What makes That's the Way It Should Be by Booker T. & the M.G.'s notable?

The album features a mix of original songs and covers, showcasing the band's enduring influence on soul music. It received positive critical reception and helped revitalize interest in Booker T. & the M.G.'s legacy during the '90s. Released in 1994, That's the Way It Should Be was Booker T. & the M.G.'s first studio album in over two decades, following the 1970 release of McLemore Avenue. This album marked a significant return for the group, re-establishing their presence in the music scene after years of sporadic performances and collaborations.

Who is That's the Way It Should Be for?

That's the Way It Should Be works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on That's the Way It Should Be?

That's the Way It Should Be has 12 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

That's the Way It Should Be

Booker T. & the M.G.'s · 1994

53 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Soulful melodies intertwine with a classic instrumental backdrop, creating a rich tapestry of jazz and rhythm and blues.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gotta Serve Somebody — This track showcases the band's ability to reinterpret classic songs while infusing them with their signature sound, making it a standout cover that honors Bob Dylan's original.
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I Can't Stand the Rain — This cover of Ann Peebles' hit highlights the emotional depth that the band brings to their interpretations, featuring lush instrumentation and soulful vocals.
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That’s the Way It Should Be — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, blending smooth rhythms with reflective lyrics that resonate with themes of love and life.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1994, That's the Way It Should Be was Booker T. & the M.G.'s first studio album in over two decades, following the 1970 release of McLemore Avenue. This album marked a significant return for the group, re-establishing their presence in the music scene after years of sporadic performances and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: The Funk Brothers· Booker T. Jones· The Meters

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

That's the Way It Should Be

The bridge shifts tone as it contemplates life's unpredictable nature and offers wisdom on acceptance.

This moment introduces a reflective sentiment that contrasts with earlier verses, enhancing the song's narrative arc.

Tracklist

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

1 Slip Slidin’ 3:58
2 Mo’ Greens 5:38
3 Gotta Serve Somebody 4:24
4 Let’s Wait Awhile 3:43
5 That’s the Way It Should Be 3:22
6 Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) 4:39
7 Camel Ride 6:15
8 Have a Heart 4:31
9 Cruisin’ 3:45
10 I Can’t Stand the Rain 5:07
11 Sarasota Sunset 4:00
12 I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For 4:31

What to play next

Go back to

16 Original Hits

1991

Full Booker T. & the M.G.'s discography Where to start with Booker T. & the M.G.'s Artists like Booker T. & the M.G.'s

jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata