Reviews (page 10 of 14)
Sounds like it was a fun night
It's okay
Nothing special. Heard it all before and live recordings rarely capture the music
was alright
Pretty good for a live album
Its good
This could have had a much higher rating if it wasn’t a live album. I don’t like live albums. I do like Sam Cooke and I knew a lot of songs on this album. I will always prefer Otis Redding to Sam Cooke, but I do really like Sam Cooke. I knew Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin’ the Night Away, and Bring It On Home to Me, which is my favorite Sam Cooke song.
Incredible voice, I just am not moved.
I do not know this album, but need to investigate.
Don’t really care for the live version
Normally I am against live albums, but this sounds like a party. Release delayed because the record label was afraid the world would find out what a freak Sam really was. "Lady, you shot me!"
7/10 Best songs: Chain Gang, Cupid Generally speaking, I am very against live albums on this list. However, I'm finding that some exceptions do exist; older albums (1950s/1960s) tend to be fairly strong, for example, probably due to their lack of computer-related production. Similarly, albums where the musician is clearly very talented at crowd work and engages the audience with aplomb tend to be strong. This album fulfills both of those criterion, which makes it rather successful in my book. That being said... this album wasn't released for 20+ years after it was recorded, which means that it wasn't deemed good enough to be released at the time (or even when Sam Cooke was alive). That gives me the ick. Why on earth was this album selected and not another one? It makes no sense.
355/1089 a nice, joyful sould record. i enjoyed listening to this one 61/100
En lo personal nunca me ha fascinado tanto escuchar albums en vivo, sea cual sea el género. Fuera de eso, si, las pistas son una joya
it's fine but live albums are never going to be my thing.
This feels like you are in the middle of the audience dancing and sweating away
Quite fun. Sounds like a good time.
Meh, qualidade do som é ruim demais, basicamente um resumo dos maiores hits dele, escutar os remasters isoladamente dentro de seus respectivos álbums é melhor. Mas todas as músicas são lindas e o setlist merece mais reconhecimento.
Another great old live album. The energy this guy had performing sounds awesome. It gives you a great idea why Sam Cooke is such a legendary name in music
Not a bad album at all. Sound quality is obviously of its time, but the music stands the test of time and is worth a listen.
Bueno el soul y muy prendida la banda
it was okay, not my favorite but it was jazz so i enjoy it
Really wearing out that I-VI chord progression. And, I feel like a parent of a Boomer complaining at all the references to babies, telephones, and twisting. But still, 3 stars to you Sam. Really brought the energy and was a fun listen to a more gritty version of the man. In 63 I would have been nearby hearing the awesome hard bop jazz instead, but if I stumbled into this place with the teeny boppers I would have had a good time. Also respect for teasing the crowd with You Send Me and then, not actually sending it.
Fun listen
Great singer, boring songs though. Not a fan of live albums fie the 1001 but the energy on this was excellent.
Great to listen to, smooth. Not so much my thing but easy to have on.
pretty good! i rarely listen to this genre. favourite song: twistin' the night away
Great voice and kind of looks like the comedian Josh Johnson to me. A nice soul record.
516/1089 - It's fine. Energetic. I listened ahead in the list so I know there's still good stuff to generate but it's been a ton of filler these past few weeks.
I love the live listening aspect, and Sam be laying it down on the mic
Pretty good album. Wouldn't listen to it religiously, though.
Wow. Sam Cooke knows how to work a crowd and have a good time. It sounded like one hell of a night.
Fun album and they could certainly play their instruments and sing well. For me, the songs seemed to blend into each other and there were no quiet songs. They were all on the same level.
Absolute legend
Yet another iconic voice, but also yet another live best of selection. Ultimately, I think that for his voice alone, he deserves to be on the list but are there no albums of his that made the grade…?
mid, not my cup of tea lol
Pre Listen: Sam Cooke is unknown to me, but I'll let him cook. I see the saxophone on the album cover, and I know I love jazz, so I have slightly higher expectations than usual. Notable Tracks: Chain Gang - Oh, I know this one. I've heard better iterations of it, specifically from the studio versions. Classic song on every oldies radio station thought. Bring It on Home to Me - Not a big fan of this one, least favorite song on the album. I've never really liked sing-talking type songs, and this one goes on for too long. Post Listen: Ehhh, wasn't quite what I was expecting. This album has sort of solidified how I feel about "Live" albums. They aren't great. Live music is excellent to hear when you're actually there. You can record it on your phone, and listen back to it, but it'll never sound right. Recording devices just don't capture the atmosphere, the energy, the acoustics of the room, the visual spectacle, any of it. The audience's hoots and hollers are just annoying. Plus live-recording devices are almost always inferior to the level of sound quality a studio recording gives you. After listening I visited some of Sam Cooke's studio work, and man his voice is so different in this recording from his prior stuff. It sounds a lot worse, strained and drained. I'm not a fan of his little quips between lyrics. That being said, I enjoy the overall sound for most of the songs, there's nothing bad about his actual singing and his bands instrumentals. Just a very forgettable album, that would've been a lot better if it wasn't live. 3/5
Fine. Really great vocalist here and a charming live album but I’m just not that into it :/
Det är bra musik, men blir inte något man lyssnar på mer än en gång
Love Sam Cooke, not a huge live album fan
I liked this, but it’s a shame it’s a live album.
Fit the vibe of summer having the windows down in da car 🚘
Not for me
Pros: Full of character, soulful performances, great crowd work, tight band. Cons: repetitive, not enough unpredictability, free-form, experimentation for me.
it really is too bad it sounds like crap
Good peacefull car ride album. Not my every day music, nevertheless 3/5.
Great material here but the delivery is rushed and the production/fidelity is iffy. That said, there is no denying how great of a singer Sam was. Gone too soon.
Overall good, liked the first few songs the most
No era malo solo no es mi tipo de musica
To much the same
I like soul and all, but I didn't care for this much.
Lovely guy
Live albums aren't really my bag, but this sounds like a brilliant gig. Loads of energy. I probably won't revisit it but happy to have had the chance to listen to it. Hoping another Sam Cooke album comes up in this list.
my favorite song was “twistin’ the night away” it’s very fun! this is probably the best soul album i’ve listened to!
Ta algo asi, no tan emocionante.
Great energy and vibe! What a voice too.
Pleasant, but again is getting marked down because I'm not sure live albums belong.
Album #98, Sam Cooke, One Night Stand! Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963, ⭐⭐⭐ You get an absolute vocal masterclass from Sam Cooke on this album. He’s just got an incredible voice and unbelievable charisma as a performer. Even through the recording you can hear the showmanship and stage presence. He really keeps the audience engaged the whole way through. It’s a three-star album all day for me because while it’s very enjoyable, it’s not really the kind of record that leaves me with loads to ponder afterwards. It’s more of a party record, a good time album. But that’s not necessarily a criticism either. Sometimes you just need an album with a great vibe, and this absolutely has that. It’s energetic, loose and really fun to listen to. It just isn’t terribly interesting beyond that for me personally. Still though, really enjoyed it, and on to the next one.
The man asks people to have a party and he doesn't stop. The seamless transitions from tune to tune, old classics and originals, give the sense that this soul will keep going on its own momentum in perpetuity.
it’s very apparent how much influence this album and Sam Cooke in general, has had on music specifically, omitting his profound impact on black music for now. The song chain gang for example is clearly the inspiration or even blueprint for bb kings’ ‘Worry Worry Worry’. I’m just being quite self indulgent and enjoying those sorts of dots being joined in my head, my relationship to and understand of music as a facet of culture is beginning to materialise. We come a long way from J hus and Giggs
5/10 Fun listen. Very Groovy
Yeah
not my typical jam. But i get it
Se escucha mal el audio
High-octane and electrifying performance
that was lovely
Pretty decent.
classic album by one of the greats, but not personally my style
Love Sam Cooke. I feel like he has a firm grasp on this particular version of the genre. While this album had lots of fun and unique energy being recorder in Harlem, I actually didn't feel like the album as a whole fully showcased his talents and production skills.
Exciting performance of some upbeat and fun R&B songs, but honestly it was starting to sound like the same song over and over again by the end. I do appreciate the music and the performance, but I don't think I'll be seeking this one out again.
Live album of old school RnB and soul. Love Chain Gang already, live version is fun too, with audience getting into it too! Sam Cooke can really rock it, not the vision I had of him beforehand! And his voice is very strong live. It does become standard 12 bar blues after a point, first few tracks definitely hit hardest. Best track - Chain Gang, Cupid Going with Chain Gang - even though I know the song, the live version is electric with the crowd 3 stars in the end, despite some great tracks
I generally am a fan of live albums, and this one was fun and did a great job capturing the energy of a live show. That said, the tracks themselves were a bit too, I don’t know, “fifties” for me? Maybe I’m just not a big “do the twist” guy? Sam Cooke is awesome, but this album falls just short of that.
Another beautiful time capsule. Close your eyes and you are attending a live performance.
Härlig skiva! Glad och positiv som man blir pigg av. Passar bra till fredags matlagning
While I do somewhat struggle to connect with early soul recordings, I am willing to accept that as my problem, not Sam Cooke's. Although, this is definitely a good time. This has many of the draws of other live albums by similarly talented performers from this time. Sam Cooke pretty much has the whole venue eating out of the palm of his hand at all times, and the energy he gives off, and that the audience returns does create a sort of invisible, palpable bond that this recording captures. That being said, I don't have a particularly strong connection to the music here, although it is certainly powerful and joyful, *and* well performed. I appreciate this most as a document of an event, and it serves this purpose incredibly well.
It was fine.
Super fun album.
Soul, R&B.
Exuberant. Sounds like summer. I like it but I don't love it
Twist music often feels a bit same-y to me, and this album as well could not escape this. Sam Cooke has an undeniable charm, but it doesn't feel as unique to me. I don't think i will choose this album for repeat listerning, but i wouldn't mind if someone else played it.
Soul blues toujours un peu pareil, une ambiance qui doit être très cool quand t'es sur place mais sinon un peu long et redondant
J’aime pas trop les albums live mais on peut imaginer que ça bougeait bien dans le public C’est pas mal !
Chill blues
Behageligt live-album. God lyd. Stor 3'er.
One thing I've learned from this challenge, I just really really really don't care for live albums. This is fine
What a voice. Second listen to this this year and it’s a very enjoyable listen
3 sterne
O soul do Sam Cooke é realmente um misto com o gospel e nesse disco ao vivo percebe-se que a festa e a experiência de igreja negra, apesar de polares, parecem pertencer à mesma linguagem.
Good album. The sound really felt like you were in the room from the grittiness from the mic to the audience noises. Great band especially good drummer who stayed super solid the whole time. Obviously Cooke is just an amazing singer with great energy. Only negative comments is maybe there wasn’t as much variation as I would have liked.
Mmm not my type
Good album, but didn't standout.
Big fan of the energy he brings.
It's fun and has palpable energy but the song style is pretty dated and doesn't seem to know if it really wants to be soul or pop
Muy Bueno, La historia de Sam es bastante interesante, el album, 3.56/5 picos altos como tambien, bajos.
씐나네요
Good music just not really my thing
Encuentro valiosa la recomendación pero definitivamente no es un género que disfrute mucho. Buen interprete.
Bonne découverte mais pas fan des albums live
Pa simpa album, ali mi ne radi ništa posebno, mislim da je to jedan od onih albuma koje treba čuti live u tom vremenu da stvarno možeš cijeniti. Smiješno mi je njegovo vrištanje, na trenutke zvuči kao atmosfera s neke aukcije 😅 3/5, 5/10
3.5 Really cool hearing the crowdwork between the songs
Well, why I don't think I personally am going to get into Jazz as a genre, I can see what about it draws people in. It's a very alive kind of music and that is something I can appreciate. Not really my vibe though, it's too much going on at once
Muy buena voz
Stämning!
Sam Cooke är fin. Riktigt svängigt, svettigt och mysigt. Genomgående gospel-pastor feeling. Tycker det var lite för mycket samma-låt-rock n roll och för lite dynamik. Det hade höjt helheten om han tog ner det och blev mer finstämd ibland. Men stark 3a.
Efter introt i åtminstone tre låtar trodde jag att det skulle komma ett: dont know much about historyyy. Blev prankad! Trots att allt låter nästintill likadant var det fan rätt skoj lyssning ändå. Otrolig röst, otrolig stämning och egentligen bara hits. Melodierna är ju nice ändå. Stark trea!
Vilken härlig kväll det måste varit. Trevligt! Blir ju inspirerad till att också börja interagera med publiken konstant. Bara man hade den rösten!
Not my vibe at all
It's fun, his voice is great as always. 7/10
6/10
good
Good quality live music but I’ve never been a fan of the music quality for live recordings. Helps set the atmosphere overall though!
An energetic and fun performance whose nature of having been recorded live provides the listener with some of the overflowing enthusiasm of the performer and their audience. Cooke is a masterful artist and this recording provides a high quality representation of his skill as a musician and performer.
Kris is right, every song kinda sounds the same
No me volvió loco, pero estuvo linda la escucha. No creo que vuelva a visitar este disco igual ya que no hubo nada que me enganche o entusiasme.
Some upbeat songs that get you moving. Recognizable moments that influenced future artists.
Not a Soul or R&B fan but this is so catchy and has pop and rock sensibility that transcends genre. Fun
Kind of easy to tune out like it was fine but not hugely for me. Lots of talent though and I liked the ambience.
we're in the weeds again (the 60s)
Solid gritty performance but dunno if it is essential listening
Sam Cooke deserves an MVP award for this performance and probably a cool drink of water, because his throat is gonna be raw. The quick edits between songs and the prominent crowd noise keep the energy high. But just like the band, the listener could use a breather every now and then. These factors also make things feel performative, like the band is racing against the clock: The faster-tempo version of “Cupid” feels hurried and loses some of its oomph, for example. In the end, this illustrates my problem with most live albums: I’m sure this was an incredible performance to see in person, but these aren’t my favorite versions of these songs.
I understand we gotta have live albums to get at this period of music history without resorting to singles/greatest hits collections, but this recording and the edits didnt really do this material justice.
Спасибо fylthy frank.
His voice is phantastic. But him hyping up the crowd was so annoying (maybe for European ears? I hate it when performers overdo it) that I couldn't enjoy.
3.4
I felt it and was not fighting it on this one. Almost felt sped up but was great energy throughout. Sam’s voice is crazy Fave song: Bring it Home to Me & Nothing can Change This Love 3/5
Sam is always a great listen. Didnt really love this album live, voice felt different altough it sounded good Just feels the recordings was not that great. Good album and energy on stage though
I'd be less sad if I could sing like this.
amazing live atmosphere and vocals, don’t usually like live albums very much but this is great
I had never heard of Sam Cooke or realised the importance of his music.I'm not generally a fan of love recordings but I enjoyed this. I could imagine being there, what a night!
Sam is totally killing it here. He's an amazing singer and his performance here is top-notch. The crowd loves him. And as loud as this set is, it feels intimate and personal - I feel like I'm there, in a tiny room, sweating through my button-down, dancing the night away. My issue with this record is one that I have with a number of live albums from the 60s and 70s. *Somebody is out of tune.* It could be the bass, or the guitar, but it's someone whose job is holding the chords together and when they are off from the other instruments and/or themselves, it drives me nuts, and I can't hear anything else. The other thing that gets me is that the set blends together after awhile. I like soul and r&B, but these songs all have a similar key, tempo, minimal dynamic range, and the same changes. The vocal performance, the showmanship, the energy, the raw quality of the recording is all excellent. But those two issues really hold it back for me. THREE STARS
Actually jazzy
⭐️⭐️⭐️ It was a good listen. I'd probably give it 5 stars if had heard it for the first time in '63, but to my 21st century ears, it just sounds like some darn good rhythm and blues. It was probably some sort of important milestone of the genre or something, but from a purely musical standpoint, it's really nothing to write home about. Cooke's voice was outstanding, but the instrumentation was just a standard blues rock twist arrangement. The songs didn't have a lot of direction or focus, which is what I value most in music. The album definitely accomplished it's purpose (being a loose and groovy live r&b record), so, if you're looking for exactly that type of record, this should be a 10/10 for you. I feel like I'm supposed to love this album and rant about how good it is because it's a classic release from a classic artist, but when it comes down to it, this is just genre music. It's not bad, but it's nothing new either (unless this album broke some sort of ground I wasn't aware of). Anyway, I'm sure I would have a blast if I were in the room on that night, but listening to the recording on my bed while dicking around on google maps was roughly a 5.8/10 (⭐️⭐️⭐️) experience. It was just just a perfectly passable live album with an unenergetic crowd from an artist who's put out far better material. 0.0 - 1.9 = ⭐️ 2.0 - 3.9 = ⭐️⭐️ 4.0 - 5.9 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6.0 - 7.9 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.0 - 10 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
a blast from the past. I'm not a huge fan of live albums and this one is no exception to that preference. Not something I'd choose to listen to.
Surely after this night, men wanted to be him, and women wanted to be with him.
So many reviews calling this the best live album that’s ever existed and man that is some high praise. It was solid, an overall fun time, but I just didn’t get the hype to that degree.
Sam cooked indeed! This is music that I can't quite imagine myself liking all that much in a studio release, but with the energy of a live setting it becomes a whole new thing. So soulful! Standouts: Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons • Twistin' The Night Away
Ok.
6 / 10 - rau, ungeschminkt und authentisch - Kann mir gut vorstellen, dass dieses Album die "Blues Brothers" wohl sehr beeinflusst hat - fast-paced, durchgehend energiegeladen - Wenig Dynamik, aufgrund der durchgehend hohen Energie und pausenlosen Songwechseln eventuell etwas monoton
Não sou dos maiores entusiastas de albuns ao vivo, mas esse mereceu minha atenção, a atmosfera criada pelo Cooke e a sua banda dão a sensação de estar no show e isso minimiza as questões com a gravação ao vivo. O Sam tem uma voz ótima e a versão ao vivo de "Cupid" é realmente um acontecimento
Imagine shelving an album for 12 years because you had issues with it. RCA clearly shouldn't have done that. "Live at the Harlem Square Club" is a good album. It's not the best of Cooke's dis3 stacography, but it's fine. I'm just asking why there are so many live albums on this list? 3 stars for "Live at the Harlem Square Club".
bueno
Very great. New style
Gran álbum. Una leyenda el tipo. La onda que le pone. Album de un show 1963. No se puede creer. 6/10
Did not stand out to me even after two listens
Favorite songs: Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin the Night Away, Bring It On Home to Me
test
muy griton
Wikipedia tells me Sam Cooke is the most important soul singer in history, but this is pretty much indistinguishable from early rock'n'roll with a lot of the same blues and doo-wop song structures and instrumentation. Feels like his intros are longer than the songs on a lot of these tracks, and it's a short album to start with! Great voice though, and you can hear the energy in the room.
A fun listening experience for sure, I think it was great, but I wouldn’t probably listen again. Personally, I’m not normally the biggest fan of live albums as something I would listen to regularly. I think as well, live albums are just a random selection of songs from a performance rather than a standard album where the songs have been more purposely chosen and curated. Standout songs however for me were ‘Chain gang’ and ‘Twistin the night away’, overall, a good listen, I do like some of Sam Cooke’s other songs.
Lively, vividly
It's great to hear his voice live, obviously Cooke is a genius and an absolute legend. But live many live albums, this one makes me feel like I missed a really fun evening. This recording is the faintest echo of what that experience must have been like.
Live gör det inte för mig. Man vill vara där.
Как-то не проникся, не расслушал.
This album is a lot grittier than most of the Sam Cooke I've heard. It's less polished, and that's not a bad thing. Favorite song: Chain Gang
Meh, 2.8
Takes me back to 60s even though I was not alive Very energetic which I love The live crowd adds something to the vibe Sam still sounds good Very jazzy and love songs mainly The band playing along also sounds good Like how he involves the crowd Special energy Favorite song: Sentimental Reasons
I love a live album - feels like I’m a part of it. Also loved all the ad libs in there :) this album just made me smile. Is it my particular music taste? No, not at all. Will I listen to it again? No, probably not. Did I thoroughly enjoy listening to it today? Absolutely. And that’s why I’m doing this whole project! Favorite: medley: it’s all right/sentimental reasons
This captures the feeling of being at a concert, complete with the shouts of the crowd. Favourite track: Cupid
Prior to being assigned this album on this website, I had 4 of Sam Cooke's songs liked on Spotify. All of these were from the original albums or compilations, none of them were live. I am not a huge fan of "live" recordings in general - usually preferring the album versions of most songs. That being said, I am no stranger to live songs - having ~140 live songs "liked" on Spotify - but that's out of 5,600+ songs so it's still a small subset. It was interesting to hear this - because I definitely can hear his influence on artists I like - such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger - especially on stage. It was also cool to hear him totally letting loose in the live setting. For example, just listening to the song "Bring It On Home To Me" - the live version is much more raw and energetic, where the studio version is much more polished and smooth. Both are cool - but you can "feel it" more in the live version. After listening 3 times, I ended up liking 5 songs on this one ("Feel It", "Chain Gang", the Medley, "Bring It On Home To Me" and "Having a Party") - and will look forward to them popping up on my playlists. Liked songs on Spotify: 5/10 Rating: 3/5
No me gustan los Lps en directo, se pierde siempre sonido y a veces las voces son lamentables. Sam Cooke supera la prueba del vivo pero aún así lo prefiero en estudio.
2.7 1x
Good entertainer. Brilliant idea to get the crowd to sing for you!
All the songs kinda meld into one song but honestly a good listen- don’t usually vibe with 60s music
3.5
Very chaotic concert! Mr. Cooke was definitely on some sort of drug during this concert. I can see why they delayed releasing this material to the public.
The energy is great from the artist and the crowd, which gives a real insight into the time and place. So it’s a lovely slice of history. Do I love the music, well it’s OK for a while but then I get a bit bored. Also I question the song about coming home, waking up your wife and singing to her ‘it’s all OK’. Pretty sure most chaps would get short shrift and a couple of nights in the spare room. Come on Sam, you’re fooling no-one with your relationship advice there mate.
Definitely a party. The music and singing isn't a lot of variety, but Sam sure knows how to give a good time. 3.5/5
I liked this album more than I expected. I loved the guy’s energy with the crowd and I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much as a studio album. Glad it wasnt overly jazzy !
Tycker live-album är sådär generellt
I like it for what it is! I wouldn’t seek if out, but I appreciate how fun it is and how Sam Cooke paved the way for music
Groovy
He sings well enough, but i don't like live albums
Sam singing all the hits and sounding like he has the audience eating from his hands. Gives a good overall impression of what it may have been like to be present. But, some clumsy editing and less than sparkling quality makes me think it could have sounded better. 3.5 rounded down.
good
So much energy and a wonderful warm, soulful, energetic and smooth performance. It's super cohesive adn I like how you can hear the audience noise, this is clearly super meaningful for them. Songs are delivered with love and passion and instrumentation is tight. I agains truggle with live albums but this is a ripping performance
Great raw sound
Good blues
Okay. Nice
Good energy. Would be better for actually seeing live.
This record documents well the ecstatic vibe that Sam Cooke and his great band are able to create in the live situation. Feelgood soul, from start to finish.
Great soul records are always welcome! This one was was recorded just under few years before his untimely death. Lots of classic tracks, but I did expect to hear lots more soul tunes and not rock 'n roll. However, enjoyable listen, his voice was amazing.
Джазовый альбом Не очень сильно понравился но все равно круто
Joar.
Ziemlich cool, aber kein WOW
Another live album that isn’t impacted negatively by it! Great voice I would have loved to be there it sounded like such a fun time. Chain Gang was a great song I hadn’t heard before and obviously Bring it On Home to Me was fantastic as well. Really liked this one Sam Cooke is amazing.
I will definitely need to revisit this someday.
Easy listening, good.
wuaaaa moc hezke uplifting album, jak kdybych tam byla
great soul music, but not a particularly great album, neither structurally, nor production-wise
Music was fine, just really boring.
not something I would add to my personal collection, however, for this being shelved for 20 years before it came out is a crime. I understand Cooke wasn't trying to be a huge pop star, but this certainly would have put him in another level given the raw vocals he brings.
I love Sam Cooke. And these songs are great. But live albums from this era are just not my favorite. The banter with the audience almost feels unreal and the audience almost sounds like they’re not listening to him. Then the songs are mostly played very quickly and it’s just a list of them. Musically I enjoyed this and I would have loved to have been there, but from the perspective of listening as an album, it’s not my favorite.
Gritty, raw, & lively
The jazzy vibes are impeccable, and the raspy voice really adds to the effect. Despite this, it’s not really my style of music, but it is overall enjoyable and pleasant on the ears :>.
“darling i’m never lonely” groovy crowd interaction lovely a sincerity and straightforwardness i find hard sometimes would listen again
Not my thing. Like with many live albums if I was familiar with the original recordings I would behave have gotten more from the live album. Full of energy
Nice songs, good singing. Disrupted by live audience participation
Him telling the audience the words to his song just before he sings them is not cool.
As far as live albums go, this was a fun one. Nothing memorable but enjoyable.
Enjoyed that one.
January 1, 2026
Fun to intentionally listen to some music I wouldn't intentionally seek out a lot of the time. I'd heard quite a bit of Sam Cooke before, but I really should make a point of seeking out live recordings, especially of older music. Really brings a new dimension to the recordings.
Good and groovy but similar sounds for each, cool to hear live version. Sam Cooke rocks but I probably wouldn’t just throw this on
Interesting. Not really my genre but I'm Always open to something new
Another quick and easy classic live album. Still don't really have a strong opinion or know if these should be on here but I understand the concept of the album was a bit different back then. 6/10
Pretty good; didn't know or listen to Sam Cooke before this, but I liked what I listened to. I found myself responding to "Chain Gang", so the live album engaged me.
it’s pretty cool. the energy is great, but I’m not picking these over studio versions probably ever. Live albums are tricky, but at the end of the day, it’s still Sam Cooke and I still love him
Back in the olden days, when I obtained all my music via YouTube ——> MP3 conversion, I had this album on my iPod. Because I had downloaded all the individual tracks from YouTube, the transitions between the songs were not correct and were rather jarring. I spent many many many precious irreplaceable minutes of my life tinkering in iTunes, trying to get the tracks to start / stop at the exact right moment to be seamless, like the true album experience. It took forever. On this listen, I still caught myself wincing when I knew the songs were about to end, expecting a split second pause in the middle of the transition. That’s lasting psychological damage. And then when I did get it absolutely perfect, I got this album which is just kinda meh to me for the first 50%. I really like Sam Cooke quite a bit and think he’s probably a top 10 vocalist; I was trying to download this album for a reason, but it does not get all the way there for me. I have no doubt that the show would have been a great time and the electricity from Cooke and the crowd are undeniable, but pretty much every song in the first half sounds the same to me, before we slow down in the second half and everything has more character. I love that saxophone on Somebody Have Mercy. The saxophone, famously, is the sexiest instrument. So, mixed bag, but rounding up to a 3.
بداية موفقة حبيت بس كأنه زار شوي
Fascinating. I love Sam Cooke. I never listened to more than a track or two live though, so this was a real eye opener. His vocal style feels more like a screaming little Richard than the smooth, soulful Sam Cooke I'm used to. His mc work also feels surprisingly amped up - like James Brown or something. The studio records are some of my absolute favourite sounds in recorded music, so I'm struggling a bit with this rough rowdy live band sound. I'm conscious that I've digested Sam Cooke in a way that was sanitised for a mixed audience before and this is him in his element. It's great, but it's a surprise for me
I love Sam but this is not my favourite
really good, I would actually listen to again which surprised me!
Great album, added two songs to my playlist I'd say a 6/10, It had so many good songs but they were not my type
Good. Not great.
ehhh
Not really my taste but did enjoy the energy of the live show.
fun!
This isn't really my style of music overall, but this is great. So full of life and passion and it's impossible not to get into it.
Loved the transitions, love Sam’s energy, The jazz and soul were strong here, love these Cooke songs are banger, felt like I was there at a concert which was cool. Songs were weaved together well with happy in beginning and then sad and relatable relationships with it ending on a happy note. Love my Sam Cooke.
One Night Stand- Sam Cooke Great intro track with trumpets and all Good transitions Good music, but…flat? I guess I’m more used to cinematic spruced-up production. I can appreciate this, though Great end to “don’t fight it feel it” I can feel Cookes permeating energy I don’t like it’s alright, but the end is solid Songs feel lyrically repetitive Love the energy, music is mediocre The operator Interlude on somebody have mercy sounds really good Even when it seems like he wants to let the music go quiet an build something, Cooke keeps interjecting with adlibs Overall: Lyrics-3.5 Instruments-8 Voice-7 Sound-5 Energy/vibe-9 Versatility-3
I really enjoyed the transitions between tracks. The live nature of the album gives way to the hype and energy in the performance. Good sax and jazz. I really the intro into don't fight it feel it. Sam knew the crowd wanted to hear twistin' the crowd knew he was waiting to play it it was a good vibe all around. I also really enjoyed "Having a party".
Not my usual type of music however I recognised chain gang and forgot I liked it! Didn’t finish the rest of the album
need to relisten
cool album
Started listening to this in the car and I wasn’t sold. On my Bose headphones, the sound is much more dynamic and it feels like I’m there. By the end of the album, I was dancing and singing along and I wanted more! Guy’s got soul!
Better than i was expecting. Pretty good.
Really good album
3/5
Unremarkable as a live album, but just to imagine Sam casually working through the highlights of his career is pretty thrilling.
I felt like I was transported to this big party in the 60's. I had never heard of Sam Cooke until now. I'm not a soul guy but the atmosphere and big energy made this an experience. The album grew and grew on me and I was exhausted listening to Sam keeping the party going.
Noch mehr alte Musik.
solid
Just fun & classic; makes you nostalgic for a time you weren’t around for [aesthetically.]
3/5
I can imagine if I were in the audience, it would be the most enthralling show I'd been to. But the sound quality isn't great, and it just didn't kick me in the nuts like so many other great live albums have.
Not so bad
Sam Cooke is a legend, but this live album is just fine. Best Songs: Feel It, Chain Gang, Bring It on Home to Me Worst Songs: Having a Party
Het is zeer aardige muziek, maar ik merk weer eens dat ik niet zit te wachten op dit soort oude live opnames. Ik zag er tegenop om het aan te zetten en ik ben eigenlijk ook wel blij als het er weer op zit. Ondanks dat het me toch ook wel meevalt. Ik hou gewoon van kwaliteitsopnames die je oren strelen in plaats van ietwat schelle, drukke, ongepolijste clubopnames. Ome Sam maakt zich af en toe wel heel erg druk ook. Veel clipping door z'n geschreeuw. Ik denk dat ze anno 2025 live opnames met studiokwaliteit kunnen maken, maar dit soort oude opnames klinken toch wat bootleggerig van aard. De muziek is prima in orde en boordevol echte ouderwetse soul, maar ik zet het toch slechts op drie sterren vanwege de live-vorm.
Primeiro álbum ouvido da lista!!! Twistin' the Night Away foi a minha favorita do álbum. Gostei muito da voz de Sam Cooke, eu não o conhecia e foi uma surpresa agradável!
I really enjoyed this album. I enjoyed hearing the scratch in Sam Cooke’s voice. The tunes swing along nicely and the light touch makes this a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Love the clear passion and energy in his voice and hearing the crowd's response. Had me looking up the studio-recorded versions. After hearing the recordings, I'm feeling like the magic was really in the performance with the live crowd. I see why this particular Sam Cooke album was pulled.
After reading the Wikipedia entry, I was expecting great things from this live album. Unfortunately I felt a bit disappointed. I enjoyed Cooke's voice and songs, but I felt the much-vaunted audience interaction was a bit less than I expected. Perhaps the mix I listened to was one of those with the audience somewhat lower in the mix than the first release.
Sounded like a fun show. Would have enjoyed being there, but probably don't need to listen to the recording again. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Feel It (Don't Fight It), Twistin' The Night Away ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it well enough for a live album.
- Feel it is so good! I’m already pleasantly surprised with this album - I love that it’s a live album too. So special - What a Voice - Bring it on home to me sounds rlly familiar. I like it! - Same with nothing can change this love!
A top notch performance by a top notch showman (and band). As a live album it has to be one of the best ever. As far as the actual songs...meh. They work fine as party tunes, I guess, but there is just not much there once you move past Sam's contagious energy.
It's not bad. I would like to hear this in a studio though, not sure live recording techniques were so good in 1963 I feel like there is a tinny-ness to the sound. More than a 2 less than a 3, but rounded up assuming it sounds better cleaned up in a studio. 3.
соул ну такое
Cupid is a cracking tune - but I prefer the studio version. Great singer. Seems like a jolly good time at the club. I wouldn't buy a ticket, but if someone had a spare I'd tag along.
Sam Cooke is another artist that I've been indoctrinated into by my step father playing it non stop. It isn't really my thing, but it's pleasant enough. I keep saying I don't think live albums should be here, but this one does feel kinda special. Sounded fun and Sam Cooke felt like he was genuinely enjoying it. 3 I think. Sam Cooke and cat Stevens Fall into the same category in my head and I think I prefer cat and I gave that 3.5
3.5
3.0
What a voice and a great live album. Doesn't have his better known songs on it either. Worth a listen as it sounds like it was recorded in a tiny club with a great crowd.
It was okay. It was as the Wikipedia stated a bit raw and gritty. I did like that about though, in this day and age when everything is so polished.
Love Sam Cooke. Don’t love the live sound in this recording, and all the jivey intros. 3.5
very fun listen! i wish i were there!
It’s wonderful. Full of energy, belting tunes, razor sharp performance - belting. But I’m still knocking points off for live albums that aren’t reimaginings of the songs cos it’s cheating if it’s basically a greatest hits set
Dude had some pipes.
I like Sam Cooke, I liked the songs, but I absolutely hate a live album.
Would have loved to be there. Not the best album music and audio quality wise, but up there in terms of energy and fun. 3.5/5.
Very fun, amazing energy
A great live album recording should make you feel like you’re there and Sam Cooke’s stage presence draws you right in. Beautiful throughout
One of the better live albums on this list so far.
I enjoyed this. I think I’d listen to his studio albums over this but it’s still good.
I have heard of Sam Cooke, particularly for the song a Change is Going to Come, but that’s the only Sam Cooke I know. Update: I still only prefer that song.
This was fun to listen too - I especially enjoyed the live versions of familiar songs, like Chain Gang and Cupid but I can't get as excited about it all as Sam Cooke does. It captures these early soul/R&B club gigs very nicely but it feels like more of a historical document than a record I'd put on and listen to. And, dare I say it, it all sort of starts to sound the same after a while.
Really cool hearing Sam Cooke do these classics in a tight set with the energy of a live and intimate crowd. Lets you hear a side of him that doesn't come through in the studio recordings. Massive respect for him as a live performer, gone too soon.
Good. I'm not really a live album guy and this didn't do anything incredible for me. Solid voice but every song kinda sounds the same.
Hed mi nöd abgholt. Zu alt, aber gseh mi doch im hintergeund oke zu dem sound biz vibe. Darum gibi na 3 trompette
6/10
Sam Cookes Live at the Harlem Square Club zeigt ihn ungewohnt roh und leidenschaftlich. Die Energie ist mitreißend, doch die Tonqualität und Kürze des Sets trüben das Erlebnis etwas. Ein spannender Blick auf seine Soul-Seite – aber nicht für jeden Geschmack.
Much imitated, for better or worse
Sam Cooke knows how to party and make the ladies swoon.
Bra trøkk. Ikke helt min sjanger.
The opening really draws you in to feel like you're part of it; more than other live albums do. Here for an evening of fun music to dance to.
Atmospheric. A great showman.
Impossible not to enjoy today’s I’d imagine, honestly jolly music, high 3 for me
An enjoyable listen. Very raw, emotional, and soulful. Sam Cooke talent shines through clearly, but I don't connect with this music. There is a simplicity to the instrumentals and the lyrics that doesn't warrant repeated listening for me. The track "Cupid" bumps the entire album up one point for me. The bass line and his vocals were simply beautiful.
A very surface level fun album, but I don't think being a live album did this one any favours compared to other Sam Cooke releases I've heard. Not a huge variety across these.
Sam belts it out here for the Harlem Square Club, but too much of the crowd competes with him and the band, distracting from his performance. Awesome music, but I wish they'd turned down the crowd mic or filtered it out.
Un álbum excelentemente interpretado. La voz de Cooke es perfecta para el estilo soul de la música, y la grabación en vivo, aunque no es de muy buena calidad, captura la energía del ambiente, lo cual es muy relevante para el estilo de música. Al mismo tiempo la música a nivel compositivo y temático es extremadamente trillada. Llena de clichés en sus letras, progresiones armónicas y rítmicas. Esto no le quita valor, pero claramente no es un álbum innovador o muy original. Es más bien un producto de la época. Además es interesante escuchar a un cantante como Sam Cooke, quien de manera trillada habla de amor en sus letras, siendo que al mismo tiempo a tenido acusaciones de violencia y abuso en el marco de su asesinato. Un hombre producto de su época también?
R&B from 1963 … Nostalgic - knew a lot of the songs, and can still do the twist!!!
Top track: Chain Gang / Twistin' The Night Away
Charming. Less uptight than a lot of early 60s music
Very raw performance, surprised me.
This is a decent album. Not my favorite Sam Cooke. 3 stars
Great voice and the audience is loving it. Doesn't blow my mind or anything though, just sounds like a good time set to some fairly standard soul music.
Swingy
I really wish it didn't have to be a live album. Songs are great but the sound is not Best Song: Feel it Rating: 7/10 Stars: 3
Not many actual songs I loved off it but it’s got a consistently good sound
Respect how good they sound live
There’s some muddy sound and audience distractions here, but “Cupid”—by itself—is enough to get the album to three stars. I’d give this 3.5 stars if I could.
Good album
Excellent! Great to hear that oldies singers were much more entertaining and real when live. Hard to believe this recording showed Sam Cooke as too gritty to release at the time.
Enjoyed this a lot. Found the whole thing very charming and really felt the vibe of the club
I enjoyed this! I think minus a few stars because uh oh some pretty yikes-y lyrcis
Am leaving but Keep the party going..
Sam Cooke gave a live performance on January 12th.
I like Sam Cooke - I have the same issues with this live album as I did James Brown. Music is good, but so much is crowd interaction and it's only half an hour long. Would have preferred listening to the studio versions
nice old school Great as a live album
What a voice!