Southern Child cover

Southern Child

Little Richard · 2005

40 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of rhythm and blues, gospel-infused melodies, and heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Southern life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Southern Child — The title track encapsulates the themes of nostalgia and identity, showcasing Richard's unique vocal style alongside poignant lyrics about his upbringing.
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    California (I'm Comin') Start here — This upbeat opener sets a lively tone for the album, illustrating Richard's playful energy and commitment to storytelling through catchy rhythms.
  • →
    Ain't No Tellin' — With its soulful arrangement and reflective lyrics, this track highlights Richard's ability to blend his rock and roll roots with deeper emotional insights.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful storytelling with humor
  • intimate moments of reflection
  • long, winding musical journey
  • short bursts of joyful energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, straightforward albums
  • seek constant high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued creativity and vitality in the later stages of his career.
Themes
Southern upbringing· nostalgic storytelling· gospel-infused rhythms
Career context
Released in 2005, Southern Child marked Little Richard's return to recording after a long hiatus from mainstream music. Following his influential career that began in the 1950s, this album reflects both his roots and the lifelong journey of an artist who continually reinvented himself while staying true to his origins.
Stylistic neighbors
Chuck Berry· Fats Domino· James Brown

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Southern Child

    The narrative shifts from reminiscence to a direct acknowledgment of familial ties, invoking a sense of home.

    By breaking from third-person reflections to directly address family connections, the writing creates an intimate bond between Richard and his listeners.

Tracklist

  • 1 California (I'm Comin') Start here 3:16
  • 2 If You Pick Her Too Hard (She Comes Out of Tune) 3:51
  • 3 Burning Up With Love 3:20
  • 4 Ain't No Tellin' 5:53
  • 5 Last Year's Race Horse (Can't Run in This Year's Race) 4:13
  • 6 Southern Child 2:55
  • 7 In the Name (version 3) 2:55
  • 8 Over Yonder 3:54
  • 9 I Git a Little Lonely 1:41
  • 10 Puppy Dog Song 8:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata