There It Is
James Brown · 1972
46 min · 9 tracks · blues
Funky grooves intertwine with poignant social commentary, showcasing James Brown's unmatched prowess in rhythm and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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There It Is, Parts 1 & 2 Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing — This track features an infectious groove and sharp lyrics that critique empty rhetoric, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time.
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King Heroin — A haunting exploration of addiction, this song showcases Brown's ability to tackle serious issues while maintaining a compelling musicality.
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Public Enemy #1, Part 1 — This track's aggressive beat and confrontational lyrics exemplify Brown's bold approach to addressing societal issues head-on.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with resolution
- pulsating rhythms for dancing
- engaging call-and-response moments
- wave-like pacing keeps interest
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked James Brown's transition to politically charged themes, enhancing his cultural impact.
- Themes
- addiction struggles· pulsating funk grooves· call-and-response vocals
- Career context
- Released in 1972, There It Is marked James Brown's transition into a more politically charged sound following the success of his previous album, Sex Machine. This record solidified his role as a social commentator during the civil rights movement while maintaining his status as a leading figure in funk music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Sly and the Family Stone· Parliament-Funkadelic
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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King Heroin
The narrative shifts to a first-person perspective where addiction is personified, creating a chilling sense of intimacy with the struggle.
This choice deepens the emotional impact by drawing listeners into the personal experience of addiction, making it not just a societal issue but a human one.
Tracklist
- 1 There It Is, Parts 1 & 2 Start here 5:50
- 2 King Heroin 3:58
- 3 I’m a Greedy Man, Parts 1 & 2 7:06
- 4 Who Am I 4:59
- 5 Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing 7:49
- 6 Public Enemy #1, Part 1 5:06
- 7 Public Enemy #1, Part 2 5:09
- 8 I Need Help (I Can't Do It Alone) 3:31
- 9 Never Can Say Goodbye 3:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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