Search - Bobby Purify :: Better to Have It

A Gem of Southern Soul

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 09/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Bobby Purify -the name alone already should announce what's possible- returning from oblivion and putting together his first album in many years.

I understand, he's gone through some very hard times which, unfortunately, is not an isolated case. He's not the only great musician who's lack of recognition seems to be inversely proportional to his tremendous talent, yet this album -if it receives the proper attention it deserves- should change all that.

Exquisitely produced by Dan Penn and backed by some of Muscle Shoals greats like Spooner Oldham and Jimmie Johnson, this album is an absolute gem of Southern Soul. When Jerry Wexler, in the liner notes, mentions Purify's name next to Arthur Alexander or Otis Redding, I don't believe he's exagerating.

Bobby Purify, after almost forty years of singing, still has one of the most beautiful Soul voices I've ever heard. His tone, phrasing and capacity to bring out the heart out of every word is stunning, this is a master lesson on how to bare one's deepest feelings without ever losing sight of the song nor indulging in vocal acrobatic. Revealing everything without ever showing off.

It's hard not to mention every song included here, each a gorgeous example of great singing, thoughtful arrangements and dead-on atmosphere, but if pushed to it I've got to say that the ballads are the biggest gift. "Things Happen," "Forever Changed," "Testimony Of A Fool," and "Hate To See You Go" can be enough to justify a singer's career, let alone be found in one album.

The rest of the album does not stay behind and, again, the production and arrangements -the horns, guitar and piano are wonderful throughout- offer Purify the perfect backdrop to let it all come out and touch your heart like the sweetest breeze, or a longed-for blessing."

Soul Music From the Heart and the Gut

Silasdog | 09/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't even attempt to write as eloquently as the first 6 reviewers, I can't do it. But if this recording doesn't move you, then you're probaly dead and don't know it yet; or perhaps you simply have a "hole in your soul." I can't stop playing this CD. If you're looking for the kind of music that will put goose bumps and your flesh, make the hairs on your neck tingle, and bring a tear to your eye, then search no more, this is it. If this CD doesn't get you "where you live," then you haven't lived enough life i.e., haven't known personal affliction, or devastating loss, becoming one with a woman, or rebounding from a bad situation to have the last laugh. In addition, folks who may fancy themselves songwriters can get a master class from the compositions of Dan Penn on this CD. I could go on and on, but this recording is a must for soul music lovers."