Roots of a Revolution
James Brown · 1989
109 min · 43 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of gospel-infused soul and bluesy rhythms that encapsulate the essence of James Brown's early musical explorations.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Want You So Bad — The track captures Brown's signature vocal style, blending passion with lyrical simplicity, making it a quintessential example of his emotive songwriting.
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Just Won’t Do Right — This song exemplifies Brown's ability to convey deep emotional struggle through his raw vocal delivery and dynamic instrumentation.
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You’ve Got the Power — The track stands out for its infectious groove and showcases Brown's innovative approach to rhythm, a defining characteristic of his music.
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
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Retrospective collection showcasing earlier works, not a main entry point for new listeners.
- Themes
- soulful nostalgia· foundational rhythms· heartbreak in blues
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Roots of a Revolution marks a retrospective collection showcasing James Brown's earlier works from the 1960s. This album arrives during a period of reflection in Brown's career, as he revisits and reinterprets his foundational sound amidst shifting musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Sly and the Family Stone· Parliament-Funkadelic
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On Start here 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs in the Key of Life
Stevie Wonder
Shares vibrant grooves and soulful melodies, reflecting on love and life with a rich musical palette.
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Combines heartfelt lyrics and smooth rhythms, evoking the same soulful nostalgia present in Brown's work.
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Explores deep emotional themes and features lush arrangements, resonating with Brown's reflective essence.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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