departure of Dennis Edwards. The album was produced during a period when Motown was aggressively modernizing its sound to compete with the rising New Jack Swing movement and the polished pop-R&B of artists like Luther Vandross. Musically, the album is a departure from the group's analog roots, leaning heavily into the digital production standards of the era, including the use of the Yamaha DX7 and LinnDrum-style programming. Despite these modern trappings, the album was a commercial success, spending nearly a year on the Billboard R&B charts and peaking at number 25. Critical reception, such as the review from AllMusic, notes it as a 'business-as-usual' release, which in the context of The Temptations, signifies a high floor of vocal excellence and professional songwriting. It remains a fan favorite for the Woodson-led tracks and its seamless blend of traditional soul values with 80s studio technology.