Roots of a Revolution cover

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant grooves for celebration
  • dynamic flow with varied intensity
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • soulful melodies for emotional release
  • great for group listening

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer longer, cohesive albums
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Themes
soulful nostalgia· foundational rhythms· heartbreak in blues
Career 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.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder — Shares vibrant grooves and soulful melodies, reflecting on love and life with a rich musical palette.
Let's Stay Together by Al Green — Combines heartfelt lyrics and smooth rhythms, evoking the same soulful nostalgia present in Brown's work.
What's Going On by Marvin Gaye — Explores deep emotional themes and features lush arrangements, resonating with Brown's reflective essence.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On 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 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 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