The Birth of Soul
Ray Charles · 1991
151 min · 53 tracks · country · jazz · R&B
A vibrant collection of Ray Charles' early soul, blending bluesy grooves with gospel fervor and jazz sophistication.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its role in highlighting the origins of soul music, featuring Charles' pioneering hits that influenced countless artists. It received critical acclaim and serves as a testament to Charles' enduring legacy, reinforcing his status as a key figure in American music history.
- Best for
- wave-like pacing with surprises headphone detail hunting moments sing-along vibes with friends
- Context
- Released in 1991, 'The Birth of Soul' came during Ray Charles' later career, a period marked by his reinvigoration as an elder statesman of music. This compilation showcases his foundational impact on soul music, gathering tracks from the late 1950s to early 1960s that defined his style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miles Davis· John Coltrane· Ella Fitzgerald· Thelonious Monk· Bing Crosby· Barbra Streisand· Herbie Hancock· Charles Mingus
- If this clicks, go next to
- A Man and His Soul — Continues the vibrant soul sound while adding depth to the themes explored.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "The Sun’s Gonna Shine Again".
Disc 1
- 1 The Sun’s Gonna Shine Again Start here 2:39
- 2 Roll With My Baby 2:37
- 3 The Midnight Hour 3:01
- 4 Jumpin’ in the Morning 2:47
- 5 It Should Have Been Me 2:44
- 6 Losing Hand 3:13
- 7 Heartbreaker 2:52
- 8 Sinner’s Prayer 3:24
- 9 Mess Around 2:41
- 10 Funny, but I Still Love You 3:15
- 11 Feelin’ Sad 2:50
- 12 I Wonder Who 2:48
- 13 Don’t You Know 2:57
- 14 Nobody Cares 2:39
- 15 Ray’s Blues 2:55
- 16 Mr. Charles’ Blues 2:48
- 17 Blackjack 2:17
Disc 2
- 1 I Got a Woman Standout 2:50
- 2 Greenbacks 2:50
- 3 Come Back, Baby 3:05
- 4 A Fool for You 3:01
- 5 This Little Girl of Mine 2:32
- 6 Hard Times 2:55
- 7 A Bit of Soul 2:19
- 8 Mary Ann 2:47
- 9 Drown in My Own Tears Standout 3:21
- 10 Hallelujah, I Love Her So 2:35
- 11 What Would I Do Without You 2:36
- 12 Lonely Avenue 2:35
- 13 I Want to Know 2:25
- 14 Leave My Woman Alone 2:40
- 15 It’s Alright 2:17
- 16 Ain’t That Love 2:52
- 17 Get on the Right Track 2:20
- 18 Rockhouse, Parts 1 & 2 3:51
Disc 3
- 1 Swanee River Rock 2:20
- 2 That’s Enough 2:45
- 3 Talkin’ About You 2:50
- 4 What Kind of Man Are You 2:49
- 5 I Want a Little Girl 2:55
- 6 Yes, Indeed 2:15
- 7 I Had a Dream 2:55
- 8 You Be My Baby 2:29
- 9 Tell All the World About You 2:03
- 10 My Bonnie 2:47
- 11 Early in the Morning 2:47
- 12 The Right Time 3:28
- 13 Carryin’ the Load 2:24
- 14 Tell Me, How Do You Feel 2:43
- 15 What’d I Say, Parts 1 & 2 6:29
- 16 Tell the Truth 3:04
- 17 I’m Movin’ On 2:21
- 18 I Believe to My Soul 2:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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