The Way It Was, The Way It Is
Lou Rawls · 1969
34 min · 10 tracks · blues · soul
A smooth blend of soul and blues with heartfelt vocals and lush instrumentation that evokes deep emotional resonance.
Why this album works
The album features the classic hit 'When a Man Loves a Woman,' which became a staple in soul music and contributed to Rawls' rise in popularity. Its blend of blues and soulful ballads resonated with audiences and helped establish Rawls as one of the key voices of the genre during the late 1960s.
- Best for
- steady mid-tempo emotional flow heartfelt vocals for intimate moments nostalgic reflections on love
- Context
- Released in 1969, this album marked Lou Rawls' transition from a background vocalist to a prominent solo artist. It followed his successful 1966 album 'Lou Rawls Live!' and solidified his presence in the soul music scene during a time when he was gaining significant recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Gap Band· Koko Taylor· Ike & Tina Turner
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Love You, Yes I Do 4:30
- 2 It's You 2:39
- 3 I Wonder 2:45
- 4 I Want to Be Loved (But Only by You) 2:51
- 5 Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) Standout 2:38
- 6 Your Good Thing (Is About to End) Standout 4:30
- 7 When a Man Loves a Woman Standout 3:40
- 8 Season of the Witch 5:50
- 9 Gentle on My Mind 2:49
- 10 Trying as Hard as I Can 2:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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