Released 60 years ago
And Now!
Booker T. & the M.G.'s · 1966
38 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of soulful grooves and jazz-inflected melodies that invigorate classic tunes with fresh energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In) — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse catchy melodies with infectious rhythms, making it a standout hit of the era.
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In the Midnight Hour — The group's rendition transforms this classic into a dynamic instrumental showcase, emphasizing their tight musicianship and deep groove.
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Working in the Coal Mine — This track brings an upbeat interpretation to Lee Dorsey's original, highlighting the band's knack for infusing joy into labor-themed songs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases solid compositions and arrangements but lacks a cohesive narrative across its varied styles.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- short, engaging listening sessions
- infectious groove immersion
- upbeat background ambiance
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1966, And Now! was Booker T. & the M.G.'s fourth studio album, following their acclaimed release, Green Onions. At this point, the band had solidified their reputation as a key player in the soul genre, serving as the house band for Stax Records and contributing significantly to the sound of Southern soul music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Funk Brothers· Booker T. Jones· The Meters
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Working in the Coal Mine
The song's bridge shifts from a celebratory tone to a more reflective one about hard labor.
This contrast between celebration and reflection adds depth, allowing listeners to appreciate both the struggle and resilience found in daily work.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 My Sweet Potato 2:47
- 2 Jericho 2:37
- 3 No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In) 3:01
- 4 One Mint Julep 3:05
- 5 In the Midnight Hour 2:58
- 6 Summertime 4:41
- 7 Working in the Coal Mine 2:42
- 8 Don’t Mess Up a Good Thing 2:44
- 9 Think 2:58
- 10 Taboo 4:25
- 11 Soul Jam 3:05
- 12 Sentimental Journey 3:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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