Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Groovy but I won’t be relistening too often
Good stuff
Pretty cool. Pretty black. 60s soul who has learnt to reggue and roll the notes
あまりジェームス・ブラウンは聴かないけれど、彼の出世作となったこのニューヨーク・ハーレムでのライブ・アルバムは、やはり重要作なんだろうか？ I don’t really listen to James Brown much, but this live album recorded in Harlem, New York—his breakout work—seems like an important one, doesn’t it?
I didn’t feel it really. Prefer the funkier stuff this was a bit old and not very musical. More a peacock strutting his stuff.
Dynamite as one should expect! Now let me scroll through the other ratings and pity the tasteless chumps who voted 1 or 2.
funk is just my thing
Nice
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)
Did was niet slecht, maar duurde gelukkig ook niet te lang
For some reason, apple music doesn’t have the longest track that makes up about a third of the album ,but honestly it’s no great loss because its a slog to get through. I’m not sure what makes this live album worth noting, but I have to say, although i’m sure james brown was a very charismatic performer and the vocals are vocalling here, I didn’t find this album all that engaging. Hadn’t heard any of the tracks before, and they all seem pretty generic. All in all 2/5
Sublime live performance
What a chanter! Great songs. Live performance has to be taken into consideration.
Not the best James Brown I have ever heard. There are so many better options that we could have heard.
Saw the artist/album and was hoping it would be better. Maybe it is on this list because it is 60+ years old and live?
hei hei heeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiiii ja tervettullloooo.. tervetulllooo illan showh'n'n!! wooooooooooo woooooooooooo!! ooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO bbbbBAAAAAAAAAAAABYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. incredible soundwriting and sing-a-songing... tämä mf ei ole oppinut laulamaan vielä.. tässä mitään sielua ole heh.. meikäläinen voisi repäistä paremman performanssin.. musiikki on silti hyvää että ei liikaa hakata paskasi. hakta palasiksi tätänäin mutta voi voi voi kaukana on kunniakierrokset jos tämä on anti.. fucked up piece of shit type music. Instrumental Bridge #2 - Live At The Apollo Theater/1962
Wel lekker maar een beetje te oud om echt vast te luisteren
Zeker gelachen tijdens dit album. Maar niet helemaal mijn ding
Favorite live album so far. Feel like the live aspect accually had a positive impact on the record.
Bra trøkk
That was a quick one! James Brown is great but I wouldn't listen to this live album again.
Quite impressive that Brown funded this album all out of pocket. They certainly made an impression!
Whoever thought live albums weren't a good idea shouldn't then go around adding more audience screaming to it. These people made a self fulfilling prophecy. Nevertheless James brown wrote excellent songs and brings them with power and a unique voice. The band is giving it their all. Looking forward to more from this artist.
I like some James Brown here and there, but he gets old after a whole album. Also, it kinda defends itself as a live album, but not enough.
We have Led Zeppelin at home
Eugh… no
1962. That was a long time ago. This guy’s career has spanned nearly y whole life. He became a bit of a caricature of himself for a time, but man did he own his act. This is extremely funky for 1962, but that’s not entirely surprising. You can almost smell the sweat.
That was very annoying to listen to. It came in relatively short at 31 minutes and I still found it too long! Screaming isn’t singing, wouldn’t know when to listen to that record. Too much noise, not enough substance 🤷🏻♂️
A short and sweet record. I enjoyed most of the performances from the band and James Brown, too. I think this record suffers from too much filler, and it being a live recording is to blame. The background noise, the audience, and the short set make it harder for me to rate higher. Favourite Track(s): Medley Least Favourite Track(s): Think
me gustó el ambiente festivo del álbum y como se sentía todo como una fiesta en las vegas o algo así. las canciones largas se me hicieron algo pesadas pero en general es un álbum bastante entretenido y simple.
Yet another album from Dad. They don't call him the king for nothing.
LOVE THIS, 5/5! awesome jazz
Fantastic live performance. Would have been utterly insane to see Brown in his prime.
Hardest working man in showbiz indeed
enjoyed this album
This was genuinely hard to get through. A 31 minute album that took me 3 days to get to the end of. Thank God this was my weekend album. I don’t even hate James Brown’s music generally, but for the love of God I can not in good faith enjoy this album in the slightest when it’s bogged down by 31 minutes of annoying fan cheering, and the most mid, boring instrumentation I’ve ever heard. I know this is blasphemy, but I don’t even enjoy his voice. “Soul” is listed as one of my favorite genres currently, but unfortunately this is going to tank that, probably for the rest of this challenge. “Instrumental Bridge #1” is my favorite song here, as it lasts for a little over 10 seconds. I don’t give 1’s very often, but this was offensively bad to my poor ears.
cant say this was a strong live album that caught me, when I usually enjoy live albums
No notes, this is prime James Brown power, perfection, and energy. Highlights for me.....every single song.
Can we get the girls to scream a little more? - James Brown asks them to scream every song…
Helt ok fredagsalbum, energisk og gøy, men ingenting æ beit mæ merke i.
Ain't it funky now
Never into James Brown but what a great early fusion of what would be funk and soul
Fun!
Brown and his band were on FIRE here
Great Energy, James was class, I'll give this another listen!
James Brown is an incredible talent, obviously. You don't get the nickname "The Godfather of Soul" without being good at what you do, and without being incredibly entertaining. And yet I get the feeling that this was before a lot of that. He'd obviously been on the scene for a while, but so many of his most recognizable hits are missing from this tracklist, so I can only assume this is incredibly early in his career and not before he became known as "The Godfather of Soul." Like so many other black performers on this list, I can only assume that just listening to him perform isn't getting the full experience. I love the Beatles, but they didn't exactly do a lot more than perform their songs on stage. Listening to them perform live is getting more of the picture than listening to James Brown or Little Richard. So I regret that this experience was one reserved exclusively for my ears. But ok, enough qualifying the whole thing. How was it? It was good. He clearly had a following by this point, given the screams from the girls in the crowd. The band is excellent - tight, skilled, and staying out of Brown's way as he takes center stage. There isn't much to dislike about this album, really. Save for maybe its length. At just 31 minutes, I wish there was more. Brown is electric in his performance and getting more would have been a treat. My real issue with this album, and it's not even about the album itself, is that this is the only James Brown entry on this list. I find that to be absolutely ridiculous. An artist so influential in so many different genres deserves to have more recognition here. Hell, The Who included two James Brown covers on their first album, Led Zeppelin sends up James Brown in their song "The Crunge," and James Brown may be the most sampled artist in hip-hop history. And yet we only get one of his albums here. That's a travesty. Including more James Brown allows listeners to better understand his influence on music as a whole and helps inform their listens of other artist's work in a whole slew of genres. So that's a huge miss right there if you ask me. In the end, this is a great album. Four easy stars. Standout Tracks: I'll Go Crazy, Think, Lost Someone, Night Train
2.5 - Meh
- spectacular live I’m sure, love to hear the crowd in background - spectacular musician, spectacular voice!!
A fun and energetic recording but I’d still prefer a studio album. Exactly what I’d expect from James Brown live.
A fun live album, but 'Lost Someone' feels a bit repetitive after awhile and, overall, didn't grab my attention. I had some laughs every time the crowd screamed though.
I am not sure that listening to this on an overnight flight from Boston to London did it justice…
Man I love these jazzy, funky live albums, this was good but I think BB’s is a shade better, also ends relatively abruptly but it’s an exciting 30mins
I'm less familiar with James Brown's earlier material, so this was definitely an interesting listen. There's some decent tracks on here, but it was just a bit too short. It felt like just as I was getting into a song it'd be over and on to the next - which is probably why the longer cuts really worked for me.
Typische James Brown Sound als Live-Aufnahme. Ist ok, es sich einmal anzuhören. Mehr begeistert es mich nicht. 3/5
Nog een keer luisteren
It’s what you’d expect.
It was fine. Didn’t know James Brown did more Motown before his big hits, this was showed me more of his Influence, esp seeing how early on he was Doing music. Won’t listen again but didn’t regret it.
BAD.
A fun album, but not too many hots/standouts. Overall enjoyable
It's decent music. It's just a lot of the same to me. I don't get why Lost Someone is 10 minutes long.
Guys night, burnout and beers
Pretty good, good snapshot at the time of what live music was like especially a James Brown concert
He performed ‘please please please’ but not Espresso and not even Short n’ Sweet.
Not my style, but a fine album
My favorite JB of all time! He was great live
very nice
Captures a live show great but far too short on material, could have been a classic otherwise 3.5*
really chill dudes got a crazy voice and i really liked the style
Try me I don’t mind Think Night train
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The rare live album that is not 2+ hours long, but you wish was a lot longer than 30 minutes. James Brown was an amazing artist and the band is tight. True talent and hard work on display here. It's also nice to hear what Eddie Murphy was imitating.
3.5/5. Great easy listening vibes, Lost Someone too long. What a voice, the upbeat songs the strongest
Was ok. Listened a few times. Wouldn't particularly listen again.
Great live vocals
Such a fucking good picture of the apollo. What a showman. I wish this shit was longer!
Muchas veces voz, cero, pero siempre actitud y pasión. Un buen álbum que te deja mojado si lo oyes hasta el final y no es necesario que te muevas, el cuerpo lo sabe.
I can't knock James Brown, buy I'm not a fan of live music. If I want to listen to live music, I'll go to the venue. OK, I'll need a time machine, but I'm sure you get my meaning. Fraid its only 1 star, could have been more if it were a studio album.
Nix für mich
Great singer, not a huge fan of this live music, better ways to experience James Brown.
4 out of 5. This is how you do a love album.
Eh. A lotta Ramblin for me. Probably more fun to watch than to just hear. 2.5
Really enjoyed this but probs won't listen again. Thought the crowd noises would be annoying but actually added to this I think
I did not use a private session for this one. I can understand the appeal of seeing him live as he was quite the performer, something was lost going to an audio only format. I expected more soul and horns, but got some fifties crooner, which wasn't bad.
This was a great album.Not as familiar with Browns material other than the obvious songs
The Apollo theatre has held "Amateur Night" since 1934. In amateur night, contestants would perform as part of a competition. Like a cliche in a movie, if they perform badly they get booed off stage, with a character known as "the executioner" would sweep them off stage with a broom. James brown was booed off stage in 1952, going to show that not everybody succeeds on their first try. James Brown Live at the Apollo is an album released at the height of his popularity and showcases his funky talents well, however I don't think it's something I'll be coming back to with great frequency.
4/10 Very underwhelming jazz record. Most of the music felt droning with occasional lyrics or the fangirls yelling. Not much to get out of it unfortunately for James Brown. I’m sure he’s talented, but this was not the album to showcase it.
mjög gott, en mér finnast hljóðversplöturnar yfirleitt betri.
The live albums really annoy me. James Brown though .... maximum amount of stars for a live album awarded.
Amazing album! Fantastic sound and great energy.
James Brown can get it
THEE showman
good music for outside when it’s sunny
Way ahead of the time live album, in sound quality, showmanship, song structure the whole nine yards. 3.5/5
guter alter blues und soul, energetisch einem frenetischen publikum dargeboten. nicht schlecht!
R&B, na und?
Konzerte haben damals nur ne halbe Stunde gedauert? Hm, egal, ich mag die Live-Atmosphäre.
Bring on the funk!!
The crowd noises on this album are crazyy. Super high energy, and James Brown's voice is amazing. The moment where he gets the girls to scream, not "Ah!", but "Ow!": magical.
-One of the greatest live albums of all time -Beautiful transitions and bridges between songs -A perfect jazz/R&B album if there is one -Best Songs: Try Me, Think, Lost Someone -Worst Songs: None of them -Overall Rating: 10/10
Excellent!
Nice.
Great listen! Has a good upbeat tempo, you can't listen it to without moving some part of your body
Pros: great voice, swagger, and soulful music Cons: domestic violence, poor treatment of those around him, drug use. Hard to give a good rating based on how much of a piece of trash he was.
Das Album fängt seine beeindruckende Bühnenpräsenz und die mitreißende Energie seines Publikums ein. Die *Famous Flames* liefern eine kraftvolle musikalische Begleitung, und Songs wie *Try Me* und *I’ll Go Crazy* zeigen seine emotionale Intensität. Insgesamt ganz ok.
Good listen, but while I respect the man I think I'm never going to love him.
JB has the juice! Highlights: “Think” into “I Don’t Mind.” Overall incredible arrangement in the background vocals. Oddly the album feels sluggish at times and the entire run time is only 31 mins.
Great band.
Very cool, was distracted while listening but love to hear early R&B
The album kinda flew by and felt like it was over sooner than I expected - I wonder if the audience at the performance felt the same way. But hey, if I have a choice between some James Brown and no James Brown, I will take the some.
OK, nothing overly special. 2.5/5
he’s the absolute best but the live recording was difficult to listen to
not me screaming "Ow!" back to JB in my office :')
Really thought I’d like it more
Helluva live performance by the Godfather of Soul. Oozes with energy. Short record (half an hour) and the recording quality is definitely lacking but the women's loud screams throughout capture vibe.
Love James Brown. Not my favorite live album but the dude had it. 3.5 stars.
Great live album! James Brown is the man! 4/5.
I don't know about this one. It's certainly an powerful live performance and it makes sense that it's included over any of Brown's studio recordings, but something about it just doesn't resonate with me. It really does feel like a relic of a bygone era.
This again 🤨
Tons of energy. R&B is not really my thing but this was great listen.
eh
Pretty and probably nice to be there. Just ok as an album Will I listen to again: 4%
## 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.
Täydellin showlive! 5/5
Upea keikka ja hyvä taltiointi! 4/5
Actually really liked this one. Best album I got so far. Very smooth and just sounds like spring.
credit where credit is due, the man can work a crowd
Silky smooth
Decent, but I wanted something else. I prefer singing over screaming, although it works for the album.
I love all the screaming and yelling. Really, I do! It adds such energy. Makes it feel extra special
eh
I love james brown's music, but this is tricky , the band are racing through the tunes as if they went to leave early, the ballads are boring and it's another live album . 2
Unlike the live album I got yesterday, this one perfectly captures the show’s energy. A small venue like The Apollo is perfect for a live album. He earns the “Godfather of Soul” moniker.
Reminds me of when mom took me to an Elmo concert when I was 2 and I jumped on stage and started yelling curses at the crowd and they all joined in and Elmo tackled me and the crowd and we all yelled "OW!"
Ruined by the screeches of girls in the audience, as many 60s live recordings are. James Brown is talented but I don't need to hear the horny shrieks of women who are now in their late 70s at minimum
I like the vibes of an live performance in a old fashion bar fav song - Try Me 5/5
The live audience was so distracting. Also, James Brown is a bad man
Big band jazz vibes, sounds great. 3
Too much screaming from future grandmothers and great grandmothers to really enjoy the album. Plus, it’s only a half an hour long. Unless James Brown’s set was a part of an all day show at the Apollo, I would have felt that I wasn’t getting value for my money.
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!
Soul
Some similarities with the Cooke album..a raucous live album - although I don't think the songs are quite as strong as this one. Also, 3 songs called "Instrumental Bridge" but Brown failed to give us a "Take it to the Bridge" on any of them, which was a missed opportunity.
Aside for the fact I don’t think live albums should be on this list, I’ve never understood the love for this release. Yes, the live essence comes through, but the songs are not all that and it’s an easy pass for me in exchange for Brown’s studio work.
★★½
Can’t say this is bad, I just thought it was fine.
Nice album, a bit short. I do hope he played longer than 30 minutes or else I would've feel scammed in the audience. 3/5
Powerful and tight!
Wonderful!
This rules. Live sessions albums forever and ever
I thought I was opposed to live albums. More proof that I'm not
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
Ok, I guess I'm fucking stupid after all...
Solid live album, but not better than the other live albums so far that I like more. Not sure how much James Brown is on this list or if he had any good normal albums.
I don't usually like live albums but this one was pretty good. For once, I actually wish it was longer which is rare for this list. Best song was Try Me.
pretty good jazzy funky
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.
Unexpectedly enjoyable. Early 60s live recordings are a mixed bag. This is OK. 3/5.
nice nice nice
Kinda jazzy. I don’t really remember much about this album, good or bad. For that, it gets a 3/5.
I think I need to better understand the context here, as Brown’s prolific showmanship doesn’t fully translate into an audio-only format. Also I’m curious how they got such clean sounds but mostly hard-panned (rather than centered) the vox.
I can see why the medley was such a powerful thing and at a different time that would be my shit. Continuing the artifice concerns, Brown fronted the cost for this. Which is to say, this wasn’t some one-off happenstance capture of a band one night, but a deliberately staged, well-rehearsed performance. He and his manager knew they had something special and made sure to get it right. But the sense one has with so much time removed is capturing a glimpse through a keyhole, of, again “the real thing man” which was powerful enough in the years after to inspire entire bands and potentially a genre via the MC5, Stooges, early Who. Whereas now..? It’s not lost to time, at all, but... Keepers: I Don’t Mind, Try Me
This one is difficult for me because I’m a *huge* James Brown fan but also really dislike live records, they make me feel like something is just out of reach, like I hear the audience or the band enjoying something but I can’t see it or feel it, which somehow makes them feel more sterile than a studio recording. Anyway, weird because James Brown is thought of as essentially a band leader and performer, so you’d think this is the format he’d shine in. But this is also weirdly sequenced – the record itself doesn’t really come alive until the last 3 songs, everything else feels essentially like sketches (maybe because the instrumental interludes only come after a single 2 minute song? Not sure if that’s a setlist issue or, more likely, stuff was just left out), it’s like a Bob Pollard record. Aside: I really rate James Brown as a vocalist, which is not typically discussed as one of his strengths, but his gravelly voice cuts through horns/backing vocals so well, I like it so much more than the polished Motown sound, where so many vocalists never rise above the backing tracks. James is always working, he is the LinkedIn of singers. Please Please Please slaps. I rate this a 4 just because it’s James Brown and I know this show fucking killed, even if it doesn’t quite translate to record and I probably wouldn’t put this record on out of habit.
usually not a fan of live albums. But this puts you back in time. Enjoyable, but not stuff I know.
Bel sound, lyrics insomma
It's oke
Wow, I can see why James Brown is known as the Godfather of Soul, amazing album, I thought the mixing on this album was fantastic as every instrument came through as well as the crowd (for better or worse at times), the energy of the audience and performers really shown through
The women in the audience are positively feral Certified hood classics for sure
I love an artist who swings this hard to also be an entertainer
I know he’s the Godfather of Soul and this is a great example of this but it’s just not an album I’d choose to listen to.
It's difficult to deny the charisma and influence James Brown had, as evidenced by the screams in the audience (like how he croons "I believe somebody out here love someone" and someone shouts back "Yeah, YOU!!"). This album and live show set him up for his huge huge hits in the 70s which are pretty ubitiquitous by now. I see this album as a preview to those. And I'm sure this is like half of the artists on this list, but Brown was also a known abuser. It's unfortunate that he used his talent and fame to take advantage of the many women in his life.
I thought the sound of screaming fans was obnoxious in the Era's Tour movie, but this is on a whole different level. I would never listen to this again unless there is a remastered version that removes the crowd sounds, and that's coming from someone who loves live albums.
James Brown is just always gonna be so much fun. I feel like they could have gotten more mileage out of this being a live album; more audience banter, more interludes, even a little more clapping; I just wish we got a little more of the James Brown energy--they do this, but for whatever reason it just doesn't quite have the energy I'm accustomed to with him. So 4.25 rounding down, I'd say.
This was fun but too short imo. Didn't get the full depth of why he rox
So now, ladies and gentlemen, it is star time Are you ready for star time? Thank you, and thank you very kindly
Sure. It's James Brown, one of all time greatest artists since recording technology has existed. But there's nothing particularly unique or special about this live album that isn't better captured by a greatest hits compilation. I appreciate that JB needs to be on a list of albums to listen to before you die but this one isn't anything unique among any of his other work.
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.
a very good quality recording for a live album and james brown is always amazing
Didn’t like it. Not my type of music
The quality of recording was really great, but live albums are generally not my thing. Solid 3. 3/5
Would have loved to have seen this live. Such energy, such a cutting-edge artist, and so much future work and sound is based off of this. Sadly, I probably would have been given a really hard time and I told I don't belong there.
Great. Love James Brown
Imagine being there?! Damn.
damn this some good music
In contrast to yesterday’s live album, this one feels much more like being at an actual performance. There’s a fantastic opening introduction by Fats Gonder to get you hyped up, before James Brown himself comes on stage at his swaggering, sweaty, sex machine best. He has a fantastic natural rapport with the crowd, leading them in a call and response, feeling very much like the evangelical preacher he would go on to play in the Blues Brothers movie. Just an all round great live performance captured on vinyl!
I love to be contradicted from one album to the next. This live album is the opposite of the last one: it's still live, but it's a good and reasonable collection of songs, not packed from hours of live. The energy is conveyed much better, stay strong all along and it's really enjoyable.
Decent live album.
I've known this album for a long time. It's a long standing favourite. Great upbeat funky sounds
One thing is very clear, Brown knew how to take command of both the stage and the audience to great effect. He's one of those artists that has better live recordings than studio recordings.
First album! It was okay, I listened once while at work. I enjoyed reading the Apple Music listening notes to understand the importance of this album. 2 stars ⭐⭐
This is crazy. Live album from 1963. Thank god for technology that we can save these. You almost feel like you are in attendance. I had chills for the first 5-10 minutes of the album.. just a crazy feeling. Seriously cannot get over how good this is live. Hearing people in the background who may or may not still be living. This is great. And to make it even better, these are all one takes.. live.. absolute talent James was. This is so far my favorite
alright 3.5
Can understand the appeal of James brown and the impact of his music. Not my favour genre, but definitely a great album showcasing one of the heavyweights of early R&B music
Experience-wise, this is probably a 5. Soo fun to hear the crowd hyped up. Music-wise, I'll go with a 4 - this is an album about the energy more than the songs.
Bit a big fan of live albums but this one was pretty cool. 4 stars
Excellent live album. Sounds great, captures an artist at the height of their powers at a legendary venue with a hot crowd. Lots of fun to listen to.
James Brown! The Godfather of Soul! Great live album.
Favorite songs: Think, I'll Go Crazy Least favorite songs: I Don't Mind 3/5
I have to consider that this was released 60+ years ago. For the time it brought an energy rarely seen.
I really wanted to love this but it was no JB greatest hits for me.
The greatest live performer and his band, playing live, at an iconic venue, near the height of his powers.
Soul music with serious soul.
Pure energy, and the interaction between Brown and the audience... *chef's kiss*. 4/5
I enjoyed this fine, but not a tenth as much as the audience apparently did. It's James Brown, I got what I expected.
don't have much to say for this. was good.
Great band, funky as hell and James is on fire. It's short at 31 minutes but I can only imagine what it was like to be there to witness this. Makes me want to dig deeper in to his live stuff that came a little bit later.
10/04/2025 I like the old, live vibe.
Not a big James Brown fan, let alone live haha
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
I have to include this amazing quote from the late Wayne Kramer, via Wikipedia, on how James Brown influenced the MC5's live debut LP, Kick Out the Jams: "Our whole thing was based on James Brown. We listened to Live at the Apollo endlessly on acid. We would listen to that in the van in the early days of 8-tracks on the way to the gigs to get us up for the gig." Musically, this album captures pre-funk era JB. But it's still the call-and-response emcee-bandleader format for which he is known, and the screams from the audience reinforce its place in time and cultural importance. "I Don't Mind" and "Try Me" sound like 1950s torch songs, a side of him I hadn't heard before. The backing band is top notch, as you'd expect. Also have to give props to the excellent design incorporating a watercolor (I think?) on the cover.
I've listened to a lot of JB and I feel like this is not his best live recording but maybe it's that it was his first live recording that makes it stand out? I mean, JB's worst is better than most people's best and the way the crowd is clearly enthralled is a delight to behold. Imagine being in the audience for this show.
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).
That horn section is so tight even a live record shows no flaws.
Wikipedia trivia: "MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer cited Live at the Apollo as the inspiration to 'Kick Out the Jams'" A fun time capsule.
3/5
2.8 2x
En pahemmin välitä live-albumeista, mutta hyvää musiikkiahan tämä noin kuitenkin on.
Think this should be seen rather than just heard
4/5 - he gets better in a decade
If this wasn't a live version with screaming girls I would rate this so much higher but as it is not great ruins several songs.
To be honest, I never really got into James Brown because his vocal style and tone never really appealed to me. That said, I thought this was a decent live album. The energy and atmosphere are fun and uplifting, and the musical instrumentation stood out the most for me. It’s not a personal favorite, but I can appreciate what it brings to the table.
Not bad for the time
One of my all time favorites
I suppose fine. I want some of the James Brown hits. Cool to read the story of how it came about.
This mans wikipedia page is psychotic.
If I had encountered this album early on my journey, I probably would have given it five stars. But after hearing several other fantastic live jazz albums from this time period, this one wasn't particularly impressive. Still fun though
That was great! Hard to believe there was a point where this had to be argued to be released.
I don’t listen to James Brown for the ballads. So what this album does best is capture the energy of James in that moment. But the last legacy of James isn’t necessarily best captured here.
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.
The pageantry of it all is kind of fun, but the actual music is not really for me.
Enjoyable but meh live album
Mest ropase tyckt ja
What a snapshot in time.
Un album moins centré sur le son funky de JB mais avec de la bonne soul à fond les ballons
Not as fiery and rambunctious as you'd expect from a James Brown live album. Although usually ranked as one of the best live albums of all time, I don't find too much variety on here. Brown is going through the slower, soul hits well enough, though there is nothing on here that knocks me off my feet. Best Tracks: - Medley - Lost Someone Worst Tracks: - Night Train Rating: 3.5/10
Have to give this a 4 just because of James Brown's place in rock'n'roll, soul and funk history. This album also a fine live album with JB working the crowd and the crowd right behind him all the way.
Interesting album, not sure if it fully captures the intensity of a James Brown concert, but that might be due to the quality of the recording.
I feel good about this
Eher nicht meins
Nebenbei gehört. Nicht so wirklich meins leider.
Decent, but not really for me.
I personally liked this more than most "classic" James Brown I've heard throughout my life, as it was closer to jazz and soul than "funk." For this music, the live atmosphere makes sense and makes it feel more alive, though the cheering and whooping would bother me on further listens. But, yeah, the music is classic and timeless, and the performance is completely top tier.
Great energy, amazing performance, and beautifully captured. Pretty out there for 1962, this is an insightful document of the genesis of the James Brown sound.
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.
Soooo good!!
2.71
What a great album! Loved it
I'm not a huge fan of LIVE albums, but I'll happily listen to James Brown anytime. Always feels high in energy and soulful! It is a great album either way, and I'm happy I listened to it!
29 March 2025
Not my usual style but really enjoyed this!
Soul is a bit boring. This is ok.
Beautiful production, full of atmosphere, amazing performance
Undeniable
Soul & R&B legend. Sounds amazing for a live album from 1962, compare this to the Love Me Do by the Beatles, day and night difference. Rapid fire album, barely 31 mins long. The album starts in rapid fashion after the introduction with 4 songs all under 2.40 each, the album slows down for a 10 minute rendition of Lost Someone before bringing up the tempo, and the screaming of the crowd, for the Medley. fav tracks Lost Someone I don't mind
Star time! More soul than funk?
I don't love live albums generally. And this one was... Decidedly meh.
I think live albums shouldn't qualify for this list. They're largely pointless and a bit of a cop out to even fill space with them here. This was short and a waste of 20 minutes
James Brown is a legend. The dance moves, the screeching, the break beats. Not a fan of live albums, but the man has an undeniable aura to him.
what a band
Какие-то кричалки и церковные проповеди
It was all right. In general not a fan of live records, with a few exceptions
He goes all in, doesn't he? And the crowd going wild very much demonstrates what a different era it was – when this kind of untrammeled expression felt new and quite dangerous (especially to squares). One could do with a little less outrageous spectacle and maybe just a bit more, you know, singing; after all, he was a singular balladeer and, one believes, showmanship goes only so far and too often edges into outright pandering (see "Lost Someone"). "Try Me" is pretty deeply affecting. The medley is an impressive feat – like it's aiming to enter the Guinness Book of World Records or something – not least the road-trip name-dropping which plays like the funk version of "I've Been Everywhere, Man" by that other man in black. The Flames are Fabulous indeed.
Get up! Get on up!
God level performance
Why don't more bands do shows or make albums with instrumental bridges between songs? That was a tight half hour album. So much so I had to listen to it two more times.
Very loud
My very first introduction to james brown
This albums was really good. I've always admired James Brown for his energy and it very much comes through in this live recording.
Was a pretty fun and engaging live album. I enjoyed it. 3.25/5
I was lukewarm to it at first but that extended version of Lost Somebody brought me back
it's 3.5
As good as a live album gets - clean and raw at the same time. The band sounds great, so does Brown's voice. I like the fact that the album is short, it gets more of the energy across. None of the songs stood out much on their own, but as a whole the album is a cool listen, although I did find the crowd's screaming off-putting at times. All musicality and cultural impact aside - JB was an abusive scumbag and that fact is pretty hard to ignore...
I can appreciate this and James Brown is undoubtedly an amazing vocalist, but it's just not my thing. Live performances are rarely as interesting to me to listen to out of context like this, and the screaming and stuff (very 60s) just puts me off a bit. The second track is stellar, I'd definitely listen to it again. The medley goes crazy. I wasn't huge on the last track either but this album is worth it for the medley alone.
This albums falls into the category of something I would not listen to specifically but thoroughly enjoyed. And also falls into the same category as Neil Young and Bob Dylan and some of the others I've heard in which the genius is very apparent. I loved how the songs felt spontaneous and raw but also rehearsed and slick at the same time. It went by so fast I wish there was more.
2.5/5
James Brown sure knows how to whip up the crowd. Honestly, the crowd sort of makes the album for me, in the same way that most people listen to live Grateful Dead rather than their studio albums. It add a whole new dimension to the experience. As for the music. Seems perfectly fine. I have virtually no experience with the Soul or Funk genres (yet) and so as far as first experiences go, the experience was not amazing, but it wasn't awful either. I listened to the album several times, since it was so short. I also opted to listen to the extended/expanded edition, with about 10 more minutes of music. The stand out songs for me are Lose Someone > Medley: Please Please Please, but that's really only because the entire audience is going absolutely wild.
He hits women so I didn’t listen
What do I even say. Jaut not my type I suppose.
Love this album and it’s groove 9/10
Heard various James Brown songs before but never an album. Quite fun but at the same time nothing special 2/5
Before there was Eddie Murphy singing James Brown, there was James Brown. Before there was that James brown, there was this James Brown - early rock’n’roll with screaming girls in the appreciative crowd, singing songs so ahead of their time they could be released today. I’m loving these early live albums, with their honest recordings and fantastic energy - I don’t think this exists anymore and it’s a shame.
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…
I'm ready for Star Time. These screams sound piped in, but I'm sure they're sincere. 'Think' and 'Night Train' are essentials.
I wanted to love this - I was so excited when I saw it. I only really liked it. Really fun, but nothing totally blew me away.
Zzzzzzzz 4/10
I gave this a 4 just because it's amazing to hear someone sing live like that. He was really a singular talent. The band was good, the recording itself was also good. I probably won't put this on again soon but I will definitely come back to this when in the mood for a live record.
I’m sure it’s sacrilege or whatever but I’ve never been a huge James Brown fan - once you’ve heard one funky bop you’ve heard ‘em all, I reckon. No doubt he was a force of nature as a performer though, so including a live album of his seemed like a smart move. I’m still not a huge fan though; musically it just doesn’t do much for me. Plus the sequencing is all over the place (one song dragged out over 10 minutes, then 8 crammed into 6 minutes?! Madness!) The energy from the stage and the audience is good, but it didn’t move me the way that, say, Sam Cooke’s live album from this era did. 2.5 stars
You can tell the crowd loved it. High energy performance, he did great, but the music sucks
I dojnt like this stuff but its listenable, albeit not enjoyable
I played the album twice. There are tons of repetition of the same “melody” but I can’t really remember any of them. I don’t like screaming either. I know the album is historically important and I fully respect that. But sorry I am the mistake, not the album. I’m just a basic person whose attention span has been fully polluted by all the TikTok videos in 2025. I know it’s bad but it’s happened, and still on going. Right. So, my very honest opinion: rubbish. One star.
James Brown could read the ingredients to a shampoo bottle and I’d probably give it 3 stars. That being said I’m not quite at a 5 for this one. I didn’t really have a stand out song or two that I loved. But it was a fun listen and I might come back. I love his style and the way his band gets down. Or gets up. Whichever direction they’re getting I’m with it.
man, i was really excited for this album when it popped up. James Brown is one of the all time greats, and I haven't listened to much of him at all. that being said, this album I feel like didn't actually have much of him on there. his range was insane, but I felt like it was a lot of screaming and shouting, and I didn't get to hear a whole ton of him singing. for a 30 minute album, theres only like 22 minutes of him singing. which is super short for a live album it seems. all in all, i was really excited for this, but the album itself i don't think does him justice. the little that we get to hear of him is great... but I wanted more. for the record, I think James Brown himself merits a higher score, but this album to me is a high 2, low 3. I might even change it to a 2 in the future, but it feels wrong to rank him that low.
It’s so hard to judge old music because I really have no understanding of the context. This album was enjoyable, and I get why James Brown was famous 60 years ago, but I got a little bored at some points - there’s no reason “Lost Someone” needed to be 11 minutes long on the album. If it’s live, no problem, but it’s just too repetitive to listen to in isolation. That being said, I wish there was generally more time on this album, as long as there was enough unique content to fill it.
I really enjoyed this album. A good blend of jazz undertones combined with more current (for the time) rock beats. Wish the songs would’ve been a little longer. I’m also just a sucker for live albums. Feels cool to be listening to the exact sounds at that exact moment in time.
Classic. I enjoyed it me. I really love the layered vocal sound if executed well, which this album does!
I think this is another album that I’m ignorant of when it comes to its impact and importance. Clearly, this one has been held on a pedestal for the past sixty years, and it is a really enjoyable album, it just doesn’t have the staying power that all of the accolades would lead you to believe it has. Still a solid listen, definitely short and sweet. I could be swayed to a four, but I’ll play it safe.
The following questions and comments are for the song "Lost Someone": I wonder what the sheet music looks like for this song. Is it just 4 bars with a x73 behind it? I think the band needs a safe word. Are they just looking around at each other going "Do we end on this one? Nope, guess we're going around again."? Is that how James Brown actually feels, or is this all scripted? Is he just going for it, or does he have a set of index cards with phrases he's going to say on them? Halfway through, did someone tell James Brown that he wasn't actually singing into the mic? I think the audience should receive a lead vocals credit on this recording. The drummer is definitely a power bottom. James Brown is clearly in charge, but 2 hard bass drum kicks put the song to an end. Do you think James Brown knows this album is really only 20 minutes long and is just padding for time?
This album is okay. Classic rhythm and blues. Soulful. I like his husky, gritty voice. Most of the songs are very short. The screaming was a bit distracting.
The recording quality is surprisingly good for the time, and based on the crowd reaction it was a hell of a show, and I don't doubt for a second it was. However, for me this didn't translate to a particularly great listen.
Classic album