High Priestess of Soul
Nina Simone · 1967
35 min · 12 tracks · blues · jazz · soul
A rich tapestry of bluesy grooves and soulful vocals that convey deep emotional resonance and political awareness.
Why this album works
'High Priestess of Soul' is significant for its exploration of themes related to race and identity, which resonated deeply during the civil rights era. The album showcased Simone's ability to fuse genres and gained critical acclaim, further establishing her influence in both music and social activism.
- Best for
- steady rhythmic journey throughout deep emotional resonance in vocals politically charged lyrical themes
- Context
- Released in January 1967, 'High Priestess of Soul' followed Nina Simone's acclaimed album 'Pastel Blues' from 1965. At this point in her career, Simone was solidifying her identity as an artist who blended jazz, blues, and gospel while also increasingly addressing social issues through her music. This album represents a peak in her creative output during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miles Davis· Ella Fitzgerald· John Coltrane· Thelonious Monk· Bing Crosby· Herbie Hancock· Barbra Streisand· Charles Mingus
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Don’t You Pay Them No Mind Standout 3:05
- 2 I’m Gonna Leave You 2:18
- 3 Brown Eyed Handsome Man 2:06
- 4 Keeper of the Flame Standout 3:23
- 5 The Gal From Joe’s 2:46
- 6 Take Me to the Water Standout 2:50
- 7 I’m Going Back Home 2:51
- 8 I Hold No Grudge 2:21
- 9 Come Ye 3:39
- 10 He Ain’t Comin’ Home No More 3:12
- 11 Work Song 3:08
- 12 I Love My Baby 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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