CD-Charts Position 51
Average Rating:

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Spirit in the Dark

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Aretha Franklin

Release Date January 31, 1994
This is a good, solid, Aretha Franklin album that doesn't quite reach the heights of her best work, but which nevertheless still contains some great tracks. Foremost among them is You And Me, written by Aretha herself in the classic mould of such titles as All The King's Horses and Day Dreaming. A beautiful song.Then, of course, you also have Don't Play That Song, and Spirit In The Dark, both of which were hit singles, a great little song called Pullin', and generally very good covers of material as diverse as The Thrill Is Gone and Oh No Not My Baby.

Why only four stars then? Well, for me, only You And Me really stands out as great. Everything else is very good, but not essential. Even so I'd recommend this album, and not just ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 52
Average Rating:

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Atlantic R&B 1947-1974 - Vol. 7: 1967-1969: The Platinum Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Various Artists

Release Date March 20, 2006
The Atlantic R&B Platinum Collection has a real variety of sounds. You could buy them all have have hours of pleasure. If you're only thinking of buying the odd one then go for this one. It takes me back to the late 60s and mohair suits and Lambrettas! Some of the songs are obvious faves that get the feet tapping and gives you a big smile. What "Soul Finger" followed by the magnificent Aretha with "Baby I love you" then "Chain of Fools". Its also great to hear 2 stunning Clarence Carter tracks again. Having played it loads of times I really look forward to hearing three longer, lesser well-played tracks that are at the end of the disc. "The Ghetto" from Donny Hathaway was really ground breaking at the time and holds up well. Then there is Tyrone ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 53
Average Rating:

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What Is Success: the Scepter and Bell Recordings

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Allen Toussaint

Release Date October 08, 2007
The Atlantic R&B Platinum Collection has a real variety of sounds. You could buy them all have have hours of pleasure. If you're only thinking of buying the odd one then go for this one. It takes me back to the late 60s and mohair suits and Lambrettas! Some of the songs are obvious faves that get the feet tapping and gives you a big smile. What "Soul Finger" followed by the magnificent Aretha with "Baby I love you" then "Chain of Fools". Its also great to hear 2 stunning Clarence Carter tracks again. Having played it loads of times I really look forward to hearing three longer, lesser well-played tracks that are at the end of the disc. "The Ghetto" from Donny Hathaway was really ground breaking at the time and holds up well. Then there is Tyrone ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 54
Average Rating:

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Stax/Volt Complete Singles 1958-1968: 9cd Box Set

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Various Artists

Release Date September 08, 2003
The very best of, not just soul music, but music.Listen, clap your hands, dance, stamp your feet. Enjoy this wonderful compilation, not just for the genius of Otis and the better known artists, but to discover the lesser known and sadly underplayed gems among them.

CD-Charts Position 55
Average Rating:

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The Platinum Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Solomon Burke

Release Date March 19, 2007
Well, I am not one to knock the Mersey Boom, like punk it washed away some very manufactured music, but like all storms it took some good with the bad. The New York Soul scene in '62, '63 was producing some of the finest music ever made, not least in the combination of the Reverend Solomon Burke and the irreverent Bert Berns - who saw the Beatles produce the definitive version of his classic 'Twist and Out'.

So here it is, the best of a great combination, plenty of it, very reasonably priced. There are many many compilations calling themselves the greatest hits of Solomon, he did fine music after leaving Atlantic, and continues to record with commercial success and critical acclaim to this day. Yet this is the business, he has never overcome ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 56
Average Rating:

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First on the Dial

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Joe Tex

Release Date July 07, 2008
Well, I am not one to knock the Mersey Boom, like punk it washed away some very manufactured music, but like all storms it took some good with the bad. The New York Soul scene in '62, '63 was producing some of the finest music ever made, not least in the combination of the Reverend Solomon Burke and the irreverent Bert Berns - who saw the Beatles produce the definitive version of his classic 'Twist and Out'.

So here it is, the best of a great combination, plenty of it, very reasonably priced. There are many many compilations calling themselves the greatest hits of Solomon, he did fine music after leaving Atlantic, and continues to record with commercial success and critical acclaim to this day. Yet this is the business, he has never overcome ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 57
Average Rating:

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Still Caught Up

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Millie Jackson

Release Date July 31, 2006
Albums by Soul artists in the 60's had usually comprised a couple of hit singles and some covers of popular songs. That all changed with Isaac Hayes "Hot Buttered Soul", which ushered in a period where Soul stars claimed the album format and Millie Jackson did it better than most with "Caught Up".

This follow up certainly had much to live up to, and does so in remakable style. Without changing the basic concept, Millie breathes new life into it. This could be a stand alone album, equally it could be considered a continuation.

Starting with the wife's story, the album opens with "Lovin' Arms". Loneliness and regret pour from the vocal, as it does on "Making the Best Of a Bad Situation" despite the reappearance of her husband. These ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 58
Average Rating:

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Soul '69

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Aretha Franklin

Release Date January 31, 1994
Aretha's collaboration with Jerry Wexler came about because, despite an obvious talent, her Record label, Columbia, had failed to ignite the fire within her, having pigeon -holed as a Jazz singer. Wexler gave her an edge, and that produced the groundbreaking "Never Loved a Man" album.

Ironic, then , that 5 albums later, Wexler took her back to Jazz, but this time with the R&B edge that allowed Aretha room to swoop and soar around the melody in her inimitable style. Soul 69 is, then, something of a misnomer, but don't let that put you off.

Starting with a big band rendition of Ramblin', it is clear that this will be an Aretha album with a difference. "River's Invitation" and "Crazy..." are notable for Kenny Burrell's guitar, and "Tracks ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 59
Average Rating:

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Live at Fillmore West: Deluxe Edition/Remastered & Expanded

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Aretha Franklin

Release Date July 31, 2006
'Live at Filmore West' is an amazing double album showcasing Aretha's awesome live talent. The first disc is the original album in remastered format and the second disc has alternate takes and unused songs from the concerts. The choice of songs are perfect, 'Love The One You're With' is especially note-worthy, and Ray Charles duets with Aretha on 'Spirit In The Dark (Reprise)' which reaches almost gospel revival proportions. The audience atmosphere can clearly be heard and adds to the overall ambiance and feel of the album. When Aretha speaks with the audience it reminds me of Jill Scott today when she talks with real soul to her audiences (I highly recommend her albums by the way). The level of soul and emotion from both artists is staggering. This is an outstanding ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 60
Average Rating:

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Atlantic Unearthed - Soul Brothers

CD-Charts > Music > Southern Soul
by: Various Artists

Release Date June 19, 2006
'Live at Filmore West' is an amazing double album showcasing Aretha's awesome live talent. The first disc is the original album in remastered format and the second disc has alternate takes and unused songs from the concerts. The choice of songs are perfect, 'Love The One You're With' is especially note-worthy, and Ray Charles duets with Aretha on 'Spirit In The Dark (Reprise)' which reaches almost gospel revival proportions. The audience atmosphere can clearly be heard and adds to the overall ambiance and feel of the album. When Aretha speaks with the audience it reminds me of Jill Scott today when she talks with real soul to her audiences (I highly recommend her albums by the way). The level of soul and emotion from both artists is staggering. This is an outstanding ... Read More: