Reviews (page 2 of 13)
Wow, this is real music. The instrumentation on all of these tracks are just out of this world, as is Brown's voice. In terms of audience immersion in the performance, this reminds me of Cash's Fulsome Prison album; both men just have their audience totally in awe of them. All of the tracks are great for the same reasons really; Brown "Think" stood out the most for me, with it's opening brass sections and clapping making for something that really spoke to me; it had incredible energy that I just found infectious. "Lost Someone" was, for all it's length and casual pace, also beautiful, Brown really sounding like the lyrics come straight from his heart. His engagement with the audience was also fantastic to hear and really added to the song. Overall, ther1e wasn't a single track I didn't like for one reason or another and it was probably one of the most heartfelt albums I've heard on this journey so far, which is ironic, considering who he was and how he conducted himself. Despite who he was (an abuser of his band and his lovers), he was one hell of a performer. That much cannot be denied.
One of the best live albums ever
fenomenalno
Excelente, la presencia de james brown en el escenario era increíble
Terrible person but this shit was amazing
Good vibes
5 stars - I don't normally like live recordings but, this one was great. James Brown was an absolute legend and made incredible music.
Wish I could have been there
Not usually a fan of live albums but this slaps
very old music - gives spongebob
AND THATS WHY HES THE GOATTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!
REALLY good stuff
Electric
Amazing album. Too short, left me wanting more. Fav songs were all of them.
This is the only James Brown album you're going to give me? Dude. It's a banger, and the live aspect does capture a little bit of what makes James Brown James Brown. The Apollo theater did seem to have first class recording equipment. It's just tough to give 5 stars to a live album.
Hardest working man in showbiz!!!!
All-world, all-genre top recording worthy of putting in a space capsule and sending into the galaxy as documentation of humanity's worthiness. I don't think you have to be a musician to be staggered by the artistry on display here. What always blows my mind when I listen to this is to think about how we're only getting half the show because we're missing the dancing and other visuals. People in any field should take inspiration. James Brown really did earn his nickname the hardest working man in show business not just for the amount of sweat on stage, all the work it took to get there. And then when you consider that this is is relatively early in his career and all that followed and the influence. It's still reverberating today. It's not difficult to make an argument that he's he deserves to spot in the pantheon right next to Louis Armstrong and I'm not sure who else for most important American musicians.
This is actually one of the best 1000 albums of all time
Seems like a great recording of Mr. Brown. Not my style of music, but it was a decent listen. I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt.
A lot of live albums on this list. But when they're this good, it would be most churlish to complain. The crowd is up for it and almost out of control before he even utters his first note, think Beatlemania and you'll get a picture. JB (and the Furious Flames) are on top form as they tear through their setlist - it's such a shame it's only half an hour, but I think much of the crowd would have passed out through the sheer excitement had it been much longer. It's a 5 from me!
Listening to this album helped me understand that once every now then someone comes along that is just an entertainer. James Brown is a legend and this album from 1962 puts his talents on showcase. I will look to add this treasure to my vinyl collection.
Incredible vocals and wonderful music. Can’t decide between 4 and 5, so, à la Sex Pistols, it deserves to be upgraded for its influence on all that followed it.
I always associate James Brown with funk but this is really souly and jazzful...I like it!
Holy crap, after several live albums from the vinyl era, I found one that has the FULL performance, no cuts or editing trickery needed! Even better, it's from the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, backed by his old vocal group, The Famous Flames. Financed out of his own pocket, James Brown's live performance at the Apollo Theatre proved to be a stroke of success, probably because of how well the energy translated to the recording. From the elaborate introduction by the MC to the rapid-fire intensity in which Brown and the backing personnel ran through the early hits like "Try Me" and "Think", complete with braggadocious instrumental bridges between the songs, it is quite the spectacle they put on. It all culminates in the centerpiece that is the nearly eleven-minute rendition of "Lost Someone", where Brown sold every note and bar of that song with the utmost conviction while teasing the audience along the way. From there, the show closes with a swaggering medley of tunes, followed by the eruptive bounce of Brown's take on Jimmy Forrest's "Night Train", as the audience ate it up. The only aspect of the show I would be missing is seeing James Brown vigorously dancing, but there's only so much you can pack into a vinyl record. Live at the Apollo is a bona fide classic live album, and there's not much else needed to say here.
To quote Tuco Salamanca, from AMC's hit show Breaking Bad, TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT!
Owww!
Wow! Just wow! This was absolutely amazing to listen to. I played this all morning and could not get enough.
Absolutely fantastic record and show. So much energy on display here. Truly a wonder snapshot of the scene in Harlem both musically and culturally at the time. 5/5
the energy is immaculate, he could literally play coldplay repertoire and it still would be fire
fire
fantastic. beautiful sound
Fantastic
Es muy buena representación de R&B muy buena, mi canción fav fue I’ll go crazy
Very fun. Love the instruments and the call and response with the crowd. High energy throughout. No favorites, liked how it all pieced together. 5
This was an album I was excited to listen to today. I had stopped reading other reviews prior to listening, but I decided to look at some today. Something that stood out in many reviews were complaints of crowd noise, which seems silly to me, but maybe it was too much? First things first, those comments were just people looking to nitpick I think. When I listen to a live album I want to feel like I'm there, or at least really wish I was. This record had that from the moment it began and never let up. I wanted to be part of that crowd. They were having a blast. As for the music, I was enjoying the first few songs to varying degrees. I loved I'll Go Crazy, but the next few weren't quite at that level. However from Lost Someone to the end it was amazing. He was pouring his heart out into each note, as was the band. I usually will save a five star review for an album that blows me away all the way through, but there was enough here to look past a few "less than" songs.
Sweet
The first all-like album. Raw power. And jumping on the drums on the finale. What a performer.
PEAK..31 mins of high energy PERFECTION..the instrumentals..the explosive vocals..the SCREAMSSS..the participation from the audience is the cherry on top…its PERFECT..i wouldnt change a thing….mind blowing musical experience.
(CD) one of the best live albums of all time.
Maravilloso!
I wish I was there to see this live at the Apollo. The screams! The big band! The energy! How amazing would that be?
This album is great. Such a fantastic live album, so lively. The repertoire is excellent, and it flows really well. I don't have much to say, it is a pretty short album, though one song in ten minutes long. But it's very enjoyable and so greatly delivered. So, it's an album to have some fun.
He’s the man, full stop.
Wie unfassbar gut dieses Album klingt. Wie unfassbar charismatisch James Brown ist. Ich möchte nachträglich das Elvis Live Album abwerten.
I don’t listen to many live albums but I should more because I loved this, felt like I was right there fawning after James Brown
Iconic. Was singing James Brown all day
amazing. translates to current day
Maybe the best single live perfomance by an artist ever. The guy was incredible on vynyl but live he was something else.
Classic album. Required listening.
One of the best all time albums
Yeah I get it now
Love James brown
Stone cold classic. Not heard for a while but reminded of how soul influenced it is, pre-funk
I know that James Brown was arrested on multiple occasions. Was one of those times for having too much soul? I guess that's why he has nicknames such as The Godfather of Soul and Soul Brother Number One because goddamn... This performance was magnetic and I didn't know a damn song. Obviously the James Brown Apollo shows were legendary I just kinda assumed some of his biggest hits would be on here...NOPE. Didn't even matter. This man owned that room and for 1962 the recording was quite good. Amazing really.
James Brown is one of the greatest of all time in my book. The guy basically invented funk and soul, but I always think about him as one of the first artists with a rockstar presence and attitude. I love these live albums from the old clubs and theatres in New York (possibly my favorite album ever is Sam Cooke at the Harlem Square Club, 1963). They just have such an infectious feel-good energy to them.
This is an album best listened to in a hot tub... TOO HOT! The Hardest Working Man in Show Business deserves nothing less than 5* 4/5
This was great and over too soon. Really great!
dont hurt them james...
Album Review 070 James Brown Live At The Apollo by James Brown (1963) Rating 5/5 Arguably the best live album ever recorded and certainly one of the most influential. Not much else to say aside from it being an essential listen.
It’s James Brown, you do what you are told. It might be a wet Wednesday morning in February but I Feel Alright because the god of soul told me so.
Great album. Performances, arrangements, energy, all 5 stars. No notes.
Geiles Album. Man fühlt sich als wäre man mit dabei. Es kommt richtig Stimmung rüber.
Loved this.
great
james muhfuhin brown
Noch nie etwas vergleichbares gehört.
This album is so good i want to explode my one complaint: songs too short, then way too long. 9.31/10 5/5.
Do not tell me when an where to get FAUNKY
It's great to hear the raving fans in the background and feel like we're part of the show. I would have loved to be around at the time of the recording.
There is ONLY….,ONE…JAMES BROWN EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC 🤗
James Brown demands the best from everyone listening to his music. He may come off as harsh, but he lives and breathes music and treats it with great respect and reverence. James Brown's energy that he brings to his music is like a furious storm.
This is perfection. Voice like silk. Band tight. Incredible!
One of the greatest live albums of all time
A rowdy early show from The Godfather. You can hear the Hardest Working Man in Show Business putting in the work. Everything was up tempo and raucous. Loved it.
I only wish I could see him perform live like this. Incredible.
Arguably one of the greatest live albums
Incredible as hell. James live? uh hell yeah. This dude was known for his stage presence and it shows here.
Iconic soul. Thirty minutes of energy. My only critique is that it’s not long enough.
The sound quality is amazing on this one and you can't go wrong with James Brown
No notes. Live recording at its perfection. Transports me to a time and place I've never been. Amazing.
Sick, last 3 track run is great.
Why is the audience just a bunch of teenage girls in a rollercoaster?
This album was released in 1963 but it pretty much represents the 1950s period of James Brown's career. Even though I prefer his sixties and seventies material, there is no denying the pure soul this album pours into your ears. Definitely five star.
Sure
James Brown is one hell of a man! His voice shakes you to your core. You immediately want to dance and shake you head in disbelief. Live version gives you the opportunity to hear what it’s like to experience him live
This is top tier music. This guy is happening. And the band supports him flawlessly.
I've listened to this album many times. On this listen I feel like I gained a deeper appreciation for Brown's vocal range combined with his ability to rapidly change timbre and volume. I just wish the album had been longer.
One of my favourite albums. I read in a 33 1/3 book about the album being recorded during the Cuban missile crisis - the idea that all the people in the crowd were living under the imminent possibility of mutually assured destruction adds a mania to their cheers and screams. James Brown brings so much energy it leaves you breathless and the hits just run into one another. My only complaint is that it’s over in a shot.
Good god yall!
loved the screaming girls
Energy
The Godfather
Muy buenas vibras
You can feel this man’s energy as soon as he hits the stage. Gives me the chills with how much soul he puts into his singing. Bops top to bottom.
I think I've heard more James Brown impersonations than actual James Brown so I was excited to listen to this. "I'll Go Crazy" is such a banger to kick things off, then I love love love 'Try Me' and 'I Don't Mind'! The tracks are just laid out really well, eg 'Lost Someone' works really well because the steady buildup of 2 minute songs chained together by breathless bridges puts you in the perfect place to hear it. Very impressed, can only imagine how cool being at this show would've been.
the fact that im listening to this in my room in 2025 and someone was there listening to it live in Harlem and screaming in Lost Someone in 1962 is crazy to me
Fun! Love Debby Harry.
Amazing, the bar for any live perf. Passion and energy pours from voice.
Perfection. What's better than early 60s soul music done right in the middle of Harlem? Nothing.
James Brown is the goat.
So. Much. Energy.
high energy
++*: Think ++: Introduction to James Brown and the Famous Flames, I'll Go Crazy, Try Me, I Don't Mind, Lost Someone, Medley: Please Please Please/You've Got the Power/I Found Someone/Why Do You Do Me/I Want You So Bad/I Love You, Yes I Do/Strange Things Happen/Bewildered/Please, Please, Please, Night Train 9,7/10
Classy! You like jazz?
There’s a lot to say about James Brown the performer, but James Brown the vocalist is just as important. Brown really exemplifies the type of musician that focuses on using their voice as an instrument rather than a means of communicating an idea (although those aren’t mutually exclusive). Whereas someone like Jeff Buckley tried to make his voice work like a guitar in his music, I would compare Brown’s to a trumpet, blasting in a similar fashion to what we might hear on a jazz record. The way he’ll repeat a shouted line a couple of times is like when a trumpeter finds a really important riff and swirls it a couple of times, then improvises into a new thing that becomes a whole new version of the idea. It’s disorganized, organic, and wonderfully entertaining to listen to. I’m also a sucker for call-and-response during a live show; when I go to see a group or a musician, I want to feel involved in the process of making the moment. Brown did that to a level that not many other musicians can say they do/did, and the crowd interactions are what really highlight this album for me. The album art is also just a 10/10. Beautiful, haunting, mesmerizing. The album is an all around, finely crafted, incredible work of art that doesn’t feel like a forced product, but rather a unique experience.
top
AAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUWW!
I would give this 5 stars for I Go Crazy alone.
I only knew the later volume (1968). This is fantastic.
Haven't listened for a long time
The man was a force of nature.
What more could be said, because this live album epitomizes this sentiment: "It was anti-refinement. That's what we were consciously going for." James Brown was not a saint. But he was a performer and he gave a 110 percent on stage. Certainly, he was no role model unless you find yourself on stage. On stage you give what he gives until you can give no more. 5 stars.
Absolute classic.
Ripping audio, feels like I'm there. Love the ripping guitar.
Album 45/1001 Live albums rarely do justice to the energy of a live show . This is most definitely not the case here. The cultural significance of this record, coming when it did in 1963, can't be overestimated, nor fully grasped by a modern audience. But listening to it in 2025, it's more than understandable why this man was known as the godfather of both soul and funk, and one of the greatest ever live performers. Perhaps the most important and influential live album, by one of the most important and influential artists to ever do it. 🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Favourite song: Try Me 🕺🏿👈🏿 Honourable mention: I Don't Mind 🤷🏿♂️ I'll Go Crazy 🤪 Think 🤔💭 Lost Someone 🧐 Night Train 🌃🚂 Medley: Please, Please, Please/You've Got the Power/I Found Someone/Why Do You Do Me/I Want You So Bad/I Love You, Yes I Do/Strange Things Happen/Bewildered/Please, Please, Please 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿👉🏿✊🏿💪🏿👩🏾🤝👨🏿👩🏾❤️👨🏿❔️⁉️🧍🏿♂️❤️🧍🏿♀️👌🏿🧟♂️🧙🏿♂️🧙🏿🤔🥴😵💫 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Incredible live album. The energy on this record is infectious. The band is tight, and James Brown sounds unbelievably good. I can’t fathom that this is from 1962. I wish this record was twice as long.
peak
Are you kidding. The Godfather at best.
I don't usually care for live albums, but this is crispy as hell. Sound quality is fantastic. I get it.
Awesome live album, saved
5/5 First full album of THE James Brown and honestly, I apologise for not listening to this absolute genius earlier. His voice goes from smooth to raw the entire album. The band is killing it which is insanely impressive cause they literally do not stop for over 30 minutes. I’m going to have to go through his discography the next couple of weeks.
lets gooo
9 Made me think of this video of David Byrne hearing his music play and say OUAH! It’s James Brown! And that’s exactly how I feel when I listen to it as well
Highlight songs: I'll Go Crazy Try Me Think I Don't Mind Lost Someone Medley: Please Please Please/You've Got The Power/I Found Someone Night Train
What can i say, i listened to it twice
Wow！I get it
Great live show
Funk!
I own this on the music server but I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. I'm looking forward to it. I have a feeling I will love this before even starting. Funk/Soul is one of the best genres in the history of music and James Brown was a master. I'm now two songs in and it's so good. The horns! You know how I'm a betch for horns. I've loved this. James Brown, unfortnuately a terrible person, had an incredible messianic ability to sing and dance. His ad libs are great and better than anyone else in the business.
My man comes out and throws absolute heat from beginning to end. The band is tight as a drum(?) yet still breathes. And it breathes fire. And while the band is incendiary, that voice is the main attraction. And what an attraction - it's like a theme park ride - twisting and turning. The highs scrape the stratosphere and the asides leave a mark.
confesso que eu não sou muito fã de jazz, mas esse álbum me deu outra perspe sobre o estilo musical. Eu também nunca tinha escutado James Brown, por isso nunca entendi sua fama, mas agora entendo.
5/5 one of the first real and best live recordings just like ur at a james brown club gig
Incredible lesson in tight rhythm performance, spot on harmonies, just a tour-de-force
Me ha encantado, muy divertido, muy fresco, te pone de buen humor. Se me ha hecho corto.
> the Beatles
Early 60s JB is the best JB
A stone cold classic and one of James Brown’s best works
Great R&B music. One can notice the novelty of this style of music and how people loved it in this album. I really liked "Lost Someone", which consists of the same accompaniment repeating over and over again for 10 minutes, until it suddenly ends and transitions nicely into "Please, Please, Please".
Fantastic.
It's James Brown! And one of his best albums. The godfather of soul. Amazing, classic music. Always worth listening to.
Loved this, so fun and captivating
Incredible performance and the atmosphere of the crowd elevates this album to 5 stars.
A powerful, timeless, soulful sound. I will be listening to this album again at gatherings, events etc. Loveleh.
Lowkey electrifying.
Such a fun, energetic album! Love Soul Brother No. 1!
I'm immersed in a kind of ecstasy from beginning to end, which is too short for such a good album, without a doubt James Brown, everything is perfect
Wow. Just wow. I don’t know how I made it this far not hearing this before. (Except for Night Train.) I can’t imagine how awesome it would have been to be at this show.
oh. my. god. james brown is awesome! i wish i had heard this MUCH earlier. perfect is the only word for this...
Loved this
I loved this album. Compares to jazz albums from the same time and place it feels much more modern. And it's damn fun to listen to. Will def add this into the rotation.
Only ever heard individual songs and seen impersonators do JBs thing. I listened to this album on a plane and it was difficult to keep still in my seat as the whole performance is infectious 5/5
Such a trill! it was amazing, vibrant, moving the nerves all around.
I loved the music.
At my old job I listened to a disturbing amount of James Brown (not by choice) and whenever id get tired of hits, id put this album on. Damn this is an iconic performance. I wanted to dock a point because im slightly tired of these songs but upon relistening with intent, the energy is undeniable and I cant think of a good reason not to give it a 5.
Such rawness and energy in a single album. My god. 10/10
It’s a classic, chic and elegant
This is so intense, so energetic, so tight, and so funky that I really don't know what band and performer could ever match it. Obviously Brown is the standout piece of this, but the band is much better than could reasonably be expected in a hectic liveset.
Great
What an awesome concert! This almost felt like a church service. You can hear the young ladies screaming as they're overcome with the emotion of hearing James. His diction leaves much to be desired, but that's what you get with him. It was an interesting take to hear the MC come out and tell everyone what songs were going to be performed. My Rating: 5/5
Killer
Man it’s James Brown at the mf’n Apollo, enough said.
I mean it’s James brown
The Apollo was a tombstone when it comes to famous venues. Brown's perfomance shone through the crowd vibrant and enthusiastic presence along the energy that he always delivered throughout his shows.
How can you go wrong with this? So much energy, only 30 minutes. Never gets old. 5/5
Just yesterday, I was complaining about how Live at Leeds didn't have any songs I cared about on it, and then this one comes in to remind me that I don't actually need to know any of the songs to have a blast with a live album. I just need a singer with the energy of James Brown!
Groovie förstås. Gillar karln men et helt album lite enformigt.
No one does it better.
There is a reason that James Brown is called the godfather of soul.
tell you what - this album tells you just how popular James Brown was with the ladies. The level of crowd noise on this album mixed with Brown's sultry ballads combined with beautiful screeches make this album unbelievable.
While the sound quality of this recording is not the best it still captures the power and energy that James brought to the stage. Along with an extremely tight backing band and some fun interactions with the audience this is a memorable performance.
It a very important album, and a very good album. It difficult to understand what a big deal James Brown was in the early sixties. He was popular in the black theatres, and his masterstroke was making this album a live recording....one of the first live, in concert, albums. It's the perfect way to capture the energy, Nowadays, it sounds a bit hokey... but By God, James is the consumate performer. And imagine how much of modern music is based upon the JB sound. Massively influential, massively enjoyable.
Probably one of the best live albums of all time. 5/5
I was already familiar with this album before listening. It's a very good illustration of James Brown was like in concert, earning him the "hardest working man in show business" moniker. It's high energy and showcases his strong vocals and stage presence. My only complaint is it's pretty short at only 31 minutes. Would listen again.
The one!
hell yeah
funk is just my thing
Intro - no rating I'll Go Crazy - 5/5 Try Me - 4/5 Instrumental Bridge - no rating Think - 5/5 I Don't Mind - 5/5 Song Titles Interlude - no rating Lost Someone - 4/5 Medley - 4/5 Night Train - 5/5 Average score: 4.6/5 (rounding up)
Sublime live performance
Yet another album from Dad. They don't call him the king for nothing.
LOVE THIS, 5/5! awesome jazz
No notes, this is prime James Brown power, perfection, and energy. Highlights for me.....every single song.
Ain't it funky now
Great Energy, James was class, I'll give this another listen!
My favorite JB of all time! He was great live
Try me I don’t mind Think Night train
Nice.
Great listen! Has a good upbeat tempo, you can't listen it to without moving some part of your body
## In-Depth Review: *Live at the Apollo* by James Brown **James Brown’s 1963 album *Live at the Apollo* is a landmark in soul and R&B, capturing the raw energy of Brown and his Famous Flames at the height of their powers. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and weighs its pros and cons.** --- ## Lyrics Brown’s lyrics on *Live at the Apollo* are direct, emotionally charged, and repetitive, serving as a vehicle for his passionate delivery more than as literary statements. The songs focus on universal themes of love, heartbreak, and self-affirmation. Tracks like “I’ll Go Crazy,” “Try Me,” and “Lost Someone” revolve around longing, loss, and emotional vulnerability. Brown’s phrasing often emphasizes feeling over articulation, with lines like “You’ve got to live for yourself / Yourself and nobody else” standing out as simple but effective affirmations[4]. While some critics note that the lyrical content isn’t especially innovative, Brown’s delivery transforms simple lines into dynamic expressions of soul. His repetition-particularly in songs like “I Don’t Mind”-serves to heighten emotional tension and connect with the audience on a visceral level[6][4]. The Famous Flames’ harmonies add a gospel-like depth, especially in slower numbers, enhancing the emotional resonance of the lyrics[4]. --- ## Music Musically, *Live at the Apollo* is a masterclass in tight, energetic R&B performance. The Famous Flames and Brown’s backing band are remarkably synchronized, delivering a sound so polished that it could be mistaken for a studio recording[1]. The arrangements blend driving rhythms, punchy horns, and soulful bass lines, creating a propulsive groove that underpins Brown’s vocals. Standout tracks like “Think,” “Night Train,” and “I’ll Go Crazy” showcase the band’s ability to maintain relentless energy, while ballads such as “Try Me” and the nearly 11-minute “Lost Someone” allow for dynamic shifts and extended emotional build-up[3]. The interplay between Brown and his musicians is electric-he was known for demanding perfection, sometimes fining band members for mistakes, which ensured a disciplined yet vibrant performance[1]. The crowd’s reactions are integral to the musical experience, acting as a kind of call-and-response chorus that amplifies the excitement and intimacy of the show[3][6]. The setlist alternates between upbeat dance numbers and slower, soulful ballads, maintaining a cohesive flow that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish[1]. --- ## Production Recorded live at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on October 24, 1962, the album’s production is remarkable for its clarity and immediacy, especially given the era’s technical limitations[5]. Brown financed the recording himself after his label expressed skepticism about the commercial viability of a live album with no new material[5]. The result is an authentic document of a James Brown concert, with the energy of the crowd and the nuances of the performance captured in vivid detail. The album’s mix balances Brown’s vocals, the Famous Flames’ harmonies, and the band’s instrumentation, allowing each element to shine without overwhelming the others. The crowd noise is ever-present but never intrusive, adding to the sense of being in the room with the performers[3][6]. The pacing of the album is tight, with songs often segueing into one another, creating a seamless listening experience that mirrors the flow of a live show[1][5]. --- ## Themes The central themes of *Live at the Apollo* are love, heartbreak, longing, and resilience. Brown’s performances are imbued with a sense of urgency and emotional honesty, whether he’s pleading for a lover’s return or celebrating personal independence. The album also embodies the communal spirit of soul music, with the audience’s reactions and the interplay between Brown and his band creating a shared emotional journey[3][6]. The live setting amplifies these themes, as Brown feeds off the crowd’s energy and transforms personal narratives into collective catharsis. The album stands as a testament to the power of live performance to forge connections between artist and audience, making the listener feel like an active participant in the event[6][3]. --- ## Influence *Live at the Apollo* is widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, and its influence on the music industry is profound[2][5]. Its success proved that live albums could be both commercially viable and artistically significant, paving the way for countless artists to release their own live recordings[1][5]. The album helped cement Brown’s status as the “Godfather of Soul” and inspired generations of musicians, from soul and R&B to rock and funk[5]. Artists such as the MC5 have cited the album as a direct influence on their own performance philosophy, emphasizing energy, authenticity, and audience engagement[5]. The album’s impact is reflected in its numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and preservation in the National Recording Registry[5]. --- ## Pros and Cons | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Unmatched live energy and atmosphere[1][3][6] | Short running time for a live album[5] | | Tight, disciplined musicianship[1][3] | Lyrical content is simple and sometimes repetitive[1] | | Brown’s passionate, dynamic vocal performance[4][6] | Some may find the crowd noise distracting (subjective)[3] | | Seamless pacing and setlist flow[1][5] | No new material-mostly live versions of existing songs[5] | | Historic and influential recording[5][2] | The Famous Flames were uncredited on the original release[5] | | Excellent production quality for the era[5] | | --- ## Conclusion *Live at the Apollo* remains a towering achievement in live recording, capturing James Brown’s electrifying stage presence and the communal spirit of soul music at its peak. While its lyrics may not break new ground, the emotional intensity, musical precision, and groundbreaking production make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. Its only real flaws are its brevity and the lack of new material, but these are minor compared to the album’s enduring impact and sheer vitality. For anyone interested in the roots of modern soul, funk, and live performance, *Live at the Apollo* is essential listening.
I like the vibes of an live performance in a old fashion bar fav song - Try Me 5/5
This is LIVE???!?!! Dear lord this man's voice. Lost Someone has me twisting and shouting. Beautiful, clever, playful arrangements full of emotion and soulful human condition. Truly timeless, intergenerational music. Elvis wishes he could. I'm ready for the night train ~ and everyone should hear this before they die!
Wonderful!
This rules. Live sessions albums forever and ever
I'm not usually one for a live album, but I wouldn't have even known this was one if it wasn't in the title. Killer stuff
An album new to me, though I see this is has been touted as the greatest live album ever. Let's see... Seeing as how this album only just stretches past 30 minutes, I played this several times, and really enjoyed it. The rapport between Brown and the audience is great.
I love an artist who swings this hard to also be an entertainer
So now, ladies and gentlemen, it is star time Are you ready for star time? Thank you, and thank you very kindly
Wow his energy! He's definitely killing it in this concert.
Damn. The only knock against this album is having to listen to the recording instead of actually being there. Oh, and maybe that it's not a triple album. Damn. Peak James Brown in his element -- live. The band is on fire. The rhythm section is tight except when a looseness is required, then they're as loose as they need to be and no more. 5 stars.
Great. Love James Brown
damn this some good music
The greatest live performer and his band, playing live, at an iconic venue, near the height of his powers.
Yeah, I mean doesn't get much better than this as far as live albums go. I always feel a little weird putting live albums on lists like this, because I feel like they should be their own separate list. Unless they were an original album recorded with a live audience like Kick Out The Jams or Tom Waits' Nighthawks at the Diner or something. Anyhow, easily one of the best live albums of all time. It has to get a 5 from me
I mean, c'mon. If you don't give this five stars, you are clearly not ready for star time
My ONLY complaint is that I wish there was a record that combined the energy of this live recording with the audio fidelity of James Brown's studio recordings (which, to be fair, have an energy density approaching that of the core of a yellow star).
One of my all time favorites
That was great! Hard to believe there was a point where this had to be argued to be released.
Amazing first album of 10001! A classic and one that brings me back to childhood. Thanks Dad for the early music education <3
The energy on this record is wild.
STAR time indeed. Pure energy, rawness, and dare I say it, sex... This is a proper showtime album. Live albums are usually shit. Unless they're released by James Brown. I danced along throughout.
What a great album! Loved it
29 March 2025
Not my usual style but really enjoyed this!
Undeniable
what a band
Get up! Get on up!
God level performance
One of the greatest live albums of all time that captures one of the most influential 20th century musicians at his peak! The sounds of the audience give a glimpse into how it must have felt to be at the Apollo that night. If I only had a Delorean and some plutonium…
Classic album
FUCK YES!!!
Really fun and solid. James emits energy and enthusiasm the whole time. I went into this not being a huge James Brown fan and left it listening to him in the background at work the rest of the day.
- The musical equivalent of a drive-by. A short, frenetic burst of energy that practically forces you to dance. - Everything is solid; "Lost Someone" is simply unreal, though. - Brown is such a master of levels. Levels of pitch, levels of volume, levels of emotion -- no surprise he started in gospel.
Live albums aren't always well-received, but that changes when it comes to the King of Soul, James Brown. There's not much I can say that hasn't been said before other than that James Brown didn't play ONE show. He was THE show. Period.
Funk standard set. Will revisit. Essential listen.
This is an easy 5 stars for me. Incredible vocals and it lives at the intersection of rock and roll, funk, big band, and Motown. It's like this album was cooked up in a lab to tickle my eardrums. Some of the songs went a little long but I enjoyed them all the way through. The few of the songs toward the end also sounded too similar. Altogether tho it slapped and magically improved my mood.
One of the great live albums. Imagine how wild this sounded in 63.
Ow! So fun.
This is very awesome. The band has such good energy and the sound is great. It captures the energy of the crowd as well.
Many live albums end up feeling sterile and have worse sound quality. This album feels alive in the best way. It opens a window to an authentic night with James Brown. The crowd is electric and happy to be there, and James is giving the love back to them. I'll never know what it is like to be live at a James Brown show, but this album gives me a whiff of it, and for that reason, it is special.
Hide your daughters. The GOAT is in town!
I usually don’t like live albums. I find that the studio albums sound better, and a recording just makes me sad that I’m not at the show since live music is the ultimate experience. But there are exceptions, and this is one of them. I think part of the enjoyment is the audience often brings just as much energy as James does. And all the hits are here. I like every song except the medley toward the end of the album. Toward the end of “I Don’t Mind” James sings the impassioned lyric “You’re going to miss me”, and coming from the audience a enraptured woman chimes in response “Yes I will, baby”. All these years after his death, she ain’t lying. I got to listen to this on King Records 1966 repress, which sounded great. I give it five out of five stars.
I thought this album was overrated at first, but I did have a wonderful and hypnotic time while listening to it. I did not want it to end, and that speaks volumes of its quality.
i have quite literally no notes
Only 31 minutes? I could’ve listened to this all day!
Energy x5; Soul x10. The Godfather reigns supreme.
The introductory interaction with the audience and the fanfare is fun. "I'll Go Crazy" has a very tight groove; I like the backing vocals. I like how the bass in "Try Me" drives most the song. Very smooth transitions between songs. The horn arrangement sounds great, and very rhythmically tied together. The very fast "I Don't Mind" backing vocals give a nice contrast to the slower track. The little instrumental transitions help keep the energy up, and make everything seem like a continuous song/experience. The repeating groove in "Lost Someone" was amazing, and almost spiritual. The audience interaction was genius. The medley that followed was perfect. "Night Train" is a perfect conclusion to the album—it's the most James Brown groove ever. Overall, the album is an incredible experience. All songs transition into each other without becoming repetitive or blending into each other in a bad way. At the same time, the energy is always kept up either thanks to the band or James' singing and the audience. Of course, James Brown is also iconic.
Auuuuuggghhhh!!!!!
Wow what a record!!! The crowds and James browns frenzied energy is genuinely insane and doesn’t falter throughout the whole show. A new favourite
Me ha sorprendido por completo. No conocía muy bien este género pero me ha encantado, con los otros albumes que he escuchado he desgranado por que no me gustan del todo pero de este no tengo nada, sublime. Además por que no conozco bien este género. Es por albumes como este que decidí empezar este reto.
Rockin
Made James the star that he became.
Recorded in late 1962, and released in the middle of 1963, this recording represents two unique inflection points in James Brown's career. As heard here, he is at the absolute apex of his career as a soul and R&B singer. In 1962 and 1963, Brown is the most beloved entertainer in the Black community and it isn't remotely close, even with the ascendancy of Motown - Little Stevie Wonder's first big single, Fingertips, came out the same month as Live at the Apollo - happening in Detroit. It also captures the last moments before Brown reached a crossroads that would make him the most popular (and influential) solo artist on the planet. By mid 1964, JB would begin the history-altering pivot, effectively creating the funk genre with "Out of Sight". While Live at the Apollo doesn't include live renditions of any of the peerless funk jams he became most widely known for (you'll want 1970's Sex Machine for that), it's a remarkable performance that shows an incredible performer whose talents could (and excesses) could not be contained, and who was about to springboard to mythical status, and for all those reasons, it's absolutely worthy of a 5/5
funky delicious
I'm at odds with this. Being one of the greatest live albums ever should make it 5 stars. It is James Brown and His Famous Flames, after all, and lordy what a performance from everyone! The crowd noise is awful though, which keeps reminding me that this is a live album, and I don't like live albums. I'll be magnanimous and just lay it down: five stars. James Brown was one of the greatest entertainers of all time. No crowd noise or limited sonic range can detract from the incredible performance.
Bring back introduction tracks
I like the slow R&B vibe too it. All ways heard of James Brown and understand why. He has good vocal range going from high pitches to the swinging lows. The band has nice jazz elements to it. The album combines nice slow songs with some good are my favorites
Regarded as one of the all time best live albums by many. You can't argue with the Hardest Working Man in Showbusiness!!
I like the sound, it gives me good vibes.
Giacomo marrone live meglio di altri un studio
Primo 5/5 politicamente corretto della storia
phenomenal
Love the riff on the last song
[insert soul artist] Live at [insert venue] is basically an automatic 5 stars for your boy
Possibly the greatest live recording ever made! I could listen to this on repeat all day.
I like the beat i love it i give it 5 out 5. really recomend it i also love the lyircs.
20 minutes of magic from the Godfather of Soul
I got to see James Brown play at Woodstock ‘99 and even then he was full of explosive energy. On this recording that energy threatens to overwhelm the tape and set it on fire. What an incredibly badass ensemble he’s got behind him too!
Maybe some hometeam bias but this is a historical artifact in the best way. You can feel the hype in the opening laying out the set to come, and a normally languid B-side is bolstered by a super receptive Apollo audience. No hits but the code is there. Clearly. Lost Someone to the Please Please Please medley solidifies the 5
Spectacular showmanship!
Ma powerhouse of a performance. The star is Brown’s vocals.
Soul Brother # 1, James Brown! Classic. Soul
gut
Beautiful start to finish
It’s James Freaking Brown! Of course it’s good.
Another great live album. I don't usually listen to live albums much as they can be hit or miss. This is very much a hit.
Great live show, hella energy, audience reactions are very entertaining and the transitions are fantastic. Would love to revisit
what makes this record phenomenal is that it captures in a bottle what makes james brown special. his studio recordings are great, but what sets him apart from everyone else is his high octane performances, his charisma, his vocal chops. he is wailing all over this thing and it is so damn impressive. i don't know how you could listen to this and not be floored. a live album of the greatest stage performer of all time, what could it be other than pure, distilled energy?
I am pretty sure James Brown Live in 1963 would have been worthy of 5 stars and this album gives you a good sense of that. 5 stars or A for me.
Too short ! Really enjoyed, not much notes, it’s just really good. I like hearing the crowd! Highlights: (all of it?) - I’ll go crazy - I don’t mind - Lost someone - Please x3 / You’ve got the power
Phew! An American treasure doing what he does best, entertain!
I don't know any of these songs, it's such a weird experience listening to live versions of songs you don't know but holy fuck Brown was a phenomenal performer. This is the most fun I've had listening to music in so long it is a must-listen genuinely.
This is the sound of star power. An essential soul record and one of the best live albums ever recorded. All hail James Brown, the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business and Godfather of Soul.
This album is basically what this list is for. James Brown is an absolute legend. But the band, oh that band. Five Stars!
I normally don't go for many live albums (preferring the studio versions of songs) but I like the way this has the Intro and the asides as part of the act. James was one of the greatest showmen ever and it comes across in this record. This doesn't really have a whole load of hits but that doesn't matter. This guy is the business.
God bless James Brown! One of a kind. Saw this badass back in the early 90’s, on Seattle’s downtown waterfront. A bit long in the tooth by then, but still managed to light it up like it was 1968! This album I own, and gets in the rotation on a regular basis. I love him and miss him!
Never really listened to James Brown but this album was incredible. A ton of fun. I don't even really care much for this period/genre of music. The way he interacts with the crowd is so fun. You can hear all the girls screaming and going wild. I feel like even I would have had a blast at this show.
He really is one of the greatest voices and musicians to have ever lived.
yet another incredibly exciting live concert album from years ago. i absolutely love vintage live recordings where you can literally feel and hear the awe and wonder from the audience, the young women absolutely SHRIEKING as soon as james sings the first word. some songs are for slow-dancin' others are for boogying down. it's short and sweet.
Big game James Brown all Ways brings the big house down town Alive, life’s lives live. Such energy. Even during the “breaks” these guys pull out all the bus stops. Fantastic album. All aboard? Yes All aboard? Yes All aboard? Yes The night train[!]
I like that you have to specify which year of pivotal James Brown Live at the Apollo album you mean. Lost Someone rules. Must be the most interesting audience noise I've heard on an album. The bit where he wanders away from the microphone is awesome. Have to figure this is as close as it gets to capturing the wild magic of live music, where the performer intuits exactly where to find the equivalent of a resonance frequency for a gathering of people & messes around nearby. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
I waffled a bit between a 4 and a 5 here, but the way Brown harnesses the screaming crowd’s energy into the most psychotic sounding call and response imaginable (on Lost Somebody) is enough to make the call. Remarkable.
One of the best live albums ever.
Potentially the best live album ever recorded. The whole band is cooking here.
This isn’t a show, it’s a party. And James is one hell of a host. You can feel the energy coming through. The larger than life presentation, the soul, the passion, it is all spectacular.
Just really good. The band is playing almost perfectly and the energy is great. Yeah that’s it basically
Soul brother #1.
Lots of things say they are the best live album. This might be.
Absolutely incredible. Generational
Really really good. My favorite so far
James Brown had been making music for a decade by the time Live at the Apollo was release. His live show was polished, and Brown's unmatched, energetic performances were well polished, and well known. This live album captures the the full, rich sound of Brown and his band. His gospel-inspired vocal sound, and the R&B sound to the band helped define the early sound of popular rock music. His band's vocal harmonies and rich horn section also set standards for the music that could be called early rock 'n roll. This is an incredible live album, both for the quality of the recording from that era, but more for the remarkable performance captured. This is an album that introduce the world to the hardest working man in show business.
Great
9/10
fine music
AMAZING
Yeah this ruled. The perfect pick-up if you're feeling a little down. Favourite song: I Don't Mind
Absolutely yes. Bring on da funk
Those instruments so well differentiated and so synchronized...
One of the highest energy albums ever! 5*
James Brown is iconic so I was excited to get this album. The intro hyped me up so much as they announced the legend onto the stage. Then it starts to go and it doesn't stop until the last second of the last song. This album is so lively and makes you feel like you're there at the concert. I didn't expect to give this a 5 because it was a live album, but it definitely deserves one.
So much great energy, best live album I've heard
classic, one of my favorite R&B singers that sounds even better live.