Dreams to Remember: The Otis Redding Anthology cover

Dreams to Remember: The Otis Redding Anthology

Otis Redding · 1998

147 min · 50 tracks · soul

Soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating the raw emotional power of Redding's voice and musical legacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    These Arms of Mine Start here — emotional core with engaging melody and lyrics
  • →
    (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay — This track exemplifies Redding's ability to convey vulnerability through a simple yet poignant narrative about longing and reflection. Its melancholic melody paired with introspective lyrics marks a significant moment in his discography.
  • →
    Respect — Redding's rendition transformed this song into an anthem of empowerment and self-worth, showcasing his dynamic vocal range and emotional depth. It continues to resonate across generations as a defining piece of civil rights music.
  • →
    Try a Little Tenderness — This track highlights Redding's passionate delivery and masterful interpretation of romantic themes, making it a quintessential example of his soulful style that blends gospel influences with raw emotion.
  • →
    I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) — Redding's heartfelt expression of devotion in this song captures the essence of soul music, characterized by its deep emotional resonance and powerful vocal performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

This anthology effectively showcases Redding's powerful voice and songwriting across a comprehensive selection of his work.

What we noticed

  • Tracks are sequenced chronologically, allowing listeners to trace the evolution of Redding's style and vocal delivery over time.
  • Many songs feature prominent horn arrangements and backing vocals that enhance the emotional impact of Redding's lead vocals.
  • Several tracks include live recordings, capturing the energy of Redding's performances and adding a layer of authenticity.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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

  • wave-like emotional peaks
  • heartfelt sing-alongs with friends
  • late-night reflective listening
  • cathartic vocal performances
  • intimate moments of vulnerability

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • only enjoy standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — This anthology provides a comprehensive overview of Redding's influential work.
Career context
Released in 1998, 'Dreams to Remember: The Otis Redding Anthology' arrives over three decades after Redding's tragic passing in 1967. This compilation showcases his profound influence on soul music and highlights his prolific output, such as his iconic hits from the early 1960s like '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay'. The anthology serves both as a celebration of his artistry and an introduction for new listeners to his timeless work.
Stylistic neighbors
Sam Cooke· Wilson Pickett· James Brown

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Shout Bamalama 1:57
  • 2 These Arms of Mine Start here 2:33
  • 3 That's What My Heart Needs 2:40
  • 4 Pain in My Heart 2:25
  • 5 Come to Me 2:47
  • 6 Security 2:38
  • 7 Chained and Bound 2:40
  • 8 Mr. Pitiful 2:43
  • 9 That's How Strong My Love Is 2:25
  • 10 I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) 3:15
  • 11 Respect 2:10
  • 12 Ole Man Trouble 2:38
  • 13 Change Gonna Come 4:16
  • 14 Satisfaction 2:46
  • 15 Down in the Valley 2:59
  • 16 Shake 2:41
  • 17 My Girl 2:56
  • 18 You Don't Miss Your Water 2:52
  • 19 Cupid 3:10
  • 20 I Can't Turn You Loose 2:48
  • 21 Just One More Day 3:30
  • 22 My Lover's Prayer 3:11
  • 23 Cigarettes and Coffee 4:00
  • 24 It's Growing 2:49
  • 25 Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa (Sad Song) 2:43
  • 26 Try a Little Tenderness 3:47

Disc 2

  • 1 You Left the Water Running 2:48
  • 2 Trick or Treat 3:12
  • 3 Tramp 3:03
  • 4 Lovey Dovey 2:36
  • 5 Let Me Come on Home 2:55
  • 6 I Love You More Than Words Can Say 2:55
  • 7 Merry Christmas, Baby 2:29
  • 8 Glory of Love 2:50
  • 9 Tell the Truth 3:13
  • 10 I've Got Dreams to Remember 3:15
  • 11 The Happy Song (Dum-dum) 2:45
  • 12 Hard to Handle 2:20
  • 13 Amen 3:06
  • 14 Direct Me 2:18
  • 15 Love Man 2:18
  • 16 Look at the Girl 2:38
  • 17 I'm a Changed Man 2:22
  • 18 The Match Game 2:53
  • 19 (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay 2:49
  • 20 Shake 2:56
  • 21 Respect 3:00
  • 22 I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) 4:08
  • 23 Satisfaction 3:33
  • 24 Try a Little Tenderness 5:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata