Encouraging Words
Billy Preston · 1970
50 min · 15 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of gospel and funk, with uplifting melodies that invite listeners to embrace joy and spiritual connection.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Sweet Lord — This track epitomizes Preston's unique ability to weave gospel themes into mainstream sound, featuring lush instrumentation and heartfelt vocals that resonate deeply.
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Use What You Got — With its empowering message and infectious groove, this song captures Preston's skill in blending soulful lyrics with danceable rhythms, making it a highlight of the album.
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Encouraging Words — The title track serves as a manifesto of positivity and reassurance, showcasing Preston's vocal prowess along with an uplifting arrangement that leaves listeners inspired.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gospel and funk effectively, with strong performances but uneven pacing in its latter half.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, followed by several mid-tempo songs that maintain a consistent groove.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the gospel influence and inviting listener participation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- uplifting melodies for joyful moments
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- feel-good vibes for group listening
- spirited anthems for celebration
- encouraging themes for motivation
Maybe skip if you
- slow tempos seeking instant thrills
- deep introspection over lively energy
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 11, 1970, 'Encouraging Words' marked Billy Preston's transition into a solo artist after playing with notable figures like The Beatles. This album followed his successful contributions to the music scene, including his work on 'Let It Be', positioning him as a prominent force in the genres of soul and rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Stevie Wonder· Ray Charles· Sly and the Family Stone
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Use What You Got
The moment shifts from personal struggles to an affirmation of self-worth through resilience and creativity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Right Now 3:12
- 2 Little Girl 3:25
- 3 Use What You Got 4:18
- 4 My Sweet Lord 3:19
- 5 Let the Music Play 2:41
- 6 The Same Thing Again 4:30
- 7 I’ve Got a Feeling 2:50
- 8 Sing One for the Lord 3:46
- 9 When You Are Mine 2:42
- 10 I Don’t Want You to Pretend 2:35
- 11 Encouraging Words 3:32
- 12 All Things (Must) Pass 3:41
- 13 You’ve Been Acting Strange 3:22
- 14 As Long as I Got My Baby 2:43
- 15 All That I’ve Got (I’m Gonna Give It to You) 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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