What makes Hold On Tight by Solomon Burke notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, particularly for its seamless fusion of genres which resonated with fans of soul and country alike. It also solidified Burke's legacy as a versatile artist, earning praise from various publications and contributing to a revival of interest in his work during the late 2000s. Released in 2010, Hold On Tight marked Solomon Burke's first studio album after signing with the Dutch band De Dijk, showcasing a return to his roots in soul music. At this stage in his career, Burke was already an established artist, but this collaboration reflected his ongoing dedication to exploring diverse musical landscapes.

Who is Hold On Tight for?

Hold On Tight works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, heartfelt emotional reflections and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Hold On Tight?

Hold On Tight has 12 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Hold On Tight

Solomon Burke · 2010

54 min · 12 tracks · country music

Soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, blending elements of gospel and country in a rich emotional tapestry.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hold On Tight — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, delivering a message of resilience and hope through its powerful vocals and uplifting arrangement.
→
My Rose Saved From the Street — This song showcases Burke's storytelling prowess, weaving a narrative of redemption that highlights his soulful vocal delivery against a backdrop of poignant instrumentals.
→
What a Woman — With its infectious melody and celebratory lyrics, this track stands out as a tribute to love and admiration, embodying the joyful spirit that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends soul and country effectively but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo title track that features layered vocal harmonies and a prominent horn section, setting a soulful tone.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, reminiscent of gospel traditions, enhancing the emotional delivery.
The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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, consistent energy levels
heartfelt emotional reflections
gradual builds and payoffs
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2010, Hold On Tight marked Solomon Burke's first studio album after signing with the Dutch band De Dijk, showcasing a return to his roots in soul music. At this stage in his career, Burke was already an established artist, but this collaboration reflected his ongoing dedication to exploring diverse musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Otis Redding· Sam Cooke· Aretha Franklin