Ain't That Good News
Sam Cooke · 1964
33 min · 12 tracks · rhythm and blues
A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and uplifting lyrics that evoke a sense of hope and joy.
Top tracks — play these first
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(Ain’t That) Good News Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's optimistic spirit with its infectious beat and joyous message about celebrating life’s blessings.
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A Change Is Gonna Come — This poignant song addresses racial injustice and hope for a better future, marking a significant moment in both Cooke's career and American music history.
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Another Saturday Night — With its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics about loneliness, this track showcases Cooke's storytelling ability while maintaining an upbeat sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances vibrant melodies with poignant themes, showcasing Cooke's range while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a bright horn arrangement and a steady groove, setting an upbeat tone for the first half.
- Tracks like 'A Change Is Gonna Come' shift to slower tempos and more introspective lyrics, contrasting with the earlier energy.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The final track, 'The Riddle Song', closes the album with a gentle melody that feels reflective, providing a soft landing after the preceding intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, uplifting listening sessions
- joyful and optimistic vibes
- easy-going background ambiance
- conversational and engaging melodies
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Cooke's artistic depth and social commentary, marking a high point in his career.
- Career context
- Released on March 1, 1964, 'Ain't That Good News' was Sam Cooke's final studio album before his tragic death later that year. This album followed the acclaimed 'Night Beat', showcasing Cooke's ability to balance personal introspection with broader themes of social change, particularly evident in his landmark track 'A Change Is Gonna Come'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Otis Redding· Al Green· Marvin Gaye
Tracklist
- 1 (Ain’t That) Good News Start here 2:30
- 2 Meet Me at Mary’s Place 2:43
- 3 Good Times 2:28
- 4 Rome (Wasn’t Built in a Day) 2:34
- 5 Another Saturday Night 2:42
- 6 Tennessee Waltz 3:12
- 7 A Change Is Gonna Come 3:13
- 8 Falling in Love 2:46
- 9 Home (When Shadows Fall) 2:32
- 10 Sittin’ in the Sun 3:18
- 11 There’ll Be No Second Time 3:03
- 12 The Riddle Song 2:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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