Supernatural cover

Supernatural

Ben E. King · 1975

39 min · 10 tracks · blues

A smooth blend of soul and rhythm and blues, enriched by lush instrumentation and King's distinctive vocal warmth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Supernatural Thing, Part I — The lead single that propelled the album's success, combining catchy hooks with vibrant instrumentation that exemplifies King's unique vocal delivery.
  • →
    Do It in the Name of Love — This track showcases a heartfelt message wrapped in soulful melodies, reflecting King's signature style of blending emotional depth with rhythmic grooves.
  • →
    Your Lovin' Ain't Good Enough — This song stands out for its powerful narrative about love’s complexities, paired with a compelling arrangement that highlights King's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout cohesion and depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The first track features a prominent horn section that sets a lively tone, while the subsequent tracks incorporate varying instrumentation including strings and rhythm guitar.
  • Several songs employ call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between King and the backing vocals.
  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove throughout, with only minor variations in pace across the ten tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • smooth melodies for relaxed vibes
  • heartfelt vocals for emotional connection
  • for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1975, Ben E. King released 'Supernatural' as his seventh studio album, following the commercial success of 'Supernatural Thing.' This period marked a significant moment in King's career as he transitioned from the classic doo-wop sounds to a more contemporary soul style, showcasing his ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Otis Redding· Sam Cooke· Solomon Burke

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Do It in the Name of Love

    The chorus shifts to a call-and-response format, inviting listeners into a communal experience centered around love's transformative power.

    This structural choice enhances the song's emotional impact, creating an engaging atmosphere that encourages participation and connection.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Supernatural Thing, Part I 4:11
  • 2 Supernatural Thing, Part II 3:17
  • 3 Your Lovin' Ain't Good Enough 4:59
  • 4 Drop My Heart Off 4:17
  • 5 Extra - Extra 3:50
  • 6 Do It in the Name of Love 4:23
  • 7 Happiness Is Where You Find It 3:36
  • 8 Do You Wanna Do a Thing 4:30
  • 9 Imagination 3:38
  • 10 What Do You Want Me to Do 3:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata