The Singles, Volume Three: 1964–1965 cover

The Singles, Volume Three: 1964–1965

James Brown · 2007

92 min · 36 tracks · blues

A vibrant collection of early soul and R&B, brimming with heartfelt emotion and dynamic rhythms that define James Brown's legacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, Part 1 — This track represents Brown's revolutionary approach to rhythm and structure, featuring intricate guitar riffs and an infectious groove that laid the groundwork for funk music.
  • →
    I Got You (I Feel Good) — With its upbeat tempo and euphoric horns, this song encapsulates the joyous spirit of Brown's music while also becoming one of his signature tracks that resonates through decades.
  • →
    Please, Please, Please Start here — As one of Brown's earliest hits, this song highlights his raw emotional delivery and established him as a pioneering figure in soul music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo grooves throughout
  • for lively gatherings
  • emotive vocals that engage deeply
  • quick bursts of energetic tracks
  • nostalgic sounds for soulful moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • seek complex musical structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Captures pivotal early works that solidified Brown's reputation as a key soul artist.
Themes
1960s soul evolution· funk rhythm innovation· raw vocal intensity
Career context
Released in 2007, this compilation showcases James Brown's prolific output during the critical years of 1964-1965, a time when he began to solidify his role as the 'Godfather of Soul.' At this point in his career, Brown was transitioning from a popular R&B artist to a cultural icon, with hits like 'Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag' starting to define his innovative sound.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Please, Please, Please Start here 2:46
  • 2 In the Wee Wee Hours (Of the Nite) 2:42
  • 3 Again 2:35
  • 4 How Long Darling 3:09
  • 5 Caldonia 2:44
  • 6 Evil 2:53
  • 7 The Things That I Used to Do 2:52
  • 8 Out of the Blue 2:15
  • 9 So Long 2:48
  • 10 Dancin’ Little Thing 2:07
  • 11 Soul Food, Part 1 2:06
  • 12 Soul Food, Part 2 2:25
  • 13 Out of Sight 2:25
  • 14 Maybe the Last Time 3:01
  • 15 Tell Me What You’re Gonna Do 2:13
  • 16 I Don’t Care 2:55
  • 17 Think 2:02
  • 18 Try Me 2:32

Disc 2

  • 1 Have Mercy Baby 2:15
  • 2 Just Won’t Do Right (I Stay in the Chapel Every Night) 2:44
  • 3 Fine Old Foxy Self 2:11
  • 4 Medley: I Found Someone / Why Do You Do Me / I Want You So Bad 2:12
  • 5 This Old Heart 2:19
  • 6 It Was You 2:45
  • 7 Devil’s Hideaway 2:47
  • 8 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf 2:46
  • 9 I Got You 2:30
  • 10 Only You 2:54
  • 11 Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, Part 1 2:10
  • 12 Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, Part 2 2:12
  • 13 Try Me 3:10
  • 14 Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag 2:42
  • 15 I Got You (I Feel Good) 2:49
  • 16 I Can’t Help It (I Just Do‐Do‐Do) 2:35
  • 17 Lost Someone 2:45
  • 18 I’ll Go Crazy 2:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata