What makes Be Altitude: Respect Yourself by The Staple Singers notable?

The album's title track, 'Respect Yourself', became an anthem of empowerment and is often cited for its influence on the civil rights movement. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart, showcasing the group's ability to blend spiritual themes with popular music, thereby expanding their audience and cultural impact. By the time 'Be Altitude: Respect Yourself' was released in 1972, The Staple Singers had already established themselves as leading figures in gospel and soul music. This album followed their commercial breakthrough with 'I'll Take You There', solidifying their role as both artists and voices for social change during a pivotal moment in American history.

Who is Be Altitude: Respect Yourself for?

Be Altitude: Respect Yourself works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, uplifting messages for self-respect and soulful sing-along participation.

How many songs are on Be Altitude: Respect Yourself?

Be Altitude: Respect Yourself has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Be Altitude: Respect Yourself

The Staple Singers · 1972

42 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant fusion of gospel and soul, energizing listeners with uplifting messages and rhythmic grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Respect Yourself — This track serves as a powerful call to self-respect and dignity, capturing the essence of the album's message while becoming one of the group's signature songs.
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I'll Take You There — As one of the standout tracks, it blends gospel fervor with a soulful groove, demonstrating the group’s mastery in creating music that uplifts and inspires.
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We the People — This song reflects social consciousness through its lyrics, addressing unity and collective strength in a moment of political turbulence, resonating deeply with contemporary struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and vibrant performances, blending genres while delivering empowering messages.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a rhythmic groove, followed by the upbeat title track which features call-and-response vocals.
Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and instrumental interludes, creating a rich soundscape that blends gospel and soul elements.
The sequencing includes both reflective ballads and energetic anthems, with the pacing shifting between slower and faster tempos throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

steady mid-tempo groove
uplifting messages for self-respect
soulful sing-along participation
for communal listening
reflective moments of social consciousness

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Be Altitude: Respect Yourself' was released in 1972, The Staple Singers had already established themselves as leading figures in gospel and soul music. This album followed their commercial breakthrough with 'I'll Take You There', solidifying their role as both artists and voices for social change during a pivotal moment in American history.
Stylistic neighbors: The Impressions· Mavis Staples· Aretha Franklin