Live at the Apollo, Volume II cover

Live at the Apollo, Volume II

James Brown · 1968

73 min · 19 tracks · blues · funk · soul

A vibrant showcase of raw energy, blending soul, funk, and gospel with James Brown's electrifying stage presence.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic live energy throughout
  • cathartic release in performance
  • vibrant crowd interaction moments
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • sing-along anthems for gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer studio polish over rawness
  • seek quick, concise tracks

Where this album fits

Themes
Apollo Theater legacy· raw stage energy· 1960s civil rights backdrop
Career context
Released in January 1968, 'Live at the Apollo, Volume II' followed the success of its predecessor, which solidified Brown's reputation as a live performer. At this point in his career, he was transitioning into a more prominent figure in the music industry, paving the way for his influence on funk and soul music during the late 1960s.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Live in Europe by Otis Redding — Captures a similar raw energy and emotive vocal delivery in a live setting, echoing soul's power.
Stand! by Sly and the Family Stone — Shares vibrant funk grooves and socially conscious themes, reflecting the spirit of the late '60s.
Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin — Combines gospel fervor with soul authenticity, highlighting live performance's emotional depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Introduction 0:30
  • 2 Think 2:53
  • 3 I Want to Be Around 3:13
  • 4 James Brown (Thanks) 1:05
  • 5 That’s Life 4:07
  • 6 Kansas City 3:54
  • 7 Let Yourself Go 4:00
  • 8 There Was a Time 4:18
  • 9 I Feel All Right 5:32
  • 10 Cold Sweat 4:41
  • 11 It May Be the Last Time 3:05
  • 12 I Got You (I Feel Good) 0:28
  • 13 Prisoner of Love 7:31
  • 14 Out of Sight 0:25
  • 15 Try Me 2:54
  • 16 Bring It Up 4:40
  • 17 It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World 7:09
  • 18 Lost Someone (medley) 10:17
  • 19 Please, Please, Please 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata