Soul Provider
Michael Bolton · 1989
43 min · 10 tracks · pop rock
A blend of soaring vocals and lush arrangements that encapsulate the emotional intensity of late '80s pop rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Soul Provider Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album with its passionate delivery and heartfelt lyrics, representing Bolton's ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
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How Am I Supposed to Live Without You — This power ballad became one of Bolton's signature songs, demonstrating his vocal range and emotional depth while resonating with listeners during its release.
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Georgia on My Mind — Bolton's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to blend soul with pop, giving a fresh yet respectful take on a beloved standard.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and polished production typical of late '80s pop rock, though it lacks some depth in songwriting.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build-up, leading into a powerful vocal performance that sets the emotional tone for the record.
- Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with Bolton's vocals soaring over lush instrumental arrangements that include strings and keyboards.
- Several tracks feature prominent backing vocals that harmonize with Bolton, enhancing the emotional impact of his lead melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady emotional crescendos throughout
- heartfelt ballads for reflection
- uplifting anthems for motivation
- warmth for cozy evenings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- dislike emotional intensity in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Bolton's mainstream success and recognition in the late '80s.
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Soul Provider was Michael Bolton's fifth studio album and marked his transition into mainstream success. Following years of struggle in the music industry, this album propelled him to stardom, featuring a more polished sound that appealed to a wider audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kenny Rogers· Richard Marx· Bryan Adams
Tracklist
- 1 Soul Provider Start here 4:28
- 2 Georgia on My Mind 4:58
- 3 It's Only My Heart 4:33
- 4 How Am I Supposed to Live Without You 4:49
- 5 How Can We Be Lovers 3:56
- 6 You Wouldn't Know Love 3:55
- 7 When I'm Back on My Feet Again 3:49
- 8 From Now On 4:09
- 9 Love Cuts Deep 3:51
- 10 Stand Up for Love 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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