The Last Soul Man cover

The Last Soul Man

Bobby Womack · 1987

44 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

A blend of smooth R&B grooves and heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate the essence of love and longing.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Living in a Box Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    When the Weekend Comes — This track exemplifies Womack's signature storytelling style, capturing the anticipation and joy associated with weekend freedom and romance.
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    A World Where No One Cries — Here, Womack blends poignant lyrics with a soulful melody, creating an emotional landscape that reflects longing for peace and understanding in relationships.
  • →
    Real Love Please Stand Up — This track stands out for its raw emotion and vocal delivery, resonating deeply with listeners who yearn for authenticity in love.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends smooth grooves with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Womack's vocal strengths while reflecting his artistic reinvention.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo groove that persists through the first half, before shifting to slower ballads in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, with Womack's lead vocals often accompanied by backing singers that enhance emotional delivery.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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
  • heartfelt reflections on love
  • for weekend relaxation
  • soulful melodies for introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of fast-paced tracks
  • prefer upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Represents Womack's return and attempt to connect with a new generation.
Themes
weekend romance· longing for peace· authentic love
Career context
By 1987, Bobby Womack was in a period of artistic reinvention following his successful run in the 1970s. 'The Last Soul Man' marked his return to recording after a hiatus, showcasing a mature sound that reflected both personal growth and shifting musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Al Green· Marvin Gaye· Otis Redding

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Still Love You

    The moment shifts from reminiscing about past love to affirming enduring devotion, highlighting a complex emotional journey.

    This transition emphasizes the struggle between moving on and holding onto feelings, showcasing Womack's ability to convey intricate emotional nuances.

Tracklist

  • 1 Living in a Box Start here 4:45
  • 2 When the Weekend Comes 4:15
  • 3 I Still Love You 4:42
  • 4 Gina 5:05
  • 5 A World Where No One Cries 4:45
  • 6 A Woman Like to Hear That 4:27
  • 7 Real Love Please Stand Up 3:44
  • 8 The Things We Do (When We're Lonely) 4:25
  • 9 Falling in Love Again 4:22
  • 10 Outside Myself 4:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata