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1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

0044 - Solomon Burke - Rock'n Soul - 1964
(here the reissue from 1998 "2in1 If You Need Me & Rock'n Soul")

Label: Atlantic
Producer: Bert Berns
Art Direction: Uncredited
Nationality: USA

Of all the great songs Philadelphia-born Solomon Burke recorded for the 
Atlantic label in the years between 1962 and '68, none showcase the sublime 
talent of the self-ordained "King Of Rock'n'Soul" with the aplomb of those that 
feature on 1964's "Rock'n Soul," Burke's third album for the label.
Previous to his music career, Burke had served as a certified mortician, 
sometimes TV evangelist, and father to 21 children, but on "Rock'n Soul" he 
plays the role of lover to sensual perfection. The wistful "If You Need Me," 
written by contemporary Wilson Pickett, sees Burke howl a gloriously uncouth 
vocal, it is a demonstration of breathy grace that utilizes every nuance of the 
man's astonishing voice.
"Cry To Me" - later covered by The Rolling Stones who were huge Soloman 
fans - calls upon Burke's time as a childhood chapel preacher to deliver a 
devoutly impassioned sermon "Just Out Of Reach," however, curiously 
juxtaposes Burke's velveteen croon with a country and western-infused 
swing. It is a style atypical of many songs Burke recorded for Atlantic in the 
1960s, a decade when, in Burke's opinion, Atlantic was "the greatest rhythm 
and blues label in the world."
While the record is still officially deleted, repackaged editions of "Rock'n Soul" 
have surfaced alongside Burke's Atlantic 1963 realease "If You Need Me." 
Mastering and presentation of said records leave something to be desired, 
but the combined collection ably explains the prolific run of greatness Burke 
enjoyed in the Sixties - though the real meat is in the brilliance packed into 
1964's "Rock'n Soul." (JJ)