What makes Souled Out by Tower of Power notable?

Souled Out received positive reviews for its energetic production and musicianship, showing a resurgence in the band's popularity. It featured charting singles like Taxed to the Max, which helped solidify their place in the 90s funk revival scene. Released in 1995, Souled Out marked Tower of Power's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, Habit. The band was revitalizing its career during this period, striving to blend classic funk elements with contemporary influences to reach both loyal fans and new listeners.

Who is Souled Out for?

Souled Out works well if you're into infectious grooves for dancing, steady mid-tempo energy flow and heartfelt melodies for connection.

How many songs are on Souled Out?

Souled Out has 12 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Souled Out

Tower of Power · 1995

50 min · 12 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk and soul, brimming with energetic horns and infectious grooves that showcase Tower of Power's signature sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Taxed to the Max — This track exemplifies the album's energetic vibe, featuring powerful brass arrangements and a catchy chorus that reflects the band's classic style.
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Diggin' on James Brown — A tribute to the Godfather of Soul, this track captures the essence of funk while showcasing tight instrumentals and rhythmic complexity.
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Gotta Make a Change — The introspective lyrics paired with a soulful melody highlight the band's ability to blend personal themes with their signature upbeat sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong musicianship and vibrant horn arrangements, contributing to its energetic funk sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a brisk pace, followed by the charting single 'Taxed to the Max' which maintains the momentum.
Horn arrangements are prominent throughout, often featuring call-and-response patterns that engage listeners and create a lively atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate smooth transitions between sections, such as shifting from verses to instrumental breaks, enhancing the dynamic flow of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

infectious grooves for dancing
steady mid-tempo energy flow
heartfelt melodies for connection
for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek introspective listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revitalized the band's popularity after a hiatus, showcasing their signature sound.
Career context: Released in 1995, Souled Out marked Tower of Power's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, Habit. The band was revitalizing its career during this period, striving to blend classic funk elements with contemporary influences to reach both loyal fans and new listeners.
Stylistic neighbors: Earth, Wind & Fire· The Meters· Chic