Have a Little Faith
Mavis Staples · 2004
51 min · 12 tracks · blues
A soulful blend of gospel-infused blues that uplifts with its heartfelt messages and Mavis Staples' powerful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Have a Little Faith — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and resilience, with Staples delivering an impassioned performance that resonates deeply.
-
→
God Is Not Sleeping — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and uplifting melody, showcasing Staples' ability to marry spiritual sentiment with contemporary sound.
-
→
I Still Believe in You — In this song, Staples' vocal delivery reflects unwavering faith and conviction, making it a cornerstone of the album's emotional landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gospel and blues effectively, showcasing strong vocals and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature call-and-response structures, emphasizing the gospel influence and creating an interactive feel for listeners.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for reflective moments that contrast with the earlier energy.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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 pacing for reflective listening
- heartfelt moments of spiritual connection
- uplifting anthems for collective joy
- soulful grooves for introspective afternoons
- encouraging themes of faith and
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2004, Have a Little Faith marked Mavis Staples' return to the forefront of music after a decade-long hiatus. This album came after her involvement in various collaborative projects and signaled a significant artistic revival, showcasing her enduring influence on soul and gospel music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aretha Franklin· Tina Turner· Etta James
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
God Is Not Sleeping
The bridge shifts from introspective musings to a collective call for unity and strength amid struggles.
This structural change emphasizes community resilience, transforming personal reflection into a broader message of hope.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Step Into the Light 4:46
- 2 Pop's Recipe 5:26
- 3 Have a Little Faith 4:35
- 4 God Is Not Sleeping 5:49
- 5 A Dying Man's Plea 3:49
- 6 Ain't No Better Than You 4:13
- 7 I Wanna Thank You 4:49
- 8 I Still Believe in You 3:31
- 9 At the End of the Day 3:56
- 10 There's a Devil on the Loose 3:34
- 11 In Times Like These 3:50
- 12 Will the Circle Be Unbroken 3:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.