44. Solomon Burke — Rock ‘N Soul (1964)

1. I find the “preacher-to-pop star” career trajectory of so many soul artists kind of fascinating. Probably in part because I’m white, and was raised going to a Byzantine Catholic church, where the priests were, uh, not exactly the most soulful singers. Nonetheless it’s interesting to hear Solomon Burke, a preacher, effectively sell his role as lover here.
2. This album is at its best when it’s going full soul. Burke’s got a killer croon with an incredible range, and he sings with passion. I can see how he’d be an effective evangelist. “Cry To Me” is a super mainstream motown soul bop, and it’s great; “Beautiful Brown Eyes” blends in plenty of gospel; “If You Need Me” is bluesy and beautiful.
3. The album sputters a bit when it branches out, however; “Can’t Nobody Love You” reaches for country western sounds, and while Ray Charles was effective in adapting those songs for an R&B crowd, Burke can’t decide which direction to go and ends up with a schizophrenic tune.
4. Note: the Spotify tracklisting here is just totally wrong. The songs are all there; they’re just mixed up. Maybe I’d have stronger feelings about this album if I’d listened to it correctly. I’ve debated going back and giving it another go, but life is too short, so I’m moving on.

One Essential Song:

Listen On Spotify: