What makes The Ice Man Cometh by Jerry Butler notable?

The album features the hit single 'Only the Strong Survive,' which became an anthem for resilience and empowerment, solidifying Butler's reputation as a leading figure in soul music. It received critical acclaim and helped pave the way for future artists in the genre, influencing the sound and themes of subsequent soul music productions. Released in 1968, The Ice Man Cometh was Jerry Butler's fourth studio album, following his successful collaboration with the Impressions and a string of hit singles. At this point in his career, Butler was transitioning from a prominent group member to a solo artist, seeking to establish his identity within the burgeoning soul genre.

How many songs are on The Ice Man Cometh?

The Ice Man Cometh has 11 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

The Ice Man Cometh

Jerry Butler · 1968

30 min · 11 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth, heartfelt soul melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating an emotional landscape that reflects life's complexities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Only the Strong Survive — This track stands out due to its powerful message of perseverance and hope, capturing Butler's vocal strength and emotional depth.
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Hey Western Union Man — This opening track showcases Butler's smooth delivery and clever lyrical narrative about longing and communication, setting the tone for the album.
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Never Give You Up — A standout ballad that highlights Butler's ability to convey deep emotion through heartfelt lyrics and rich instrumentation.

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 blends heartfelt melodies with strong orchestration, showcasing Butler's vocal prowess while exploring emotional themes.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a confident tone, followed by several mid-tempo songs that explore themes of love and resilience.
Each track features lush orchestration with strings and horns, creating a rich sonic backdrop for Butler's smooth vocal delivery.
The last three tracks slow the tempo significantly, allowing for more introspective moments that contrast with the earlier energy.

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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Hey Western Union Man 2:42
2 Can't Forget About You, Baby 2:40
3 Only the Strong Survive 2:38
4 How Can I Get in Touch With You 2:28
5 Just Because I Really Love You 2:38
6 Lost 2:41
7 Never Give You Up 2:59
8 Are You Happy 2:42
9 (Strange) I Still Love You 2:53
10 Go Away - Find Yourself 2:53
11 I Stop by Heaven 3:21

What to play next

Listen next

Mr. Dream Merchant

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Go back to

Soul Artistry

1967

Full Jerry Butler discography Artists like Jerry Butler

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata