Give the People What They Want
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings · 2014
33 min · 10 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of classic funk grooves and soulful melodies that echoes the golden age of 70s soul music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Stranger to My Happiness — This track embodies the album's essence with its infectious groove and uplifting lyrics, highlighting Jones' powerful vocal delivery despite themes of heartache.
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Get Up and Get Out — With its motivational message and danceable beat, this song captures the spirit of resilience and empowerment that defines Jones' artistry.
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People Don't Get What They Deserve — This track stands out for its poignant social commentary wrapped in a catchy melody, reflecting the band's commitment to addressing real issues through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively channels classic funk while maintaining a modern edge, though it doesn't significantly reshape its genre.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a punchy horn section that sets an upbeat tone, which is maintained through the next several songs.
- Each song features a strong, repetitive groove that emphasizes rhythm over melody, typical of classic funk.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, engaging the listener and creating a communal feel.
- The album closes with 'Slow Down, Love', which shifts to a slower tempo, providing a contrast to the preceding high-energy tracks.
- 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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8/10
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
- short bursts of infectious energy
- danceable grooves for celebrations
- uplifting anthems for gatherings
- nostalgic vibes with modern flair
Maybe skip if you
- slow and patient listening needed
- focus on deep lyrical analysis
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2014, 'Give the People What They Want' came during a period of renewed recognition for Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings following their Grammy nomination for 'Give the People What They Want.' This album marked a triumphant return for Jones after her battle with cancer, showcasing her resilience and passion as an artist. It further solidified their reputation as leaders in the contemporary funk revival scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Charles Bradley· Lee Fields· The Budos Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Retreat! 3:31
- 2 Stranger to My Happiness 3:31
- 3 We Get Along 3:03
- 4 You'll Be Lonely 3:45
- 5 Now I See 3:10
- 6 Making Up and Breaking Up (And Making Up and Breaking Up Over Again) 2:23
- 7 Get Up and Get Out 3:27
- 8 Long Time, Wrong Time 3:21
- 9 People Don't Get What They Deserve 3:25
- 10 Slow Down, Love 4:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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