Roots of a Revolution
James Brown · 1989
109 min · 43 tracks · blues · funk · soul
A vibrant collection of rhythm and blues, blending soulful melodies with energetic grooves that defined an era.
Why this album works
This compilation album serves as a significant retrospective of Brown's early work, bringing to light lesser-known tracks that have influenced countless artists across genres. Its release contributed to a renewed interest in Brown's early catalog, emphasizing his role in shaping the landscape of funk and soul music.
- Best for
- vibrant grooves for celebration dynamic flow with varied intensity short tracks for quick enjoyment
- Context
- Released in 1989, 'Roots of a Revolution' came at a time when James Brown was reflecting on his extensive career. This album surfaced during his later years, following a series of influential and groundbreaking records from the 1960s and 70s, showcasing his evolution as an artist while revisiting foundational sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billy Preston· The Temptations· Aretha Franklin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On Standout 2:33
- 2 No, No, No, No 2:13
- 3 I Hold My Baby’s Hand 2:12
- 4 Chonnie‐On‐Chon 2:11
- 5 Just Won’t Do Right Standout 2:40
- 6 Let’s Make It 2:25
- 7 Fine Old Foxy Self (alternate take) 2:11
- 8 Why Does Everything Happen to Me 2:10
- 9 Begging, Begging 2:52
- 10 That Dood It 2:27
- 11 There Must Be a Reason 2:26
- 12 I Want You So Bad 2:47
- 13 Don’t Let It Happen to Me 2:48
- 14 Bewildered 2:24
- 15 Doodle Bee (instrumental) 2:32
- 16 This Old Heart 2:17
- 17 Studio Dialog 0:24
- 18 I’ll Never, Never Let You Go (alternate take) 2:33
- 19 Studio Dialog 0:53
- 20 You’ve Got the Power Standout 2:43
- 21 Baby, You’re Right 3:01
- 22 I Don’t Mind (alternate take) 3:14
Disc 2
- 1 Come Over Here 2:43
- 2 And I Do Just What I Want 2:25
- 3 Just You and Me, Darling 2:46
- 4 So Long 2:49
- 5 Tell Me What You’re Gonna Do 2:12
- 6 Hold It (instrumental) 2:10
- 7 Dancin’ Little Thing 1:56
- 8 You Don’t Have to Go 2:47
- 9 Lost Someone 3:26
- 10 Shout and Shimmy 3:15
- 11 I Found You 2:26
- 12 I Don’t Care 2:52
- 13 I’ve Got Money 2:32
- 14 Mashed Potatoes U.S.A. 2:52
- 15 Signed, Sealed and Delivered 2:29
- 16 Studio Dialogue 0:22
- 17 Prisoner of Love 2:23
- 18 I Cried 2:38
- 19 Oh Baby Don’t You Weep 6:30
- 20 (Do The) Mashed Potatoes (alternate take) 2:26
- 21 Maybe the Last Time 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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