What makes Loleatta by Loleatta Holloway notable?

This album marked a significant entry into the soul genre, earning Holloway critical acclaim for her vocal prowess. It laid the groundwork for her later hits and became influential within the disco movement, with tracks like 'Love Woke Me Up' being sampled by future artists, cementing her legacy in music history. Released in January 1973, 'Loleatta' is Loleatta Holloway's debut album, arriving after years of performing and recording singles that built her reputation. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a background vocalist to a solo artist, showcasing her powerful voice and emotional depth on a full-length record.

How many songs are on Loleatta?

Loleatta has 10 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Loleatta

Loleatta Holloway · 1973

27 min · 10 tracks · soul

Soulful vocals glide over lush instrumentals, intertwining heartfelt emotion with the groove of early 70s R&B.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Can I Change My Mind — This track showcases Holloway's emotional delivery as she navigates themes of regret and longing, highlighted by its soulful instrumentation.
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Part Time Lover, Full Time Fool — The song's narrative about complex love relationships reflects both vulnerability and strength, making it a standout example of Holloway's lyrical depth.
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Love Woke Me Up — With an infectious groove and uplifting lyrics, this track captures the essence of 70s soul while foreshadowing Holloway's impact on disco.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Holloway's debut showcases strong vocal performances and orchestration, marking her entry into soul music.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Holloway's powerful vocals, creating a rich soundscape.
Tracks often employ call-and-response vocal techniques, enhancing the emotional delivery and engagement with the listener.
Several songs incorporate prominent horn sections, which add a dynamic layer to the rhythm and melody.
The pacing varies throughout, with some tracks maintaining a steady groove while others shift to more introspective moments.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Man I Love 2:25
2 We Did It 2:19
3 Our Love 3:09
4 Can I Change My Mind 2:40
5 Part Time Lover, Full Time Fool 4:03
6 So Can I 3:20
7 Only a Fool 2:25
8 Love Woke Me Up 2:45
9 Mother of Shame 2:41
10 Remember Me 2:04

What to play next

Listen next

Cry to Me

1975

Full Loleatta Holloway discography Artists like Loleatta Holloway

soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata