The Singles, Volume Two: 1960–1963 cover

The Singles, Volume Two: 1960–1963

James Brown · 2007

106 min · 39 tracks · blues · funk · soul

A vibrant collection of rhythmic grooves and soulful melodies that shaped the dawn of funk music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady groove for social gatherings
  • short bursts of rhythmic energy
  • vibrant collection for upbeat moods
  • nostalgic vibes for classic fans
  • danceable tracks for party atmosphere

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer long immersive albums
  • seek deep emotional narratives

Where this album fits

Themes
soulful transitions· Rhythm and Blues evolution· gospel-infused emotion
Career context
Released in 2007, this compilation showcases James Brown's prolific output during the early 1960s, a time when he was transitioning from rhythm and blues to soul and funk. Following the success of his previous singles, this album highlights his evolution as a pioneer of American music, capturing the essence of his sound leading up to his groundbreaking hit 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul by Otis Redding — Shares a deep emotional resonance and soulful vocal delivery, reflecting a similar era and evolution.
Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 by Sam Cooke — Captures vibrant live energy and gospel-infused soul that parallels Brown’s rhythmic grooves.
Shout! by The Isley Brothers — Combines doo-wop and early funk elements with rich harmonies, echoing the rhythmic transition of the early '60s.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 The Bells 2:58
  • 2 And I Do Just What I Want 2:26
  • 3 Hold It 2:11
  • 4 The Scratch 1:47
  • 5 Bewildered 2:26
  • 6 If You Want Me 2:25
  • 7 Suds 2:21
  • 8 Sticky 2:45
  • 9 I Don’t Mind 2:46
  • 10 Love Don’t Love Nobody 2:08
  • 11 Cross Firing 2:24
  • 12 Night Flying 2:17
  • 13 Baby, You’re Right 3:04
  • 14 I’ll Never, Never Let You Go 2:21
  • 15 I Love You, Yes I Do 2:48
  • 16 Just You and Me, Darling 2:48
  • 17 Lost Someone 3:07
  • 18 Night Train 3:32
  • 19 Why Does Everything Happen to Me 2:11
  • 20 Bewildered (demo) 2:53

Disc 2

  • 1 Shout and Shimmy 2:51
  • 2 Come Over Here 2:46
  • 3 Mashed Potatoes U.S.A. 2:54
  • 4 You Don’t Have to Go 2:49
  • 6 (Can You) Feel It, Part 2 2:38
  • 7 Three Hearts in a Tangle 2:54
  • 8 I’ve Got Money 2:32
  • 9 Like a Baby 2:54
  • 10 Every Beat of My Heart 3:45
  • 11 Prisoner of Love 2:28
  • 12 Choo‐Choo 2:54
  • 13 These Foolish Things 2:55
  • 14 (Can You) Feel It, Part 1 2:58
  • 15 Devil’s Den, Part 1 2:39
  • 16 Devil’s Den, Part 2 2:33
  • 17 Signed, Sealed and Delivered 2:51
  • 18 Waiting in Vain 2:47
  • 19 Oh Baby Don’t You Weep, Part 1 2:57
  • 20 Oh Baby Don’t You Weep, Part 2 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata