Live At The Harlem Square Club

Some great songs and some that are just ok. Great atmosphere.

Good fun, lively. I enjoyed this, it was different to my usual listen. Again I'm usually not a fan of live albums, but hey I got into the party feel.

One of the masters at work. Missed Wonderful World, but you can't have everything all the time.

Enjoyable background music, almost a 4.

4/5

Goddamn!

Ever order something spicy and the server asks you if you’re sure; gives you the side eye? So my friends, you are warned, this one is hot and it never lets up.

Everything a live album should be. You can feel the energy of the room in every moment. A whole lot of fun.

The live version makes all these songs feel the same in a way that the studio version don’t. Sounds like a super fun party to be at!

I'm usually not the biggest fan of live albums, they tend to disappoint. This had great energy, and I liked Sam's gritty voice. 4*

What a revelation! Way better than I expected and a great listen. Turned out to be a Sam Cooke 'best of' with the excitement of a live show. Would have been amazing to have been in the crowd!

Enjoyed this album a lot. Didn't realize how many hits Sam Cooke had. Good listen

ищ

The songs on this are obviously good, but the live recording is hardly great and again it makes you question the inclusion of live recordings on this list. Chain Gang is great and you get some sense of the joy that must have filled the room, but on records the limitations of the live recording is just highlighted. At least unlike a lot of live recordings it moves along at pace delivering classic after classic. Cupid is great, but would be better served by a studio version or even a better quality recording.

As a general rule, I don’t think any live albums should be on this list. However, this is the first one that made me think I’d quite like to have been there. Sam Cook’s vocals are extraordinary on studio albums, but they’re electrifying here: gritty and full of life (and yet, he’d be dead not even 2yrs later). The sax is brilliant, and the whole vibe is great. I did have to rewind to check whether I’d misheard the “leukemia” ad-lib (I did not), and I did find myself torn between grimacing and trying not to laugh at it but, otherwise, I’m not sure why this stayed in a vault for over 20yrs. Probably one of the greatest live albums I have ever heard.

Live album.... hmmmm. I am going in nervous because I typically do not see the point in live albums unless you already love the artist.... Everyone at the recording of this album sounds like they are having hands down the best time of their lives. It's extremely endearing. Sam Cooke's voice is lovely. The songs make you want to tap your toes. It's joyful. That being sad, I really wish there was a studio album from Sam Cooke on this list. I would rather hear what was originally intended for the songs, without the tedious intro and pauses. I enjoyed this but it's unlikely to be something I return to. Probably a 3.5, but not enough for a 4, so 3/5

Nah.

Not as good as i expected after reading the reviews (i gotta stop doing that!)

Great voice, tight band, great energy, raucous gospel R&B. Not an album I’d listen to often but would always be happy if it came on 4.1

3.6/5

Loved this. Great songs and what a set of pipes!

Good stuff

Fantastic energy

Boringg

God damn. What a hot record. Pure joy in audio form. I wish I was alive and going to music clubs in the 60’s. I just can’t imagine any pop star giving this sort of performance today. Wonderful record. Puts me in a great mood. 5/5

возможно, будь я черным пендосом, я бы понял лучше этот альбом,но ЯУЗКИЙ, ну тип норм, один раз в рамках челленжа за жизнь послушать можно 3/5

I liked it

Sam Cooke LIVE! Some classic covers and sing-alongs. Not necessarily the best live album but certainly filled with some jams.

Sam gets me going every time. That would have been an awesome live show

SAM COOKES MUSIC IS PEAK

I know Sam Cooke from songs like “You Send Me” and “Nothing Can Change This Love”. Those are really good, I’d listen to them a lot, and he sings beautifully. You feel that cozy vibe right away. Unfortunately this live album didn’t do it for me. I’m giving it a bit more than I wanted, only because I like Sam Cooke and have known him for a while.

Another exception to the rule that live albums are not very good.

#102 This is a very fun live album, the energy is infectious and you can feel the atmosphere of the venue. It's so cool to hear this side of Sam Cooke, very different from his studio recordings. My only real complaint is the sound quality, but it is 63 years old after all. Highlights: Chain Gang, Bring It On Home

Cooke is an absolute showman on this one. An incredibly positive aura surrounds every track on this recording, which makes the circumstances surrounding his death all the more confounding.

A fun venture into earlier rock n' roll. The music really worked well with the live energy of Cooke and the crowd. I'd gladly listen to more from Sam Cooke and it's a shame to read his career ended not long after this album.

My god. The joy contained in this album is sunlight in a bottle. If this doesn’t just flood you with serotonin. It was kind of an addicting listen in that way. I wanted to listen again and again to keep feeling and vicariously experiencing the joy in that room that night. My god do I wish I was in that club that night. Sam was lights-fucking-out good. Mr. Soul indeed. His passion and energy were through the roof, and it just felt like he had so much fun, and he brought the crowd up with him. I haven’t listened to a ton of live albums…but this is hard to top. It’s pure. His voice is incredible, one of the greatest ever. Not just generational, an all timer. The crowd was just as alive. God what a fun listen. Highest marks possible. One of my favorite discoveries on this list. Thanks list. More of this pls.

Really good recording and what's more, it's very high in energy and really captures the room very well. Sam Cooke's energy goes through the recording and makes sitting still very hard. Suprisingly good spin.

Perrier good show

Loved this album!

Introduced as Mr Soul, Sam Cooke takes the stage and I can picture it as the music starts, everyone swinging and clapping along. A happy and fun-lovin album that was recorded 4 months before my own Mum was even born! I can imagine my grandparents happily listening to this and really enjoyed it myself. This album is the sound of the early 60’s in Miami and that imagery is evident in every track. Good times, summer vibes, pop-py, simple major chords a plenty, slappin double bass and ultimately an easy listen in every sense. Maybe it’s my age but as much as I will forever be a hard rock chick I will happily chill out to albums like this anytime. Like watching an old movie, I love hearing the nostalgia, what other generations enjoyed and got to grow up with. Rather than growing cynical with all that’s rough in the world, albums like this allow us to disconnect and just be, “twistin’ the night away” and smile, don’t fight the feeling! Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - ohhh yeahhh

This is a fantastic album, full of energy and charisma. So much soul, so many bangers and an incredible voice.

Pretty irresistible. When I read the Allmusic’s review and they mentioned Rod Stewart biting Sam Cooke’s raspy vocal style I could stop thinking about it. The one hang up with great live albums is the knowledge that it was infinitely better in the moment, and I’m listening to but a shadow of that feeling. Sometimes that problem’s so strong it actively works against the experience. In this case I would call it a mild factor.

A revelation for me from this project is that I don’t really like live albums. At best, they are a futile attempt to bottle lightning. At worst, they just sound kinda shit. I’m a basic little boy who likes music that sounds the way it was intended to sound. That being said, there are elements of Sam Cook’s band leader confidence and style that shine through and add a spark to the record. Not quite the lightning, but a spark was captured nevertheless.

Bedste livealbum vi har haft?

Ikke "man sku nok ha været der", men "jeg ville ønske jeg havde været der". Det er en høj bar for live albums!

Great vibes. It was almost like I could feel the heat from the crowd.

What a voice. So much energy between him and the crowd. Great live album!

Classic performance from one of the central figures that helped shape modern music. What is there to say but wow! Such a loss that he was murdered not long after this.

Earlier this week, I talked about how I like the raw, unpolished feeling that good live albums provide, and Sam Cooke is an artist who definitely benefits from this feeling. Everyone knows he's a great singer, but his energy as a live performer is absolutely relentless in a way that doesn't often get captured on his studio albums. Him and his band barely stop for breath from song to song, giving this album a ridiculous amount of momentum that perfectly compliments the upbeat tone of the songs. It's honestly a little surprising how much Cooke and his band are able to keep the energy up for a full 40 minutes while barely taking a break. It's equally impressive that they're able to maintain a loose, fun feeling while moving at such a breakneck pace. The songs at the core are excellent too, a perfectly curated set of Southern soul bangers that just make me want to move. Absolutely a must listen.

Tons of hits. I liked this...for a while but it started to grate on me a bit

This was a really entertaining listen, although quite repetitive at some points. Not the biggest fan of live albums, but this one was enjoyable.

Didnt like the live

Love sam cooke, don't love live albums

Pure fun. Pure joy. Pure talent. Pure.

yeah!

Some nice stuff here, a style I havent listened to extensively. I'm not sure I'd say this is must listen, but it's a solid live performance with lots of soul. Favourite track: Twisting The Night Away

관객소통이너무많아

It sounds like someone just walked into a small club with a tape recorder, pressed record at the beginning of the night and let it run until fading it out near the end. The crowd interaction, the songs and, above all, Cooke’s performance are exceptional. The whole thing moves at a frenetic pace. Bang, bang, bang. Banger after banger. There’s barely time to catch your breath before he launches into the next one. I’d heard Sam Cooke was good, but I hadn’t realised he was this good. Raw, powerful and totally in command of the room. Why the record company kept a recording this good locked away for more than 20 years is anybody’s guess.

3,4 Highlights: Chain Gang, Twistin' The Night Away

Good vibe

Sam and the band went hard. One of the better live albums I’ve heard. Some of the songs sounded the same, but overall it was a pretty easy listen. 3.5 stars

Not a bad album, but more of a greatest hits played live. Didn't really do it for me.

Great performances by an astonishing talent make for a wonderful listen. I’m that sense this is a great album. But a great “album” for me implies intention to make a record as a whole unified thing, which as a concept didn’t really exist in the early sixties. 3 stars.

okay but you really feel like you’re there in the 60s with this one. and cooke is so enigmatic as a performer.

Not a huge fan of live albums but this offers a great view into the club scene of that time.

One of the best live performances of all time. Sam sounds amazing of course, but my favourite aspect of this album is his interactions with the crowd as you can tell he’s in his element performing in front of a crowd entirely of African Americans for the first time in his career and the first time in a way he was at home giving back to his culture finally being able to let loose and be free. Unfortunately, that was short lived and you can even hear him say “it ain’t that leukaemia” at one point on the album.

Fun album. Not my normal style, but I enjoyed the listen.

not a big fan of live albums. While I enjoy hearing what someone sounds like live, I don't really like it for hearing the songs. A fun album that is quite different from what Sam Cooke sounds like on a typical album. Very raw, lots of talk with the audience - something I would love to see live. Not what I would listen to again, nor purchase, a solid 2 or 3 star rating

Enjoyable soul album, where you can tell everyone was having a good time playing. 4/5.

More less.

funky jazz i like it

Sam's personal life was riddled with fatalities, a number fit for only a jazz musician

Wow! I know the standards, but what an entertainer. Fantastic album that I might not otherwise have listened to. Albums like this are why I’m doing this. 5/5

wow this was a blast... not typically huge on soul but his performances here had so much passion and so much groove that i can't help but love this. 5/5

A great live album. The performance makes it a great repeat listen

Incredible voice, obviously, and a swift and raw live performance. The songs are somewhat limited, basic, and repetitive but you'll know plenty of them. A sense of innocence, and you wonder what he could have gone on to concoct had he lived to hear some of the game changers who came onto the scene over the next decade or so.

Can't knock it

Live albums, by default, are more cohesive than studio. The inclusion of intro tracks mess with my numbers but that's my problem, not Mr. Cooke's. 9 keepers in 10 (90%). 5 stars.

Wow. I was not prepared for how Cooke just rips through this set.

Made me realize I don’t actually like Rod Stewart’s music, I like Sam Cooke’s music

the true potential to live albums

PUT MORE SAM COOKE ON THIS LIST, COWARDS

Where did these live albums go. You feel like you're in the room.

Fun songs, great performances (love King Curtis's sax in particular), lively environment - exactly what you'd expect from a classic live album. But what I find really fascinating is Cooke's use of the stage to discard his inhibitions, including those imposed on him by the suits at RCA who were trying to make him more palatable for White audiences. You can hear the squareness falling away from him in real time, and it doesn't take long; by the end of "Chain Gang" he's turned a tale of suffering into something downright horny. And on "Somebody Have Mercy" he stops the proceedings to demand the operator hear him - "I want my baaaaaby," with good-natured force. I see why whatever poindexter in A&R thought they couldn't get away with releasing this.

Good good

Live albums are my catnip, so this is the ideal way to start. What should have been one of the original raw and unfiltered live albums of the early sixties, explaining the lasting popularity of Cooke and his sound, it was shelved for more than 20 years because it didn't sound polished and 'pop star' enough. Listening to it now, you can hear exactly why this music electrified everyone who heard it. The bands of the early sixties came directly from this kind of sound, irresistible and electric. Cooke's vocals are ragged and urgent; the audience are part of the sound in a way you rarely hear, and the whole thing rattles along without a pause for breath. I'm generally a sucker for live albums which stretch out over four or even six sides of vinyl, but this captures the whole set and leaves you wanting more after less then 40 minutes. Don't Fight It.

This was really great. Great voice and really good energy. I liked this a lot. 4.5 on the 4 side.

After all these years and the advent of the internet; Sam still don't know bout biology.

solid ig

sound is off but it's a live recording from the 60s. Sam is amazing though

geil

Phrasing, timbre, twinkle in the eye. A class act all the way.

It’s impressive to sounds so gritty and raw and yet so smooth at the same time. A really fun and energetic album here

Live albums are such an oddity. Hearing him interact with the crowd made this album much more entertaining than it would've been listening to the studio versions but maybe makes it less re-listenable? I really want to read the book comments for this one lol. Favorite(s): It's all right/for sentimental reasons Least: Cupid Twistin' the night away 2/5

Fav: Chain Gang L: Having a Party 3.5 This one was a good listen to especially for a live album Cover: 2 they didn’t really try but maybe it does capture the album Name: 2 that’s what it is

Based Sam telling the audience not to beat their wives. I was dancing along and my dog kept trying to grab my arms, it was like she was dancing along too. All in all, it's a good time. None of the songs individually are all too memorable, but Sam is clearly having fun with the audience and keeps a snappy pace start to finish. It's a good live album. 2.5/5

nostalgic album

beautiful

quite enjoyable, I still don't think Live albums should be on this list, you wouldn't include a Best of Album

They sat on this record for 22 years. Left it on a shelf, because dork in a skinny tie couldn’t understand it. A travesty. A crime against art. This is a masterpiece.

such a vibe

It’s interesting hearing Cooke’s trademark honied harmonious take on a bit grittier quality through live performance. Witness his two biggest hits, one after the other: “Chain Gang” and “Cupid”— here, they feel a little tougher, more swagger (and maybe irony?) than the for-white-audiences polished studio cuts. Either way, this soul man could sing like nobody else could (before or since).

Did not expect to like a live album this much

Good funky vibe great live audience has some groove to it 8.76/10

Awesome live recording. Insane energy and great choice of songs.

Good album

No expectations and so good.

This is the first Live album that I've got which I didn't enjoy at all. I just don't like hearing the crowd going maniacal in the background, it really takes away from the quality of the music. Also Sam is definitely pandering and doing his best to rile them up while they yell at him between tracks. His voice is undeniably great, and the band has some really excellent sound. The screaming children between tracks is just a massive negative mark against this album. It brings an otherwise okay album down to annoying. This one is getting left behind with a 3/10.

Fun record. Not really essential, but fun nonetheless

408/1001 Sam Cooke - Live At Harlem Square Club Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❓ Well after the last two offerings by the algorithm, this is lightyears ahead of them both. I love Cooke's vocals and the energy of this recording, however the quality does let this down. Ordinarily, this would be a 3.5, but given the tripe I've had to deal with beforehand it's boosted to a 4.

It was a real treat to hear Sam live in his prime. I obviously love his songs but hearing them live was even better. This is the real, raw, soulful shit and I loved every second of it.

Great album!

These early dinner theater, supper club type recordings are a trip. It's rough hewn and charming.

Love the energy to this, would've been a fun show to go to

It was great!

En skiva jag hört många gånger och kommer lyssna på många gånger till. Vilken röst och karisma!

I really wanted to like Live at the Harlem Square Club more than I did. Sam Cooke is clearly incredible here—his voice is rougher and more energetic than on his studio recordings, and the whole performance has this feeling that makes you feel like you're actually in the room. But strangely, I didn't find myself that invested. The songs blend together a little, and despite the energy, nothing really grabbed me emotionally. I actually didn't even realize the album had ended until it was over, which probably says a lot. I can appreciate why it's considered such an important live recording, especially because it captures a much rawer side of Cooke than his polished studio work. I just wish I had connected with it more.

It may be some great Jazz and Rnb but i dislike live albums

started slow, but really grew on me by the end. 4/5.

Wish I was there.

This was cool! Sounded good and I feel more positive towards it than other similar albums we've had on the list

Enjoyed listening to this album whilst cooking, and the Harlem crowd loving him, I had to look up when he passed, and was surprised that he’d been shot, and so young……what a voice, excellent album.

What a voice he has!!!

Don’t really like jazz

Great energy and amazing crowd mastery by Sam Cooke. It's a wonder to realize that this album was shelved by the label for 20 years out of fear that Sam's public view would deteriorate. How far we've come.... Chain Gang is my personal favorite, but all of the songs carry the same joy, passion, and energy as the last one. Great live listen.

Fantastic. Not the best recording, but it’s a great ride.

Great tunes, sound seemed a bit off but really enjoyed this album

Loved this album!

Usually not a big fan of the live album. There have been a few surprises on the 1089 list. But unfortunately, this really isn’t one. The sound quality isn’t great. I don’t think it gives me a better feeling for Sam Cook as a performer, honestly. I think I would have appreciated a studio album more. This began to be truly tedious, actually. 3 Boolean: true? True for Sam Cook, false for this particular album

That a a good one

Not Shrek Core. An argument could be made that this is donkey core. I don’t need to listen to Sam Cooke ever again. It’s so ubiquitous in western culture, but it’s like asking someone to fly on a wright brothers airplane: a primitive and underwhelming experience. He’s one of the best singers ever, but this was an album of the same song over and over with an out of tune guitar.

I like the energy here. Most live albums have a lot of crowd noise but this one feels like you're hanging out in a room with the band, which is way preferable for this kind of music. Gives me a great deal of energy. Lots of good lyricism and good to dance to.

Мне очень понравился альбом. Он похож на предыдущий предложенный, но тот мне не зашел, а этот очень даже. Буду переслушивать, может поищу студийную версию

I do not usually listen to live albums, but this was amazing. Gave a new perspective to songs I've heard hundreds of times. His voice was raw and gritty. The band was phenomenal. The energy from the croud could be felt through the speakers.

amazing motown classic

Pre-Listening: I’ve loved Sam Cooke since the first time I watched Animal House, and listen to him and old 60s soul music more than expected, so I knew most of the songs listed but I’m curious how it’ll come across live. Best: Feel It (Don’t Fight It) — I can’t imagine being at this concert and not absolutely buying in after this song kicks in. Runner-up: Twistin’ the Night Away — Obviously one of his better songs but the fact that he holds back very little for the concert was rewarding. 3rd: Having a Party — Interesting choice to end it on a song that makes it feel like the party will never end, but it leaves you craving more and longing for the next performance. Post-Listening: What an amazing performer who keeps a balance between entertaining the crowd and showcasing their talent. We need more performers and experiences like a Sam Cooke concert. No quality was lost in it being a live performance in terms of listening quality and his ability to improvise to make it feel unique was something else. Highly encourage this live album. 10/10

arranca bien, primera vez que escucho a Sam Cooke saquen los panuelos muchachos vamos a bailar twist Bring it on home to me!!!!! muy bueno

This would have been a great show in person but it just didn’t come across that well on the recording. Fun listen and I usually love live albums, but I think a studio album would have been a better choice to showcase his talent.

This is precisely why I don’t like live albums. The recording does very little to showcase the talent of the artist due to crowd noise, background noise, or just a bad mic setup for the recording. Sam Cooke is more talented than this album would lead you to believe. Everyone at that concert was clearly having a great time, but it doesn’t translate well to the album.

Nice to hear Sam Cooke but everything is so dated and the recording quality makes us feel like voyeurs rather than members of the audience. This concert showcases the huge distance between the era of this show and that of today and it feels disconnected instead of timeless. What makes Cooke so memorable is his smooth, effortless vocal delivery and most of that gets buried in the poor recording quality and the chatty banter of this show. This album doesn’t do him justice.

Disappointing. Sounded like an old 70s variety show performance. Soul music minus the soul. Actually made me a little sad, great voice but the performance felt forced and sanitized for a primetime middle America television audience.

4.6. Sam Cooke is great. Live music is my favorite way to listen. Never heard a live album. Great

Pretty fun concert.

It was Kinda ok. Not memorable though. Sadly I won't be revisiting it.

Good but prefer the non-live versions of these songs. Sam cooke good tho

Sam Cooke is GOATED, but this album is just too old for me

More, please. I can't believe we get only one by Sam Cooke and three by Blur.

extraordinary quality for a 60s live recording!!! Sam Cooke's live vocals are amazing!!! The whole album has a brilliant vibe!!

Thought it was fine.

Great album. Just not my style.

Enjoyed it

Great live album

Previously known.

For me this is up there with James Brown at the Apollo when it comes to live albums. Strange this was shelved and only came out in 1985.

It was pretty good, I like how quickly he goes into new songs, even though i've never heard the studio versions of any of them it was still enjoyable, guy has a good voice.

There's way too many live albums in the book.

Sam Cooke is so cute I love him

I really feel as though this album encapsulates the original purpose and intent of music and performance. Sam Cooke uses his time on stage to create energy and emotion, provide a cultural space and provide storytelling and narratives all through the delivery of music.

Mal vieillit

What an insane voice Cooke has. Just a great live recording this. I wouldn't go back to this necessarily, but I think it is actually a four star despite that.

Definitely not my kind of music but I can't help but tap my feet and bop my head. His voice is absolutely amazing, maybe one of the most magnetic voices I've ever heard, and the energy is just pure perfection. 3.7

This is good but live albums don't belong here. Top track: "Nothing Can Change this Love"

Sam Cooke rules. This is so fucking fun and easy to listen to.

--Feel It (Don't Fight It)...I submit --Chain Gang...Unique voice --Cupid...this is a raw as hell. pretty sure the guitar is out of tune but who cares --Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons...it's all very samey but, again, who cares --Twistin' the Night Away...how many twist songs are there? whatever, it rocks --Somebody Have Mercy...his voice complements the saxophone so well --Bring It On Home to Me...how is his voice not tired by now? --Nothing Can Change This Love...rock and fuckin' roll --Having a Party...kind of done at this point but, hey, it's over! good stuff

Wow....Sam Cooke could put on a show. Maybe it is cut from a different couple of points, but it runs right through and damn he keeps the audience right in his hand. And the band is tight. Not big on live albums, but this caught a true performance worth catching. I found myself singing along the whole way through

God, what a wonderful energy he has! I don’t know how, but I had never heard of Sam Cooke before. Glad that got remedied.

Yet another seminal live project that was released years after the concert of a Soul icon is Sam Cooke's Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963. I am a fan of Sam Cooke's music but also will be honest in saying I am not super familiar with his discography. This live project acts as something of a short, but impactful greatest hits for Cooke as he blasts through some of his most iconic songs with a new found and flexible instrumentation. Besides the greater emphasis on the singing and the occasional cool change Sam does with his songs, I don't have a lot to say here. It is a really solid live project for its' time and while I can totally understand why some people would look on it so fondly, I personally don't think it is anything to write home about in the year of 2026. Still definitely worth a listen as it showcases everything for why Sam is such a great artist, and showcases some great songs in his very short but rich discography. Nuff said!

Joyful stuff.

Amazing live album, nobody can do today what Sam Cooke pulls off on this album

This is the sound of jiving. Never knew I'd be listening to the live album version. I've listened to some of the songs before and it's so different than the studio. Studio albums never fully captured the the soul of Sam Cooke's sound. This live album is a recording of that sound, such a legendary event. It feels like an act of communal celebration, and it reminds me the power of music to make us feel alive. The sense of shared joy that makes me want to dance, and just be grateful for the experience of experiencing life.

Gritty and raw, fun and joyful.

Cool live capture.. always fascinating hearing this type of thing

Sounds like a cracking night out in Harlem to be fair. 6/10

I love Sam Cooke however a little bit disappointed by recording quality of this live album. Despite that I will still give this one 4 stars, and also it's the only Sam album on the list so you know this legend deserves it

9/10

Soulful af

One of the all-time great live albums. Completely reinvents the music into something that kicks you in the head and forces you to dance.

Liked it more than I thought. Classic soul

I'm sure this would have been 10/10 in-person but recorded it got a little old for me. Maybe I just don't like live albums much

I like a lot of sam cooke, but not really a fan of this live album

Cool nok

Not a big fan of these songs, but loved this record.

Chain gang, etäisesti tuttu biisi, toimii kuin tauti! En todellakaan odottanut näin älyttömän hyvää livepläjäystä. Olen erittäin positiivisesti yllättynyt. Mukavasti meni junamatka Mikkelistä kotiin tämän parissa. 4/5

No. 418/1001 Soul Twist NR Feel It 4/5 Chain Gang 4/5 Cupid 4/5 Medley 4/5 Twistin' The Night Away 4/5 Somebody Have Mercy 3/5 Bring It Home To Me 4/5 Nothing Can Change This Love 4/5 Having a Party 4/5 Average: 3,89 Great live album. Enjoyable from front to back.

I like it, but live music is hard to translate sometimes for me. It’s like live comedy, when it works it works, when it doesn’t it really does TNT.

Ok as background music.

Classic and very lively. Boogie woogie.

I want to be at that party!

Bruh I’m loving these live performances, up the soul king

Must be if not the best, then at least of the best live albums I've ever heard. A joy!

One of my favs

🏹❤️🎉⛓️‍💥🤩

I liked it

I hadn't heard of this album. I've just recently started listening to Sam Cooke again, so this is a perfect addition. Love it!

album gostosinho e leve, me da vontade de assistir um filme classico americano. as transiçoes sao legais vendo q é filmado de um show e ele toca uma musica atras da outra sem pausar

this is why live albums is the best. 4.5/5

not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue

Sam Cooke I apologize I was unfamiliar with your game! This was great stuff, a hidden gem on the list.

The best of big band - iconic rhythm, lyrics and overall presentation of the music. Plus the interaction and inclusion of the audience on this album draws you in. Can’t go wrong with this LP.

Bring It On Home To Me 🌟

One of the best live albums I have heard. Pacing is great, the sound and soul are powerful, and Sam Cooke is a national treasure.

Reconheço a qualidade, foi uma experiência agradável, gostei de ouvir durante o dia de hoje (03/08/26), mas acho que não será um álbum que eu vou revisitar muitas vezes apenas por não ser muito meu estilo de música

Maybe the best singer of all time raspier than you have ever heard him.

Correcto

Fine voice

loved it

If you're a fan of soul, I automatically assume you're a fan of Sam Cooke. And this live album, for me is a perfect reason why. He's emotive, raw, and engaging with the audience. Every song, he's effortless. Love it.

Feel it was truly ahead of its time, therapists everywhere are shaking in their boots. That aside it had me happy honestly, I think I love this actually. Is this gonna be a five star album cause that was not at all what I expected. He really said don't go and hit your wife we love a feminist king. I love a live album and honestly I love sam cooke. Also, 'it aint that leukaemia' had me dying.

This was great

Velmi dober🔥

Solid live early R&B album.

!!! Whereas I usually can’t cope with the overstimulating nightmare of a live album, this felt like a mfin privilege to listen to. Approached with reverence and beamed throughout, and only grimaced a few times. Saved nearly all the songs in not-live form so I can listen all the time. Having a Party has me giddy. Imagining people like “this is the best night of my life!” during/after this concert à la me always, except it would actually be warranted. Then they can’t even listen for almost 20 years while the world was robbed of the recording! Wtf? (Racism, obv) (irrelevantly or relevantly, imagining a similar fate for the Jellicle Ball and pouting) Omg and then he was killed the following year?? Fuck. (This is a very devastating journey down his wikipedia)

29/07/2026 An album with class and sophistication. Spotify listeners: 7 million.

It's good, obviously. Loads of energy and the songs whip by. It's a little chintzy for my taste though.

First album for me is Live at the Harlem Square Club by Sam Cooke. I had heard of Sam Cooke, but didnt really know anything about him. Well, he is an absolutely outstanding r&b singer and performer. Every song is an absolute classic. By this i mean some songs are ones that i know and love but did not know they were originally by Sam Cooke, some songs i know and love and were covered by Sam Cooke, and some songs i had never heard before but they are equally as good as the ones i had heard before. Captivating performances by cooke on every song, and the band and arrangements are almost as good as Cooke. The album begins with a brief intro that i wouldnt add to my liked songs. but even cooke's performance in firing up the crowd was engaging. But rules are rules: 4/5.

Vocals are great, but the recording leaves the instruments very muddy. I like the studio recordings so much more.

Probably good old songs on

Day 8: pretty good

Nearly makes me like live albums. Everyone is having such a good time.

Very good. Feel it (Don’t figth it) is my favorite

Enjoyable, about as much as I can say about this.

The problem with a live album is you have to judge it differently than a studio album. Especially, if you know the studio versions. How do the artist work the crowd? How is the crowd? Dead? Crazy? How does their sound translate live? That's the big question? For Sam Cooke, he excelled on every level. It was a treat to hear live versions of Cupid, Chain Gang & Twisting the Night Away. 4

Listenable but not my thing.

I could drink some hot chocolate in a bar to this but I wouldn't go to a concert lowkey started vibing to it slightly but not interested in listening again 2.5 rounding down

It’s ok

An absolute party from beginning to end. As soon as I heard that crowd interacting with the music, I knew I was in for a 5-star classic. Right from the off, this album transported me back to the 1960s Harlem and I did not want to leave. Sam Cooke truly was one of a kind in his field, and it's such a tragedy that his life had to be cut short so suddenly in the way that it was. If this one doesn't put a smile on your face, there's something wrong with you. Favourite track: Chain Gang Least favourite track: None

Epic - like being at F&M Patio on a Friday night in the 60s.

This challenge has made me appreciate live albums so much. There’s just so much vitality here. Loved it.

Loved this. Lively, fun music that offers a window into its time. Rounded up to 5

Familiar songs which here have a slightly looser, harder edge. Quite refreshing given the quite smooth, innocent tone of some of his studio recordings.

The songs are undoubtedly great as are cooke's voice. The sound is terrible though and is ripe for remastering. Shame really

This is exactly a album I didn't know I needed right now, just an unabashedly, uplifting, pure positive album. This guy - Sam Cooke - just has all the power of soul all unleashed here, where rawness compliments melody at the perfect balance. It never gets too sad, there is still some bittersweetness, but it always manages to focus on the bright side of life, which is very much needed, then and nowadays. I would recommend this 100 out 100 times if someone asked about it or if they need some cheering up and are a fan of music. Yes, yes, yes and yes to this album. Highlight Song/s: "Feel It Now" and "Chain Gang"

Can't think of another live album where the artist has the entire audience so squarely in the palm of his hand. Makes you want to be there.

Loved this album. So fun and would listen over and over again

One of a kind entertainer

Perfect live album from start to finish, no notes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sounds like a good party!

Lively concert with noisy audience participation which puts you in the room in 1963. Pretty damn good with all the changes you might expect between a polished studio set compared to a raucous throaty live show. I find it bizarre that somebody would award this 1 star based on the idea that a live show has imperfections because you can’t do take after take. That’s the point in my mind.

It was fine

that live album feels as it was a really good time

1001 albums to hear by a rapist before you die 166# https://allthatsinteresting.com/sam-cooke-death If you wanna know who the guy behind this live album is read this article, but in short he was about to rape a girl and got shot for it. Nice job. Knowing that, i'd like to separate the art from the artist. Actually this live performance is pretty good. Full of energy, nice interaction with the public. Groovy as hell

tour de force

while i love his voice and the overall energy of the songs, the love theme is abhorrently boring.

Sounds like the good times

Råbe soul. Live. Fint nok, ret kort album. Fed stemme.

Mere rock ‘n’ roll end Soul. Jeg kan bedre med A Change Is Gonna Come

I love just about every note Sam Cooke ever sung. In the studio. This, though, hmmm… I’m sure in person it was magnificent. But it was a bit too high energy and all over the place for me, listening to it on the way to get a cortisone injection.

Sounds like it was a fun night

I don’t normally like live albums, but this is insane. The transition between bring it on home and nothing can change this love I feel is absolutely electric. I have a feeling this concert would change my life in 1963

Good for the times and a very interesting look at a live show in the 1960's. Just not my taste in music

Uno de los registros en vivo más intensos, electrizantes e indispensables de la historia de la música que ha envejecido bien como la manifestación definitiva del alma humana despojada de artificios comerciales. En el plano de diseño formal, la acústica del club nocturno de Miami entrega un entretejido algo saturado y rugoso, donde el sudor, la cercanía del público, la contundencia de la sección rítmica y el filo rasposo del saxofón de King Curtis chocan contra las paredes del recinto, prescindiendo deliberadamente de la pulcritud de estudio para capturar la vibración física y el aire denso del directo. Sam Cooke despliega una entrega con fuerza y calidez descomunales que desbordan una autenticidad pura, imponiendo una autoridad superior desde el quiebre gutural, los alaridos góspel y una complicidad comunitaria que transforma el soul en un acto litúrgico. Obras capitales llevadas al extremo como la aceleración vertiginosa de "Feel It" y "Chain Gang", la comunión devocional de "Bring It On Home to Me", el dramatismo suplicante de "Nothing Can Change This Love" y el frenesí de "Twistin' the Night Away" configuran un documento conmovedor, crudo y real que opera como un sutil llamado a la conciencia sobre la raíz profunda de la música afroamericana y la verdad de la emoción compartida. Por su pulso incesante y su desbordante combustión rítmica, la grabación resulta sumamente versátil para múltiples usos, destacando como un catalizador inigualable para la exigencia del ejercicio, la conducción enérgica o como una inyección de vitalidad durante el trabajo creativo.

Man this is peak soulful live performance full of energy and awesome crowd encouragement. Absolutely electrifying and Sam Cooke is goated. Will be listening again!

The main thing about this album is that there's just tons and tons of energy in the room. I was surprised at how uptempo the whole album is. Even what he refers to as the "romantic" material is performed with a driving feel and a lot of momentum. At first I thought a little more contrast in intensity would have been better, but Cooke clearly knew his audience and the crowd's response is unequivocal. He's known for his smooth, sweet voice but the slight gravel apparent here heightens the urgency he gives his performance. From listening alone, there is a direct and immediate sense of his presence in the room. This record is almost as interesting for showing Cooke as an expert entertainer as it is for the specific musical performance. The call and response sections with the audience and his overall demeanor are very preacherly. Cooke and a lot if his soul and R&B contemporaries got started with gospel music and Cooke's father was actually a preacher. This started me wondering if Cooke was the inspiration for "Son of a Preacher Man" (written for Aretha Franklin but first released as sung by Dusty Springfield). It's rumored that Cooke wrote "You Send Me" for Franklin (who would have been 15 years old when it was released). The band is cooking but they're not always captured very well. The vocals are way out front (rightly so) and the drums and guitar are always present, but the rest of the band is not consistently heard. Sometimes the horns are playing hard and punchy but at the same time they sound weak and far away. Obviously, if this was recorded today with the intent to release a live album, it would be done differently. At least they put the recording aside rather than destroying it with studio overdubs so now we have this document of the lesser-recognized side of Sam Cooke. It's impossible not to imagine what it would have been like to have been there that night. Also: King Curtis! For what it's worth, the version available on Spotify (as of summer 2026) seems to be the 2005 remix, which according to Wikipedia "generally splits the difference" between the raw 1985 mix and the more polished 2000 mix.

Brilliantly energetic live jazz sounds, and as a pianist with introductory blues training it was fantastic!

It sounds like it was an amazing night. Great to hear one time (but maybe not again for a while).

It's okay

no likey 2/5

Great Soul Album

Live soul seems like it would go crazy. Instead I gotta listen to indie rockers talk about their awful relationships Highlights: "Feel It (Don't Fight It)", "Cupid", "Bring It On Home to Me"

Nothing special. Heard it all before and live recordings rarely capture the music

was alright

This catches Sam Cooke at his finest, live. He was an artist whose brilliance was captured through live performances, not studio recordings.

Pretty good for a live album

Bring it on home to me was my favorite

pedrada pedrada pedrada pqp mais um que eu mataria pra poder estar ao vivo dançando sob o efeito de BARBITÚRICOS (droga de altíssimo nível pra 1963)

gravado em 1963, bizarro a qualidade disso aqui pprt ou, delicinha demais esse aqui. bem dançante e intimista, achei mto massa. deve ter sido BIZARRO estar nesse showzaço pqp

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.

Muito bom.

ljubav ljubav ljubav

Incredible voice, I just am not moved.

This is a fun one.

Sam Cooke – Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 (1985) On Day 200, I hit a massive milestone with a perfect album from start to finish. Historically, executives might have worried that this recording was too raw and gritty for his "pop image," but I beg to differ. While it is certainly raw compared to his studio LPs, his technical ability on this stage was immense. His vocals were as crisp as it gets, honestly tracking with more depth and clarity than what standard studio engineers can process. The performance was incredibly swingy, which was exactly the kind of fitting vibe I needed today as I celebrate 200 days in this challenge. The production layout is incredible; the observation that it sounds like you are sitting just three feet away from the stage was absolutely spot on. If I wasn't driving during the session, this record would have had me jumping off my feet. "Cupid" was my absolute standout track today, though potentially I can see so many other songs standing out on future plays. It is a truly timeless album where you simply cannot judge the timing. An absolute masterpiece and a definitive 5/5.

Greatest live album of all time??

I do not know this album, but need to investigate.

Fantastic record and a quintessential listening for any fans of this era of energetic, big band style soul/R&B.

It was so alive. First 5 star on a live album.

Don’t really care for the live version

Good jamming and great energy.

An artist who is just as good, in the case of Sam Cooke, even better performing their music live than recorded is something special. I can see why the live version made the 1001 albums list. The opening song, "Feel It" and as instructed "Don't fight it," is a sign of a musician in touch with why people are driven to create music. I felt it throughout the whole album, and I can only imagine what it would have been like to listen to it live. What a showman! Sam has a great ability to sing about hardships and yet come across as someone who isn't defined or weighed down by those hardships. "Somebody Have Mercy" is a prime example of a longing soulful message but delivered with wonderfully jazzy R&B. Melody" is a great track with vocal playfulness and cleverness bouncing between two medleys. "Bring It on Home to Me," has the energy of a soul saving revival. So many great tracks. Even the audience can't help themselves in becoming part of this magical performance.

Outstanding voice, outstanding energy.

Previously listened to, excellent live album and a favourite of mine!

Like all live albums, I find Sam Cooke’s “Live At The Harlem Square Club” difficult to evaluate. While it’s very clear how much fun his concerts must have been, his biggest hits are missing - from that perspective, it was a mistake on the editor’s part to choose this particular recording. On top of that, the recording quality is anything but convincing. All in all, I’m torn between rating Sam Cooke’s life’s work (5/5, of course) and this particular album (maybe 3/5). That comes to a total of four stars, which somehow doesn’t feel like what the only Sam Cooke album on the list deserves.

EXCELLENT.

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!"

Soul Twist / Introduction n/a Feel It 3.7 Chain Gang 4 Cupid 3.8 Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons 3.6 Twistin' the Night Away 3.5 Somebody Have Mercy 3.5 Bring It On Home to Me 4 Nothing Can Change This Love 3.7 Having a Party 3.8 Score: 3.733333333

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

That drummer is on T-I-M-E!

Beautiful songs and an energetic live performance by the one and only Sam Cooke

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

I was surprised by this album. It was pretty amazing. Good vibes, but to really feel it you probably had to be there.

cool pero no es lo mio

Sublime

Sam Cooke is cool! I first heard the music from that album in the brilliant opening scene of the movie *Ali* (Will Smith) and loved it—I’ve listened to it so often for motivation while running.

This was an old blues album that was personally made weaker due to it being live. On top of this, this is not really my type of music but at least Sam Cooke has a decent voice.

music is love

There are a few things that make a live album stand out above the rest. To me these are: the artist being engaging, the crowd having fun in a way that is visible, the song selection and the pacing. The reason why this album excels and is in my opinion the best live album of all time is because it has all 4. Sam Cooke is an incredible singer with a fantastic voice, tons of charisma and amazing mic presence. He brings so much life and energy into these performances and it makes this album hella infectious. I can't listen to it without wanting to get on the dance floor. Makes my whole body move involuntarily. It adds so much charm that you can hear the audience chearing and Sam interacting with them. Everyone involved is clearly having a ton of fun which is very addictive. The pacing is also excellent, there is so many bangers but he knows exactly when to break it up with a slower jam. Both are absolutely excellent. This is such a pure form of music to me: an excellent performer, a fire live band and many people just being there to enjoy it and experience the magic.

Great performer

This is an amazing recording. The energy, Cooke's vocal quality, the songs, it's all so good. I'm not normally a live show recording guy, but this one's an awesome exception for me.