“Silent Night” – The Temptations (Motown – 1980)
A new decade had dawned, The Temptations had returned to Motown after two disastrous albums on Atlantic, and Dennis Edwards was back in the lead tenor slot… It was the perfect storm for a second Christmas album by the tall temptin’ quintet. Give Love at Christmas had many delights but none finer than the 6-minute “Silent Night” that was the album’s grand finale (not to be confused with the nice Eddie Kendricks-led version they recorded on their first holiday album, The Temptations’ Christmas Card, in 1968). Every member hits the lead mic – most profoundly Melvin Franklin, the greatest bass singer ever – taking their sweet time to wish one and all a Merry Christmas…and to all a good night.
