Reviews (page 2 of 13)
Amazing
Sam Cooke is a legend and this album very much demonstrates it. Although his life was short (or perhaps average for a musician), he definitely shows off all his chops from this album. Upbeat and meant to make you swing and it would be hard to find someone that couldn't jive to this. Lots of bravado for the early 60s and great, great energy. Well done
So much power in his voice. Every song is a banger. Such a talent.
I have heard almost all of Sam Cooke's music before, but this album was pure magic. The crowd was amazing. I felt jealous of not being there. I could almost imagine the whole evening. Sam's vocals where clear yet free, you can tell he was having a lot of fun.
I’m afraid I have too many 5 star albums, and I don’t want to give this 5, but it’s a great fucking live record.
insane live performance, probably one of the best i’ve heard, i’d just love to have been around at this time to see stuff like this live
A solid album beginning to end. Great songs, great energy, great flow.
Sam Cooke shoots out of a cannon to get this concert going. It's hard to explain but this album is kind of mesmerizing. He is so in charge of this crowd and his music that he effortlessly weaves from hit to hit to hit. Truly one of the best voices ever
One of the best live albums I've ever heard.
Loved the energy and his voice is so good
Welcome back 60's! Sure, this album is great. The songs are all very enjoyable, with a very electrifying performance that adds a lot to them. And listening to it really feels like being at the concert, there is a sound so enchanting that transports you to the place, to the time. At least in a fantasy. So, well, I'm not very impressed (mainly because this kind of music was very popular at that time, so sure I have listened to other similar albums), but I'm very pleased. And for me that's also very important in music, the feelings, the emotions it can transmit.
An instant favorite! The energy of this record swept me off my feet, and at the end I found myself getting upset that I hadn’t been alive in January 1963 to go to that Miami nightclub and party. I truly felt whatever Sam Cooke wanted me to feel for those 39 minutes. Also, his band is incredible, and Sam’s gospel origins shine through in his ability to grab your heart and shake it. If I had to choose favorites, it would probably be Feel It and Sentimental Reasons (he really brings the pathos with that one in particular)
Absolutely amazing! One of the best live LP I've ever heard - pure pleasure, cool vibe, nice sound
Never heard Sam Cooke live before, just a perfect series of songs
Incredible
I fucking love Sam cooke
What a great album! Listened to it twice in a row and I could have let it played a 3rd time!
As good as it gets. My only criticism is that it’s too short. I could listen to this for hours.
Really excellent
By my estimation, a better representation of Sam Cooke's music than any studio-recorded output. The equal exchange of energy between performer and crowd, the call-and-response. Cooke is at his most comfortable.
En absoult fest af et album! Jeg er vild med Sam Cooke, men har aldrig hørt denne perle. Det er en oplevelse at prøve at høre ham i en noget mere afslappet setting, end hans typisk meget rene format. En skam at albummet blev tilbageholdt i over 20 år af denne årsag. Hans interaktion med publikum og musikken virker naturligt for ham, hvilket måske kan tilskrives hans baggrund i gospel-kirken som præstesøn og talentfuld kirkesanger. Jeg foretrækker stadig studie-album med bedre lyd, men kommer helt sikkert til at høre denne igen. Standouts: Chain Gang: Fed udgave af sangen og nice interaktion med publikum til sidst. It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons: lækker intro til dette medley. Hen mod enden er der også en fed sektion med publikum som kor. Nothing Can Change This Love: Smuk og rå kærlighedserklæring.
The raw side of Sam. Non-stop, high-energy entertainment. Shame on RCA for sitting on this gem for over two decades. And shame on Mr. Dimery for not giving us the iconic studio version of him for compare and contrast.
RCA recorded this in 1963 and shelved it for over twenty years, deciding it was too raw and too far outside the crossover image they’d built around Sam Cooke. That decision tells you everything about what’s on this record and nothing good about the people who made it. What they were hiding was one of the great live soul performances ever captured on tape. This is not the smooth, polished Sam Cooke of the radio hits. This is Cooke unleashed in front of a Miami audience that’s completely with him, preaching and sweating and giving everything he has to a room that’s giving it right back. “Chain Gang” in this context becomes something the studio version only gestures toward — the call and response unlocking a communal energy that makes you feel the social pressure of the room even sixty years removed. “Bring It On Home to Me” carries the same rawness and power you hear in the videos of Otis Redding tearing through “Try a Little Tenderness” with Booker T and the MGs on the Stax/Volt European tour. That’s not a coincidence — Cooke is the bridge between the gospel-trained polish of the crooner tradition and the physically urgent soul that Otis and Sam and Dave would carry forward. Is it perfect? No. But what music is? The fives on this list have never required perfection — they’ve required something irreplaceable and alive. This record has both in abundance. Sitting at a desk working through JIRA tickets while this plays is a genuine injustice. The highest compliment a live record can receive is wishing you’d been in the room. Consider it paid.
This is such a fun record to listen to. Like Little Richard or Louis Prima, a few 50s/60s acts that I previously had ranked as 5-star records, this album has such a great energy throughout. But it would be unfair to stop there with this album (or either of the other ones from Richard or Prima), as the songs themselves are almost all great. Chain Gang, Cupid, It's All Right, Twistin' The Night Away, Bring It On Home to Me, and Having a Party are all legitimately tremendous songs. That he wrote all of them and then delivers them so well in front of a live audience gives you just a taste of how amazing Sam Cooke truly was. It's awful that the world was deprived of such a talent so young. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to check out what early 60s R&B / Rock could sound like when it is done really, really well. 5-stars.
Wish I could have been in the audience.
Outstanding. Like I’m at the concert.
Lekkurt album, gott live set
This list has shown me that I love these intimate live albums so much! 5/5
The best album
Genuinely perfect. So much ambience added to an already stellar lineup and artist
The energy is electrifying from the opening seconds: the band is tight but feral, the audience is right on top of him, and Cooke’s voice climbs, strains and testifies in a way the studio never allowed. Songs like “Twistin’ the Night Away” and “Having a Party” aren’t just performed, they’re lived, while the call-and-response with the crowd turns the whole album into a communal release. Few live records — rock or otherwise — sound this alive, this immediate, this joyful. A proper 'Friday Night' album. An absolute belter.
Fantabulous! Every single is pumped!
All tunes, all energy. This is what soul music really sounds like. Compare this with the studio output. That is pop music, watered-down by white people for white people. I don't want to hear the studio take of 'Chain Gang' again - literally too embarrassed. 'Live at the Harlem Square Club's we see a generational artist in full flow and if that's not worthy of five stars, I don't know what is anymore.
It’s been a while since an album on here has made me read up a lot on the artist. Unfortunately (as per usual for many older artists) after learning all the good things he was involved with, I was greeted by details of horrendous treatment of women, which does sour this. That aside, I only started reading because of how good this album was and I did really have fun with it. It sounds like the crowd really enjoyed it too. Surprised it was kept in the vaults for being too “rough” or whatever; I didn’t get that impression at all.
Fantastic live album!
Absolutely excellent live album
monumental !!!
Really good album. One of the best Sam Cooke albums i've ever heard.
10/10 - listened to this twice in a row, my 2yr old was jamming, absolutely amazing, chain gang is a highlight
This was so, SO GOOD. What I wouldn't give to have been in the room when this was recorded, drunk and sweaty and ALIVE.
10/10 one of the best albums ive listened to because of this website (thus far) really solid lvie porject
incredibly energetic live album, Sam at the peak of his powers. Can only call this secular gospel music. Hearing his connection with the audience is so exciting. Vocals are absolutely perfect — but it's a totally different side to him as a performer than what you hear in studio recordings. The history behind this album, how it was held from release until the mid eighties for fear of ruining his pop star image, is also fascinating.
As good as a live album gets on here.
Fun. Fun is the word that wraps up everything about this performance in a heart-shaped box of chocolates. The excitement! The vitality! The banter, with both audience and fellow musician! It's so easy to close your eyes while listening and imagine yourself in the crowd, twirling around the dance floor with your partner. It's the kind of show that can go on forever and never get boring. I imagine everyone walking out of the club, still feeling loopy. I saw a lot of comments on this from people who immediately dismissed it because "live album" or "not a good guy." That innate negativity bothers me, and I want to encourage everyone to keep this in mind for every album on this website: it's someone's favorite. This album is someone's favorite album. So I'm going to give every album on here a fair shot and try to understand it like they do. Wouldn't you?
The ENERGY and ATMOSPHERE and FUN! Gonna come back to this one.
Holy moly - need on vinyl
Me gusto mucho el ritmo
Absolutely loved this album. Sam Cooke has an incredible voice. I don’t know how I didn’t hear him sooner. I wish I saw him live. He definitely deserves to be on 1001. Favorite song: Chain Gang
Shelved for 2 decades, this might be Sam Cooke's greatest achievement. During Cooke's lifetime, the image the suits wanted to believe was that Cooke was a polite crooner that you could take to church and meet your family. That was very far from the truth and this live record shines a spotlight on what a raw and sexual performer he was. Adding some much needed grit onto Cooke's clean music, his voice is so soulful, rugged and demanding here. His band are phenomenal at backing him up, with them matching Sam's energy. As great as a song that 'Bring It On Home To Me' already is, the live cut here with the slow introduction is the superior version. I've never heard a live album that can paint a such vivid image of being there during the recording. From Sam's constant banter with audience to the sound of the audience conversing and responding back to Sam, I feel like I'm in a sweaty and smoky club in 1963 Miami watching one of the greats whenever I put this album on.
Well if this isn't half an hour of unadulterated joy. It has the same superb energy as the best early Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. The vocal is absolutely en point in the most effortless way; and the soul is heavily infused with foot stomping gospel. It feels undated and unclichéd in a way that some early rock n roll doesn't. And he wrote every single song here, in an age where that was far from typical. What a talent. A really entertaining listen and a superb live performance.
Ademas de la clara voz fantastica del muchacho, es muy cálida esta live performance, el sonido de la batería esta increíble, cada detalle se aprecia de una manera increíble muy entretenido, El sonido ambiente de gente bailando, gritando, haciendo el coro, charlas es fantástico, te lleva directamente a los años 60 en un salon grande con gente bailando y mesas El momento romántico del 5 track con its all right es increíble, seductor del carajo el grone sam. El grito de las mujeres del vivo de fondo, gran gran sonido.
most live albums are a let down but boy oh boy what a great entry this is. I'll always have a soft spot for Twistin The Night Away (thanks Innerspace) and really the whole performance carried the same energy. Nothing is muddied here, you can hear the crowd having a good time, the backing band is on point. Sam Cooke is just that good.
Normally I am not about Live albums but holy shit this one as incredible. So much energy and fun. I think every live album tried to capture that but almost all of them fail. This one had great sound recording, the crowd sounded like they were having a hoot, Sam sounded pissed off at them at the start which was really funny. All in all this blew me away and I doubt any live album will top it
I don’t know if I have been living under a rock but I had never heard this before. I know Sam Cooke but haven’t listened to a lot of his stuff. This live album was so good. One of the best soul albums I have ever heard. Amazing!
peak album 9/10 id like to be there
Great soul music
Amazing live recording of an amazing singer.
Love the opening track, followed by another banger of Chain Gang. HUGE.
Made me so happy. Wish I was there with all the black folks
Когда я увидел что мне попался очередной лайв-альбом, я чуть раздразился "снова лайв.." подумал я. Не подумайте неправильно, я не против лайв-альбомов как таковых, но всё же, просто не в моей привычке слушать подобное. Обычно мне думалось, что хочется слышать и чувствовать эту самую энергетику, непосредственно перед сценой, а не в записи, но к сожалению, Машину Времени ещё не изобрели, иначе я бы уже давным давно был не здесь, а летел напрямую в 65 год, прямиком на Shea Stadium. Ну тк вот.. по поводу One Night Stand. Мой настрой чуть изменился когда я услышал Feel It из этого альбома. Невероятная энергетика, замечательное звучание. Это отличный лайв альбом.
god
Damn near a religious experience. Like a seasoned preacher leading his flock into ecstasy, the way Sam swings between tenderness and swagger keeps me on my toes. It's a fucking revival. Spins: 3 Playlist Additions - Feel It (Don't Fight It) - Chain Gang - Cupid - Twistin' The Night Away - Nothing Can Change This Love
This is just a party. Hearing a live record of these great songs is such a good insight into what a great performer he was.
This album has such good energy :) it was such a joy to listen to
Major goat
So energetic. Didn't know I liked live albums until this one. 10/10
Sam Cooke is one of my favorite artists of all time, so this is no shocker. But this live album just sounded so fun! It was my first time hearing it, and boy, was I impressed! Not only is he a generational talent, but he had fun doing something he was good at, which is all we could really wish for ourselves and others. Will definitely be added to the rotation.
One of the best ever
Joyful and sublime from start to finish.
Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Excellent I want this on vinyl
Sam Cooke is one of the all time greats. I love how raw he sounds here.
quite so very groovy
An all-time favorite live album. The vibes are immaculate. So much energy and passion. Cooke’s voice is smoky and incredible. A joy to listen.
At first, it felt a bit repetitive—Tunes to Feel It and Chain Gang reminded me a lot of Wonderful World, and I wasn’t sure where it was going. But then the album completely took me over. It’s massive, almost cinematic. Listening, I imagined this story in my mind: a middle-aged Black man in his late 50s, at Yankee Stadium, watching his favorite team win. Walking through the streets of New York, he notices the workmen, the city’s rhythm. He comes home alone, changes clothes, and heads to a jazz bar. There, he sees the most beautiful girl in the city, imagines their conversations, their love, the moments they could share… and in the end, nothing happens—she leaves—but the emotions stay. This album is pure storytelling, full of soul, feeling, and life. For me, it’s an easy 5/5, and Twistin’ in the City is the absolute standout—the best track on the record.
Hell of a good time!
Loved
Thats why its called soul. You can FEEL it!
I liked how he created a cohesive narration of the songs in the album in a very engaging way. His songs are all about setting standards for men to take care of their woman, ofc I found it pleasurable.
Can only imagine how great it must have been to actually be there. Classic songs performed with such intensity that they’re almost a completely different thing entirely. The only downside is that after hearing this it’s hard to go back to the studio recordings.
best live album ever recorded.
Liva album at its best. The feet are swingung all the time.
I never listen to jazz that much before and this was a nice start:))
Nunca lo había escuchado completo. Muy bueno. Me gustó la sensación de estar en el Club escuchadolo, con risas y todo. Grande don Sam!
But as long you tell me it's untrue, BABY IT'S ALLRIGHT!
Direct and raw. This album was nonstop and felt like you were there too, he did crowd work but really didn't mess around and just kept it moving, felt like it went by super quick. Highlights: It's Alright, Bring it on Home
If Lindor chocolate truffles could sing they would sound like this. I really wasn't expecting to like this album so much, especially a live album. He had me singing along with him and the audience despite not knowing the song or the words until he prompted us all. Great time!
This guy's voice is incredible. There's so much soul, passion and love going into this performance. I accidentally fell in love with him by listening multiple times and more songs. What a dreamboat. I wish I was there; the crowd is having a blast, and it's contagious. Pleasantly surprised at how fun this was.
Classic
Muy disfrutable!
Awesome listen. Beautiful voice. Iconic music. Really can’t get much better than this. Easily a 5/5 for me. I could listen at any point and still have just as good of a listen as now.
Yes! I love Sam Cooke and know this raucous, high-octane show very well. I love live music and live albums in general, and this beloved album showcases Sam and set a high bar. I’m glad they captured it to give us a small taste of this show. I can respect those who hate live albums, but I will never understand them.
I had heard a couple of the songs on here before but had never listened to a full album by Sam Cooke. I had such a good time with this album, such a positive, uplifting record. Never used to be a huge fan of live albums but this might be changing my mind because the energy you could feel from both Cooke and the crowd really made this album special.
so good to listen to
God damn what a fun listen. I've come to realize I love soul music, and Sam Cooke is just a bad bad man, love it!
this was so good
First album. Really enjoyable, I forgot how much I like this style of music. I love the energy of the singer. I can hear the crowd. It is really lively. It makes me want to look at the lyrics and sing along with him. I'm reminded of the songs that my yeh-yeh used to sing in Malaysia. The songs my friend Marielena sang in third grade. The blues Brothers granbury live as a child. It's not something I would seek out. But I really was surprised how much I enjoyed this.
I felt like I was there!!!
4.45/5 Stars Top Songs: Feel It, Chain Gang, Twistin the Night Away
Fabulous! Great songs, great vibes, must buy
This might be one of the best live albums I’ve ever heard. The crowd is having so much fun, the band is great, and Sam Cooke sounds cool as hell.
Love sam cooke
Five stars, no notes. Sam Cooke said that soul was “ the capacity to project a feeling”, and he turns it up to 11 on this album. It sounds like to took the crowd a little while to warm up but when they got going the really got going. It’s hard to beat James Brown’s “Live at the Apollo” for sheer raw energy and emotion, but I think this does it.
El selector aleatorio se empeña en recomendar álbumes en vivo de artistas cuyas mejores grabaciones creo que han sido en estudio. Pero bueno, un buen directo de un gran artista siempre es bienvenido. Sam Cooke muestra su lado más energético, aquel que se nos escapa en los discos de estudio y da buena cuenta de su magnífica voz y su intensidad cuando interpreta alguno de los clásicos del soul como “Bring It On Home To Me” o “Twistin’ The Night Away”. Legendario e imprescindible para quien quiera saber lo que es la música con alma.
I don't think it gets any better than Sam Cooke when it come to R&B.
Thoughts before listening: I know Sam became famous for taking on a more politically and socially charged approach to his music later in the 60s, but I think that this album released in 1963 won't include those songs. Looking at the track list it seems this will be a lot of r&b classics, and I assume the looseness of a live environment will be a fun listen. Review: Yeah this is awesome. Heavily gospel influenced with Sam Cooke playing the role of preacher as much as singer. He's leading his congregation/nightclub crowd through an upbeat, interactive sing-along with a crack band adding brassy flourishes throughout. I love the fact that they recorded the crowd and allow them to be so high in the mix. It really puts you in that crowd and gives you a glimpse of how fun of a night this must have been. This is a 5-star album.
It’s a rump shaker! Live audience works well, Sam Cooke does good crowd work.
Great! Up there with the James Brown at the Apollo album.
I had no idea going in but this album rips.
10/10, one of the smoothest voices of all time and this album is so fun makes you wish you were there live and dancing, favourite song is nothing can change this love, yes the vocals and production are more raw and messy but in my opinion that adds to the album it doesn’t take away, overall it’s infectious and fun
It could be my new favourite live album, I was blown away by it, I don't think I've ever heard a man so in charge of a crowd. He has such a phenomenal voice and presence, singing some absolutely beautiful songs. I enjoyed this so much. Best Song: Superb Version of Twistin the night away
Fantastic, one of the best live albums I've heard.
Yeah this one might be the greatest live album ever. The energy's just so good, I need to go to a Sam Cooke show! But alas... I'm pretty sure somehow I'd missed out on hearing all the songs on here except Bring It On Home to Me, which you'd think would have made me slower to catch on, but nope! Instant favorite from day one.
What energy he brought to a live show! Thank goodness this was preserved and released twenty years later!
Erstes Album im neuen Projekt und gleich ein Volltreffer: 5 von 5 Sternen! Unglaublich gut und mitreißend. Man wünscht, dabei gewesen zu sein.
Brilliant. Love Sam Cooke. What a voice , what songs !!
So fucking fun
- I'm not usually into live albums because of the recording quality, but it sounds like this would have been a really fun concert to be at! The album was a little fuzzy and there were some tapping sounds, etc, but I definitely didn't hesitate to add this to my collection. And... it made me go get all his studio albums so I could have the clean, produced versions. - The crowd work really shows you how charismatic he was, so I'd say that made up for the sound issues. - The songs are great and catchy, and he's such an engaging singer. - I love it. Discovering great stuff like this is what keeps me doing this challenge/project.
fuck yeah
What a voice. Perfectly captured in this live recording.
Listened again older and wiser, Bring it on Home
Sam you’ve done it again
Me agrada la vibra de como fue su concierto.
YES There's just so much joy in this recording.
Sounds like a fun night! Sam's gonna look after you right. Full points for the mighty fine voice/ atmosphere combo.
Now this is how you do a live album. Flawless. I want to be there and never leave.
Absolute fire. Loved every minute of it
This is the sound of an artist at the height of his powers
I think that live albums are usually kinda stupid, especially when there's not a lot of changes to the studio versions. But Sam Cooke is such an interesting and powerful live performer that this really works. He has such a command over the crowd and the music that listening to him work is just a joy, I had an absolute blast with this one. No notes.
Great album. Love his performance and felt the vibes from the crowd.
I mean if Sam Cooke doesn’t make you feel good, nothing will. If this album doesn’t want you to sit by a fire in a wood cabin with your partner, I got nothing for you. Of course it’s dated and yet at the same time - a timeless snapshot of good feeling love. An American classic.
Amazing
A brilliant album that captures a a soul singer at the height of his powers. Sam Cooke was masterful. He could sing the pop tunes like Cupid and Twisting the Night the Night Away but where this live album shines is it catches the emotions of the soul in songs like Somebody Have Mercy and Nothing Can Change this Love. You get the raw emotion. You also hear the crowd getting involved. This makes the recording seem more like an experience instead of just a record. Sam Cooke’s voice was perfect on this album.
Extrem nice. Sehr groovy, sehr swing-y
Even without the context as to why this was important, it’s so good. Knowing the context makes it legendary.
Short, sweet and a great listen
For a live album is a solid 5! Sam cooke took zero prisoners in harlem that night.
Very good album listened and shivered
4.5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/sam-cooke/live-at-the-harlem-square-club-1963/ Fantastic!!!!
hella good soul album, would 100% revisit
Clearly a fantastic time, worth being a live album
Although recorded in 1963, not released until 1985. Regarded as one of the best live albums ever recorded. After listening, 100% agree. This album is a party, overflowing with soul. Cooke's vocals are timeless. Listened twice but would listen over and over
Incredible Live album. Showcases his talent and energy. The pitch and clarity even live in a club is so impressive. Entertaining from beginning to end.
What a beautiful and sigue album, I really enjoyed the lyrics and the melodies
Wow. Every now and then an absolute gem will show up on the generator. This is definitely one of those. Sam Cooke's singing is unmatched ans his band upholds his energy. The crowd is into it. This would be such an amazing performance to see in person. Luckily, we have this album to be able to experience it ourselves.
sam cooke has an incredible passion for singing it you can hear it well live. the transitions were amazing it just felt like were at the concert. the audience was able to heard clearly but it doesnt distract, just adds onto the songs.
4+4
Great.
Exceptional album. I was not that familiar with Sam Cooke other than standby me, but these songs are beautiful and pulse with energy.
Feels like the arcetypical blues-jazz LP. The live energy is incredible. Relentless pace.
Fantastic stuff…great sounding gig. 100% showman. Band are fantastic too.
O Sam é música!
Couldn’t have named Sam Cooke but realized I knew almost every song on this album.
very good
This was a really good album and I love how the crowd gets involved and they sound so good and full in this like a proper choir. The songs all are amazing and my only complaints is that the album is too short and that either a belt on the recording device was slapping or someone was fucking next to the machine. Didn’t like that but I’m going with the first option and will not be taking off points.
Electric!!!
I liked this one a lot. Because it was a live album I could imagine I was really there and thought this album had a lot of heart and soul.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time, if not my favorite live album. Sam Cooke brings so much energy into each one of his songs and it is ELECTRIC!!!
Great album! I knew a great number of these songs but didn't know the artist was Sam Cooke.
WOW. I am absolutely amazed. The vocals, the charisma, the energy. I loved everything about it! I wish i could be there and experience it. Favs: Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin' The Night Away, Bring It Home To Me
OVERALL: Is this the best live performance of all time? This is the second one I've gotten, and the other one was by a pedophile. His energy is fantastic and the live instruments are great. Gone too soon, so much passion and soul in under 40 minutes. Absolutely fire. I would probably give this a 4.5, but that's not possible (yet), so I'll give him a 5 to give him a higher rating than Jerry Lee Lewis. SONG AVG: 8.9/10 PERSONAL RATING: 9/10 Soul Twist / Introduction: Nice little intro, pretty jazzy start. I don't think this is actually a part of the album/performance, since it isn't on the cover, but it's pretty good. 7/10 Feel It: Very nice, great energy. Jazzy, soulful, raw. Great song. 8.5/10 Chain Gang: Nice ad libbing. Raw and exciting, more of what Feel It does but with ad libs. It can get a bit annoying, but it's still good overall. Such a banger. 9.25/10 Cupid: I really like his voice, it's so raw and goes really well with the instrumental. Great showcase of his energy. 8/10 It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons: Great audience interaction, I usually don't like it but I think he does it well here. I like For Sentimental Reasons more, but they're both really good. This performance must have been so fun to see. 9.25/10 Twistin' the Night Away: This managed to intensify the already powerful energy. Great sax, great intro, great at everything. 10/10 Somebody Have Mercy: Keeps up the energy from the previous track, with more saxophone. I ain't got leukemia. 9.75/10 Bring It On Home to Me: Nice buildup, although I have heard better. Hits so much harder on relisten, such a powerful voice and incredible instrumental. 9.75/10 Nothing Can Change This Love: Nice love song, a bit less energy than some of the other songs here, but his voice is still as powerful as ever. Also, who is on the sax? 8.5/10 Having a Party: Gone too soon, R.I.P. Pretty good outro, but much better as an exit for a live performance. Sadly, he was forced to quit. 9/10
this dude is a huge simp like omg.. it was gonna get a 5 for Feel It (Don’t Fight It) alone, but it got knocked down to a 4.5 because a few of the songs lost me a bit. but the fact that this was a live performance definitely saved it, I was in love the whole time and couldn’t stop smiling, I love when the crowd got to sing. But for real, almost every song was like “idc if you cheat on me or try to kill me or have another husband, I will always love u…” and it was super funny
“Don’t fight it - we’re gonna FEEL it tonight.” The album begins with those words and it just lives up to them throughout. Also, another “so that’s where that song comes from” moment occurred for me with Bring It On Home to Me. 5 stars because I had a goddamn blast.
Absolutely electric. I’ve only heard a few live albums that made me genuinely sad that I wasn’t there in the audience, but this one got me there. I felt like I had FOMO once I was done. Maybe the best compliment I can think of is that it makes me want to go to more live shows.
If my 10 Favorite Albums haven’t already revealed this, I live for R&B, Soul, and Funk. Sam Cooke is high up there for me for the best voices from this era. He’s also the reason I discovered King Curtis (it’d be dope to see him on this list). This is an excellent live performance that rivals any of Marvin Gaye’s live albums, whom I consider to be the best live artist in the genre.
GOD this is so fun! I almost burst into tears hearing people sing along to the songs. 62 years later, what a joy to hear people's joy. And I love Sam Cooke's singing. I previously said on a live Johnny Cash album that it helps to know the artist before listening to a live album. I disagree with myself. This was so fun. Sam Cooke was a master of putting together a setlist.
live music is great if you play music and your first reaction to this album isn't 'god damn it would be so cool to play in that band' then I don't know what to tell you
Yeah, hell yeah, rules, kicks ass, etc etc hell yeah
Imagine having been there
A week of piece of shit humans with amazing live albums.
Fun! Very fun! It did always sound like they were about to burst into a song that I recognise, but actually they never did.
so glad i finally got a soul album, i love sam cooke so much i can’t tell you how happy i was when i saw it was him, it was a live album tho and ive never listened to one before, so ive already heard all the songs on it, but jst bc its sam cooke i have to give it a 5
This was outstanding! An entire concert in 35 minutes, amazing! Great songs, great voice, great environment. Fantastic!
Album #16: Live at the Harlem Square Club - Sam Cooke Genre (according to Wikipedia): Soul, R&B No singles. Have you listened to this album and singer before?: Yes, once before. I also know several Sam Cooke songs. Thoughts?: First live album! I love Sam Cooke’s interactions with the audience and his performance! It sounds like he’s having a lot of fun and he feels right at home. I don’t know why the album wasn’t initially released, but it should’ve been! Favorite songs: All of it!! What scene does this album paint?: A late night jazz club, obviously, but also late nights with a loved one full of dancing and intimate moments. File correlations: File #002: Heaven’s Helpers
Sam Cooke, right where he belongs. Perfect energy, perfect soul every time
never thought I would listen to a soul album and my god was it great. the vibes were through the roof throughout the entire thing and just made my day great.
Raw and sublime.
Absolute all timer album. So many great songs and an energetic performance. This will be going straight into my rotation.
I was a big fan of this one from top to bottom. Really well produced for a live album, and Cooke just displays so much charisma through the entire performance.
PERFECT TO RELAX AND HAVE A GOOD MOOD AGAIN
Loved, awesome to listen to
Peak rock and roll
Fantastic live album, it’s insane to me the record company hid this album because it was too gritty or whatever. His crowd work is great too, and the fact it was recorded all on one night and not selected “cafeteria style” over the course of a tour is the cherry on top. Good art subverts expectations and tbh I didn’t expect much out of Cooke. A good singer but sorta bland and inoffensive. I now realize that is a fraction of the truth, and that narrative was pushed to make the label more money. I wonder if they released this when they recorded it, would they have made more money in the long run? This was by far the best thing I’ve heard from Cooke. You don’t have to even be a fan of his work, appreciating it from a showmanship and stage performance aspect you can tell he’s not afraid to work the crowd. I was very impressed!
I don't want you, Operator, I want Sam Cooke 📞📞📞
Great stuff
Wow, see oli lahe
Fabulous early soul/rock n roll. I can hear how Sam's music influenced many others.
I’ve always loved this album. What always felt so fun about this is that I feel like these versions of these songs is how I often hear Cooke sing (with more grit and gospel) then how he was often recorded.
Lot of soul here and I think I could listen to Sam all day.
Im always complaining that live albums are not the best introduction to an artist. But when you know and love them then they can be absolutely top class. This is the pinnacle and showcases his voice, his energy, the showmanship and the brilliant band. The songs are obviously class as well.
What a voice.
Amazing album, timeless classics. I've heard many but not all of these songs. Gotta remember this one.
Phenomenol. You can feel the energy jumping onto the tape and Sam has such an amazing powerful voice. One of the greatest Motown/Soul performers ever. Cupid is a favorite track of his for me, I honestly only wish this was longer like an hour and a half at least vs the brisk 38 minute run time.
Good for cooking and hanging out
Amazing energy, what an atmosphere. He just keeps going
My first real exposure to Sam Cooke and I am floored. The band is on point. The vocals at 100. Lyrics comforting but not ushy gushy. The crowd had a fantastic energy but wasn't intrusive to the recording. I am unsure if this is edited between songs but they hardly took more than 10 seconds between songs and kept the energy high. Finding out that Journey's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" is an interpolation of "Nothing Can Change this Love" had me floored. Just some fantastic stuff here Favorite Songs: Chain Gang, Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons
This album is full of passion and vigor, as soul should be. It may not be the most refined soul record, but it packs a punch. The voice is appropriately great, but the lyrics are standard soul fare. That doesn't matter, though, because this album is at least 7 years ahead of its time. A true soul classic.
De Sam Cooke isch ja ganz guet, aber viel wichtiger isch ja de Karin ihres Debut Album z rate wo hald noni da inne isch, also chund jetzt stellvertretend das: ahgfange mit where life begins natürli scho e banger, wo en grossartige uftakt ih das neue Album isch. Guete indie, alternative Rock / Folk wie mers sich wünscht. Die Lieder vo d big-star-karin singt gönd immer chli gschmeidiger übers trummelfell, aber au d lieder vom giel lönd sich lose. Alles ih allem hets wunderbar spass gmacht. + Stolz-Bonus git das feuf mal d Hand vode Karin gschüttlet
Beautiful album, I'm learning that I think I really like this genre.
"Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963" is the second live album by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. Soul and R&B are the Wiki-listed genres. Well, he is the king of...The album was recorded at the Harlem Square Club which was in the historically African-American Overton neighborhood of Miami. The album was originally titled "One Night Stand", was viewed as too gritty and raw which could possibly damage his pop image and was not released at that time in 1963 but was released instead in 1985. Cooke had quite the backing band which included Clifton White (guitar), Cornell Dupree (guitar), Jimmy Lewis (bass), Albert "June" Gardner (drums), George Stubbs (piano), King Curtis (saxophone) and Tate Houston (saxophone). Critics consider this album among the best-ever live albums. A guy comes on stage to introduce Sam Cooke and Cooke gets it rolling in "Feel It." An already raucous crowd. Cook is playful and eggs on the crowd. Strained and raw vocals. A great sax. Cooke gets the crowd chanting " Ohh and Ahh" in "Chain Gang." A sultry sax and Cooke soulful vocals highlight "Cupid." Horns are front and center in "Twistin' the Night Away." A great recording with clear vocals. King Curtis on a stunning sax solo. Cooke takes his voice to another emotional level as he pleads to a woman in "Bring It On Home to Me." The album appropriately ends with "Having a Party." Cooke croons and then gets the whole audience to sing along. You know the great songs. You know the great voice. Cooke adds a playfulness getting the crowd going. And they do being raucous with multiple screams from women. Cooke also adds a sexual tension in specific spots emphasizing certain words in songs. He croons and is his own hype man. The band is great especially the sax players. Not much more to say other than this is great live album from an historic artist. A very high recommendation.
Sam Cooke simply has the best voice of all time. I can’t think of anyone else who matches that combination of power and smoothness. That bring it on home to me rendition was unbelievable.
Gas. Fuckin GAS.
A great voice, memorable songs. You know every one of them even if you aren't a huge music fan.
This was such a sick trip. Old-school old old oldschool
9/10
What a strong-ass start!! I'm a sucker for a live album, and the energy captured in this one was remarkable
Exceptional! Amazing vibes, great performance and such a vibrant live production
What a concert that must have been. 62 years later and you can still feel the energy from the performers and the crowd.
8.75/10 favourite track - "Cupid" least favourite - none soul perfection, so much passion in his voice
This was awesome, a true time capsule indeed. Transports you in time and space almost to the point where you can smell the smoke filled room and feel the dim lit atmosphere of a club at the peak of the evening. I love “chaingang” as my standout, but the whole think plays through. A man who truly loved his job.
Sam is among a small group of my all time faves, so I’m taking the chance to go full points for him. Also one of those artists that somehow comes off as even more talented live, which is a true skill. Cool nod to this album at the beginning of the movie Ali, also.
I already like Sam Cooke’s studio stuff, but live is just that with the energy turned up to 11. Amazing
This was unexpectedly good. Its rare I really get into a live album, or a soul album for that matter. But this was infectious. Lucky folks who got to be there.
Smooth jazz vibes, great live sound. Classic soul vibes, great percussion and saxophone
The king of Soul. Fedt live album med masser af god energi og god lyd hele vejen igennem. Virkelig fedt
Just hit after hit and a great live performance. Twist the night away...
Loved it, great energy and what a voice.
Amazing energy and soul
Un classi5
What a legend. Hard to overstate how much I love this. Hits so much harder than his more polished, radio friendly stuff…as good as that is. 5/5 Highlights: Feel It (Don’t Fight It) Chain Gang Cupid Medley: It’s All Right / For Sentimental Reasons Twistin’ The Night Away Somebody Have Mercy Bring It On Home to Me Nothing Can Change This Love
Sam Cooke is great
It’s live sam Cooke, perfect
The best Soul
He’s always turning it up a notch. How does he even breath?
I really enjoyed this. Similar to James Brown Live at the Apollo. This is music you could put on for almost anyone and they’d likely enjoy it.
First listen
Awesome. Goes into the rotation and the favorites list
Now this is music.
I loved everything about this. Transports you to a different place and time.
90% Best: Feel It (Don't Fight It); Medley: It's All Right/Sentimental Reasons; Twistin' The Night Away; Nothing Can Change This Love Must-Hear? Yes
These sorts of albums always get a high rating from me because the artists are genuinely enjoying what they are doing. No tortured cynical takes, no postmodern melancholy, just music made to be enjoyed.
WILDFIRE
great album, awesome energy
Sam Cooke has always been one of my favorites of the 50s and 60s crooners. This live album just takes me to a performance I never could’ve seen and I love it. He’s such a legend and so captivating on stage
I love everything about this album. The fact that it was a live show, gives us an opportunity to experience it as though we were actually there!
Soy una persona de Argentina, descendiente de europeos, nacido en la segunda mitad de los 80s. Hay pocas cosas que me puedan ser tan ajenas como un disco en vivo de soul o proto soul grabado en los primeros años de los 60s en EEUU, y sin embargo este disco me lleva ahí y me siento parte de una fiesta. Me parece rarísimo que exista esto, es una anomalía. ¿Cuántos discos hay anteriores al 67 o al 68 que suenen ASÍ DE BIEN y que no sean de jazz? No se me ocurre ninguno. La selección de canciones es perfecta (solo falta el mejor tema de Sam Cooke, que iba a aparecer en el siguiente disco en 1964), los músicos están afiladísimos (amo la batería del disco) y se nota que la gente está pasándola genial. Otra cosa que creo que hace este a este disco buenísimo es que Cooke parece estar con toda la frula encima, hablando todo el tiempo. Introduce canciones, le habla a la banda, canta, intercambia con el público... todo de una manera fluida y super natural. Y no tengo mucho más para decir al respecto. Es un disco cortito, en vivo, que suena muy bien, con un banger atrás del otro. Mi tema favorito es Chain Gang, pero todo el disco es realmente muy bueno. Nunca me pude enganchar con ningún disco de Sam Cooke. Murió demasiado joven y en su época los álbums tenían demasiado relleno y estaban muy orquestados. Este es el disco de él que hay que escuchar. Y en mi humilde opinión es uno de los mejores vivos de todos los tiempos. Increíble que la discográfica haya decidido esperar 20 años para publicarlo. Cinco estrellas.
I love Sam Cooke. Thank you Amy Schumer for introducing me to him. This I would listen to on repeat, no notes.
This was SHOCKING. I loved listening to this right after flying back from Italy, cleaning up my room at 5:30am.
The amount of energy sustained in this performance is wild.
they just don't make em like they used to.
5 stars
The standard to which live albums should be held. Manages to capture the excitement of the moment in all its glorious imperfections. Sam Cooke is a legend and this album shows that in its purest form.
Recorded in 1963 in a small club in Miami, this album is so different from Sam Cooke's studio output. On record, Cooke is a smooth, velvet voiced pop star. Here he is a gritty soul singer, much closer to those who followed idolised him - Bobby Womack, Otis Redding, Sam Moore, Al Green. The listener is in that club, raw, sweaty, buzzing. The band, with King Curtis on sax, is on fire throughout. You can smell the alcohol and perspiration. And Sam is in charge, he works the crowd. It is stunning and it never lets up. Some of the best moments, among great moments, are the adlibs, the almost songs, the "You Send Me" gospel preacher-style introduction to/segue into "Bring It On Home" (of course, despite his gospel roots, Cooke was preaching about sex). Much as I love Sam Cooke records, this album documents exactly why so many greats looked up to him and why he was such a loss to '60s soul and music in general.
i adore this album , i’m currently planning a retro wedding and half this album is on my wedding playlist
Proper music
Going into this album, I was a bit intimidated - I was told it was one of the greatest live soul records of all time, and it was guaranteed to put a smile on your face no matter what. But I'd almost accepted the fact that that wouldn't happen since I "had" to listen to this after a shit day at work - and it felt like nothing could turn my mood around. But no, this was gorgeous, and I'm happier now just knowing this exists and I'll get to keep listening to it for the days to come. Won't dwell on the "Live" aspect of this much, but know it sounds great, the crowd just sounds so happy, Cooke himself sounds happy, and the bass pops out and is infectiously playful in so many of these songs. I love how fuzzy the crowd singing along sounds, it's almost intangible, but you can just barely make out the melodies, especially on 'For Sentimental Reasons', where the crowd participation is damn near magical. The Cooke songs I was most familiar with beforehand, 'Wonderful World' and 'A Change is Gonna Come', aren't on here, but I didn't mind because I was introduced to a batch of songs that I love even more than those. 'Chain Gang' and 'Cupid' had such incredible renditions here, especially 'Chain Gang' with all its interjections, subtle yet effective backing vocals, and a more expressive take on the chorus. I love the slow build of 'Bring It on Home to Me', especially the line "This is the operator, I don't want the operator", and how the crowd roars with every dramatic drumroll - another masterpiece of a live performance. Despite Cooke being at the core of the formation of Soul as a genre, there is something so undeniably poppy and accessible about the backing music here (mainly seen in the basslines), but Cooke himself has an undeniable soul touch to him. He's just such a perfect live vocalist, so much talent beaming from him, and he knows how to spice up the melodies, breaking them up with these "One More Time!" or "Oh Yeah!" interjections without ever disrupting the pace of the song. And he sounds even better live than in the studio, which is always such a feat. So yeah, I'm really happy now, every song here was performed with so much care and passion. But I guess most of all it makes me happy to know that there'll always be music out there that I have yet to hear and that is destined to have such an impact on me - this was one of those albums.
Excellent
Normally, I don't like live albums that much, but this one is great, mainly because Sam Cooke is one of, if not the best soul voice there is. This performance is raw and authentic, and it's just a joy to listen to his voice in a live setting.
Would have attended the Live at 1963
An electrifying and transparent recording provides a window to the past. This record effectively transports the listener back to a 1963 club and saturates with its aesthetic, crowd participation, and organic performance. This here is what it's all about, folks.
Amazing. I wish I was there more than anything but straight vibes otherwise.
YES AUGH 🤤
Rating: 5.0/5 Short Review: It’s not just live—it’s alive. This album breathes, bleeds, and makes you want to throw your dignity on the floor and dance in it. Favorite Track: “Bring It On Home to Me” – sounds like he’s tearing his chest open mid-note and handing you the still-beating heart. Consistency With Me: 9.6/10 Why: I respect restraint, but Sam is proof that sometimes going all in emotionally is the most precise thing you can do. He doesn’t hold back. I aspire to hold back less. (Also, I cannot sing. At all.)
The live recording isn't great but Cooke is.
5/5 - Classic, unbeatable Soul, with a capital-s - Reflective, emotional grooves - Live crowd adds to the vibe - Sam was the Man.
That's some damn fine Soul Music right there.
Great artist great songs!
This is an excellent record!
This album is the best live album I've listened to. Sam Cooke's enthusiasm is infectious and it's difficult not to tap your feet to the beat. The album is also only +- 35 mins long
This was fun! Really enjoyable and an easy, engaging listen for me :)
Worship at the feet of Sam Cooke
Beautiful
Two awesome live albums in one week. This is what a live album should be. Good enough production and sound, some crowd elements but not too much, the artist having fund and putting on a show. Would have been a great show to be at.
I love Sam Cooke so much. Beautifully stunning voice and such fun to listen to. Best live album I've ever listened to.
5/5
I would've loved to be there. What an atmosphere!! Also appreciate how he says the lyrics just before the audience need to sing them so everyone can take part. Wish they did that at all concerts. His voice is also just immaculate and it's all so fun
#110 - This is absolutely great, I'm so glad someone recorded it and I wish I could've been there!
Fantastisch album. Ik ben normaal niet van de live albums maar dit is echt 10/10.
Best Song: Bring it on Home to Me Such a cool piece of music history and borderline Sam Cooke's greatest hits. 5/5!
Electric live performance, raw and raucous but still note-perfect. Sam Cooke goes at a break neck pace. We were robbed of him way too soon
Absolutely banging! Young confident relentless soul. Superb! If a little showbiz in the bits between.
Reminded me of little Richard lol lot of fun crowd interaction
AMAZING!!! HIGH ENERGY, EUPHORIC SOUL MUSIC. FULL OF JOY. Stop what you’re doing and go listen to this album.
THE ENGERY! THE LIFE! Sheesh. People used to go to dance halls like this huh? This is why I love live albums so much. Especially older ones. No way to manufacture that energy. You know folks in the crowd are losing their shit and twirling their handkerchiefs when he says twirl. Sam Cooke is like the demigod of partying. This album is jumper cables up to my soul. FEEL IT 🔥
Love this one sooo much
Mr Cooke is outstanding
Electric live performance rarely have I felt more in the room
Bring it on home makes this a 5/5, the rest is just gravy. Love the energy of this album.
Fantastic. Still biased towards live and live recorded albums, but lots of fun lots of energy.
This is great! You can hear everyone enjoying themselves, the vocals and energy are wild, and the production is rough and therefore great for a live show. Audience participation is amazing, and this is a night I'd have loved to be at.
5* What am I, fucking stupid?
Greatsounds! 5/5
Sam was an absolute rockstar. This was my first time hearing this and the power of his delivery is just incredible. The whole band has power but the character in Sam's voice is timeless, and is no doubt the true ray of sun throughout this album. I mean this was club music at the time and they went fucking hard. Swingin'. Swingin' for sure. Sam's wails are absolutely monstrous on some tracks, and if not for him then the horns are doing the wailing. His voice is certainly one of the more gravellier voices of the swing era, it could just be the strain from how he likes to shout these songs but holy shit it is powerful. Not to mention all the songs are fairly catchy and well written for their own right. The crowd and him have a chemistry that makes this an incredibly unique live album. It's a damn good time and due to the density of the recording it feels like you're in the room with them.
Aww man. Unfortunate that the label withheld the recording and released it 22 years. Criminal behavior from RCA. That being said. It is like travelling back in time. I love that you can hear the crowd throughout. Great playing great singing. Can't complain.
A perfect soul album and a really fantastic live album (the sound is great, which I generally think is rare in live albums, and so much energy).
I have very little to say because this is maybe one of the greatest live records ever committed to wax. I’m thrilled that the version that’s stuck around is the original, full of crowd noise and dancing, as much an instrument as the rest of the band. This whole set is killer, Sam is on point vocally, and the band is shambolic in the best way. It’s just pure fucking fun, and that sets it apart among a lot of live albums.
Beautiful live performance.
Not a bad song on the album. While I usually dont care about live sets, this one has me bopping and tapping all the way through.
I want to be there, in that very room, tipsy, dancing and laughing with my nearest and dearest, fuck it, even my furthest and farthest. This may be one of my favourite live albums, so immersive, the crowd, Cooke’s laughing, it’s so clear he loved his job. The pure joy in that room is unmatched, electric and beautifully infectious, so removed from the world around them.
Explosive vocals that somehow achieve a soaring growl and deliver 1000 volts of raw charisma, backed by a hot hot RnB band that's really cooking: wailing horns, clean bluesy guitar fills, hopping bass. Most of the songs aren't that even that great, but really who cares with these incendiary vocals?! What a performance.
Amazing
Day513 - this could have been longer and i still wouldn’t have gotten enough
So this might be my favourite live album of all time. It's such an infectiously fun listen that you end up feeling envious for all the people who got to have that experience live in the crowd that day. It's intimate, it's personal and Sam Cook's skills as an entertainer really shine, to a point where over 60 years later it feels like he's right there in the room with you. He transforms these songs into entirely new versions, where you can tell he's finally been allowed to let loose and play them with the energy and power they so deserve. And the way the crowd participates and has fun with it makes it feel like an absolute special moment in time preserved in a neat little capsule for us to enjoy. Every time I listen to this I like to imagine what it was like being there that day and I wonder what went through Sam Cooke's head after he finished this set. Was he aware that he and his band had just performed an historic show? Usually when I review the album's I've generated I'd have notes and a rating for each track, but here it's genuinely impossible to do so. This is a show, a whole event condensed into album form and should be enjoyed in its entirety. The positive and joyous energy this album gives me after I've listened to it is completely unmatched. If you're ever in the mood for a party just ask Mr. Sam Cooke and he and his golden voice and invincible charisma will provide. Just perfect in every way. This has had me dancing on my own in the middle of the night multiple times. Literally twistin' the night away. 5/5
My one complaint about this is that it’s too short and the band is playing in like double time compared to the studio recordings. Sam must have had a hot date that night.
I made a mistake only giving 3 stars to a Duke Ellington live album, and I won't make that mistake again. Sam Cooke has a strong voice, and the live album amplifies his persuasion on the audience. I'd probably give the studio recordings for these songs 4 stars, but the live album makes it a strong 4.5-5star record.
Love love love. Theirs is nothing to not love about Sam Cooke or this album. Loved the crowd interaction and how great he sounds live.
Wonderful. Sam Cooke was a talent taken from us far too young. Here he wows an initially reluctant crowd with a mixture of his hits and other classics. His crowd work is second to none as well. Definitely one for the collection.
beautiful voice painting a seductive picture of a better world.
This was amazing. Sam Cooke is a great performer and all of the songs were great.
Makes me so happy