Search - Solomon Burke :: Soul Alive

One of The Finest Live Albums Ever Made

Anthony G Pizza | FL | 03/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""I know there's something going on in this place that doing good for somebody!" shouts Solomon Burke early on in "Soul Alive," and he may have even understated the case. As with the best live albums (Sinatra, James Brown, the Stones, KISS), this set, recorded mostly in Washington, DC, captures a live soul experience as few others have(especially in the 80s, when it was released). Many remember Burke from "Cry to Me," featured on the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack. That hit is here, along with songs he ("The Price," "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love," "Tonight's The Night") or others ("I Can't Stop Loving You," "Hold What You Got," "He'll Have To Go.") recorded during soul's peak years. What makes this album special is that Burke, a preacher and gospel singer since childhood, weaves useful, emotional sermons around these medleys (his monologue about "the women of today" is hilarious and useful) giving the crowd and listener the best of the gospel and secular worlds. In doing so, Burke reversed - 40 years later - Ray Charles' use of gospel style in blues songs which angered, then inspired, fans of those genres. Every shout, every Burke one-liner ("All we need is a water bed now" ), every note of this set is to cherish. Highly recommended for fans of classic soul, gospel, or any other music genre."

If you only by one soul album

Soultrain | 11/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is simply nothing like it. If you only buy one soul album - get this one. Discovered almost by accident, this recording will lift the spirits and comfort the soul. For those who don't know Solomon, check out his heart wrenching version of "I can't stop loving you". It has been said that Solomon Burke is the greatest soul singer of all time, even with a borrowed band. Check out Soul Alive and decide for yourself."

One of the All Time Best

Soultrain | Boston, MA | 03/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This live Solomon Burke Show never fails to appear on any short list of the best Soul albums of all time. Equal parts great soul singer, testifying preacher and tireless leader of the "choir", "King" Solomon is at his very best on the "Take Me (Just as I Am)/I Can't Stop Loving You Medley. Emotional, uplifting, spiritual and unceasingly "Soulful", listen in as Reverend Burke sings to his flock. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"