Released 33 years ago this November
Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding
Otis Redding · 1993
281 min · 96 tracks · soul
A rich tapestry of soul and gospel woven through Otis Redding's impassioned vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
Top tracks — play these first
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She’s All Right Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Respect — Originally written by Otis Redding, this track became an anthem for the civil rights movement when Aretha Franklin covered it, elevating its cultural significance.
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(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay — This song features a haunting melody and introspective lyrics that reflect Redding's unique ability to convey deep emotion, cementing its status as a classic.
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Try a Little Tenderness — Redding's rendition of this song showcases his signature vocal style, transforming a simple message about love into a powerful expression of longing and desire.
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I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to Stop Now) — The raw emotion in Redding's delivery captures the essence of heartache, illustrating his mastery over conveying vulnerability through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation effectively showcases Redding's powerful vocals and songwriting, solidifying his legacy in soul music.
What we noticed
- Several tracks are arranged with prominent brass sections that enhance the emotional intensity of Redding's delivery.
- The sequencing includes both well-known hits and deeper cuts, creating a narrative arc that highlights Redding's growth as an artist.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
Defined its genre or moment. 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
- dynamic collection of heartfelt tracks
- wave-like pacing for varied moods
- nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- soulful reflections on love
- for long listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer single standout tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — This compilation effectively introduces new listeners to Redding's key tracks and legacy.
- Career context
- Released posthumously in 1993, this compilation showcases Otis Redding's most significant works, highlighting his influence on the soul genre. Redding had passed away in 1967 but left behind a legacy that flourished long after, making this definitive collection essential for understanding his artistry and impact.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sam Cooke· Wilson Pickett· James Brown
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 She’s All Right Start here 2:10
- 2 Gettin’ Hip 2:12
- 3 Shout Bamalama 1:57
- 4 Hey Hey Baby 2:46
- 5 These Arms of Mine 2:33
- 6 That’s What My Heart Needs 2:41
- 7 Mary’s Little Lamb 2:38
- 8 Pain in My Heart 2:23
- 9 Security 2:37
- 10 Come to Me 2:48
- 11 Don’t Leave Me This Way 2:58
- 12 Little Ol’ Me 3:14
- 13 Don’t Be Afraid of Love 3:26
- 14 Your One and Only Man 3:11
- 15 Chained and Bound 2:41
- 16 That’s How Strong My Love Is 2:24
- 17 Mr. Pitiful 2:44
- 18 For Your Precious Love 2:54
- 19 I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to Stop Now) 2:56
- 20 I’m Depending on You 2:31
- 21 Ole Man Trouble 2:38
- 22 Change Gonna Come 4:16
- 23 Down in the Valley 2:59
- 24 Shake 2:38
Disc 2
- 1 Respect 2:11
- 2 You Don’t Miss Your Water 2:52
- 3 Satisfaction 2:46
- 4 I Can’t Turn You Loose 2:45
- 5 Cupid 3:10
- 6 Just One More Day 3:30
- 7 Good to Me 3:52
- 8 Cigarettes and Coffee 4:00
- 9 Chain Gang 3:02
- 10 My Lover’s Prayer 3:11
- 11 It’s Growing 2:49
- 12 I’m Coming Home 3:10
- 13 Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa (Sad Song) 2:43
- 14 I’m Sick Y’all 2:57
- 15 Sweet Lorene 2:30
- 16 Try a Little Tenderness 3:50
- 17 Day Tripper 2:35
- 18 Tramp 3:02
- 19 Knock on Wood 2:52
- 20 Lovey Dovey 2:36
- 21 New Year’s Resolution 3:19
- 22 You Left the Water Running 2:43
- 23 Trick or Treat 3:14
- 24 Merry Christmas, Baby 2:30
- 25 White Christmas 3:09
- 26 Radio Spot – Things Go Better With Coke 1:29
Disc 3
- 1 Radio Spot – Stay in School 1:14
- 2 Glory of Love 2:53
- 3 I Love You More Than Words Can Say 2:55
- 4 Let Me Come on Home 2:56
- 5 Open the Door 2:25
- 6 Hucklebuck 3:01
- 7 Happy Song (Dum Dum) 2:41
- 8 Hard to Handle 2:21
- 9 Amen 3:06
- 10 Gone Again 2:25
- 11 I’ve Got Dreams to Remember 3:15
- 12 I’m a Changed Man 2:23
- 13 Direct Me 2:20
- 14 Love Man 2:19
- 15 Free Me 3:07
- 16 Look at the Girl 2:39
- 17 Pounds and Hundreds (lbs & 100s) 2:25
- 18 Tell the Truth 3:14
- 19 Johnny’s Heartbreak 2:35
- 20 Match Game 2:55
- 21 Little Time 2:30
- 22 Slippn’ and Slidin’ 1:57
- 23 (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay 2:39
Disc 4
- 1 Introduction 0:37
- 2 Shake 2:34
- 3 Pain in My Heart 2:19
- 4 These Arms of Mine 2:32
- 5 I Can’t Turn You Loose 3:28
- 6 I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) 4:08
- 7 My Girl 2:43
- 8 Your One and Only Man 3:23
- 9 Good to Me 3:57
- 10 Day Tripper 3:12
- 11 Just One More Day 5:25
- 12 Mr. Pitiful 2:07
- 13 Satisfaction 2:57
- 14 I’m Depending on You 3:22
- 15 Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa (Sad Song) 4:09
- 16 Chained and Bound 7:39
- 17 Ol’ Man Trouble 2:38
- 18 Any Ole Way 2:39
- 19 Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag 4:58
- 20 Security 2:32
- 21 A Hard Day’s Night 2:08
- 22 Respect 3:06
- 23 Try a Little Tenderness 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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