Search - Staple Singers :: Freedom Highway

Incredible Gospel-Soul album

ngaimoko | Zaire to Mississippi | 04/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can thank Pandora.com for this purchase - I started a radio station for blues-Gospel (seeded with The Blind Boys of Alabama). Staple Singers songs started coming on, and I found myself turning up the volume and checking the artist every time. It's incredible music - passionate, powerful, profoundly musical and spiritual and relevant. This is before the Staple Singers moved to Stax and attained more mainstream success, and it is firmly in the Black Gospel tradition, but with clear social messages ("Why? Am I treated so bad," "Hammer and Nails," and "Freedom Highway") along with the more spiritual songs ("Will The Circle Be Unbroken," "Wade in the Water," "Nobody's Fault but Mine," "This Train"). Most songs feature Pops on guitar (rich, soulful lines) and vocals, along with three daughters (most famously Mavis) and son joining on vocals. Drums, bass, and other guitar sometimes join, but the vocal harmonies and Pops' guitar are at the forefront. A moving musical experience. Highly recommended for all listeners of soul, classic R&B, gospel, folk, or blues music."