Reviews (page 3 of 13)
R&B/soul. Pretty good. Energetic and fun throughout.
A classic. I loved it. Wish I was in attendance. A great time
not my usual but pleasant
Love this album!!
10/10 I've found that I keep coming back to this album and so I'm revising my original 9/10 to a 10. I originally described this album as being both classy and an unexpectedly fun listen. The joy in this performance has continued to infect me with every listen, but having read more about Cooke's life I think this is now tinged with a little more of a bittersweet feeling. The energy of the crowd and Cooke himself are frenetic and jubilant, the rawness of the recording and Cooke's performance combining to feel like an incredibly precious insight into the real Sam Cooke. As much as I love Sam Cooke's studio work, now that I have discovered this album I feel like it's all overshadowed by this live recording. Music at its best can transport you to another time, another place, and another emotional state, and this album is one of the most powerful examples I can think of: it's brought me to tears multiple times, and listening to this while singing along with the live crowd is just an incredible experience. To pick out a few of my favourites, 'Feel It (Don't Fight It)' is an effortlessly seductive performance, 'Chain Gang' is a powerful anthem with an irresistible call and response, 'Bring it on Home to Me' demonstrates a little more of the complexity in Cooke's relationships, some more incredible crowd work, and somehow sounds incredibly contemporary, and 'It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons' remains my favourite song on the record, evoking the strongest emotional response. Listens 5+
BIN SOOO READYYYY live at the harlem shake??? ER HET SO E UNGLAUBLICHI STIMM d crowd tönt so herzig hahahahaha ja ich wett romantisch werde sam es isch echt raw aber echt geil, hans gfühl isch e rechti party gsi es isch soo schön ommmg bring it on home to me UND SENN NOTHING CAN CHANGE THIS LOVE bin nööch amene 5i aber weiss es iwie nanig ganz, ich bin hii und daa au abdriftet aber die stimm, die stimmig AHH DOCH
I clocked 1963 and live album as two red flags and I was very wrong
Wow really fantastic. I stopped what I was doing when I realized I was trying to hum along. Catchy, open, really old (63) but not cheesy. Great bright tunes with some brass. I got a well of emotion to his voice and passion
Can’t go wrong with a little Sam Cooke.
Such a beautiful voice.
Pure energy. Perfect performance.
I love old live albums like this. It was fun to hear Sam Cooke really in his element, as well as to hear the crowd yelling and cheering him on. The band was flawless and their transitions from song to song were incredible.
Uau. Fui otário, galera. Hoje, quando peguei esse disco, fiquei emputecido. Até mandei mensagem pro meu sócio, Boleta, reclamando: "Pqp outro album ao vivo hoje kkkkkkk ta chato ja", enviado ás 11:11 do dia 25/04/25 Reclamando porque o album de ontem tambem foi ao vivo, do The Who. Mas engoli todas as palavras deliciosamente... Esse disco do Sam Cooke é impressionante! Fiquei sem palavras o ouvindo. Que album eletrizante... Do começo até o ultimo milésimo. Da pra sentir a energia daquela noite, da pra sentir que ninguém ficou parado, da pra sentir que o cara conquistou a platéia de forma magistral. Que voz!!!! Meu Deus. Que Soul absurdo. E a banda IMPLACÁVEL!!!!!! Isso SIM é um álbum ao vivo, porra ! PRECISO comprar esse disco em LP ou CD imediatamente. Amigos... Twistin' The Night Away... que performance!! Eu faria de tudo pra estar lá naquela noite em Miami, pertinho do Saxofonista, quando o solo esquenta, com varias cervejas no sistema. Perfeição. 5/5
It ain't that leukemia that ain't it. Great big band, lots of horns, amazing, Marty McFly wished he ripped this off
A beautiful moment in music history.
it's a banger. great for dancing, great for parties, great for dance parties!
Love this kind of music, so upbeat and happy sounding. When I get these I love them, I need to find the modern equivalent.
Blind album and artist. My god I loved this. Such a shame it was so short! 30 minutes?? Gimme more. So many great songs and so catchy. I love the sound of his voice, the echoing performance, the drums, everything. I liked so many songs from this and it was a seamless transition between all of them.
Love Sam Cook. Such an easy voice and a great album.
Drags a bit towards the end, but nonetheless an absolutely perfect time capsule. Incredible guitar work from Cornell Dupree et al. Transcendent. You can hear the sweat.
The only song I know by Sam Cooke is What a Wonderful World, currently liked on Spotify even. So what a wonderful listen! Really enjoyed driving around doordashing on a windy, cool and slightly wet night listening to some old music from quite a different genre to what I usually do. So quite the change all around, including the weather! A bit hard listening to the heavy love themes, but I’ll cope. Haven’t added any to likes but probably will, but saved the release. This is exactly the sort of thing I need on vinyl for easy listening.
So much rougher and rowdier than the sweet-voiced crooner I was familiar with. Also notable that he wrote all these songs, which we hear now as standards (in the play and movie One Night in Miami his character gives a long speech on the importance of owning your copyrights). And finally I was delighted to learn that Def Leppard referenced Cooke in Rock of Ages. In short, this was both entertaining and educational.
Blueprint for r&b, Soul, blues, and rock performers. Timeless.
Great album. The soul man. For sentimental reasons and bring it on home to me.
six stars if I could
I love this type of music, old kind of funky songs which remind of Louis Armstrong. Very atypical, probably in a veteran societies. Still I enjoyed the album.
I usually don’t like love versions of albums but this was good.
very fun show to listen to
Immediately fun. Saxophone sounds so rich and full of personality from the get go! Sam Cooke's voice feels so warm and the quality of the audio makes me feel like i'm in that club back in 63 listening to him play. Songs are all upbeat and groovy. Even the slower songs had me dancing and jiving!
Soulful perfection. Ive always appreciated San Cooke but with this album I fell in love.
Ah good ol Sam Cooke. I think imma give this one 5 stars.
This album was just overflowing with joy. The B side especially is exceptional. Great stuff.
‘Don’t fight it, we’re gonna feel it tonight.’ Noted for its raw sound, a quality not as prevalent on the singles (tho if ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ is not raw, then what is?), this is one of the great live albums. A soulful romp, it does exactly what a live record should - not only make you feel that you are there but make you wish so much that you were. Cooke’s voice has a bit more rasp here, but no less uncanny control or sweetness, and the music, w/ King Curtis on sax, swings, shakes, and drives. In a deep sense, it’s rock and roll, it’s Chuck and Bo and Little Richard. Yeah…what I would give to have been there. ‘Keep on having that party.’ Remember it.
I can't imagine how incredible it must have been to be in the room when this was recorded. The band swings and Sam Cooke is the ultimate showman. Absolutely amazing! Favorites: Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin' the Night Away, Bring It On Home to Me (seriously wow!) Would I listen to it again: Yes
Must have been incredible to witness live. Fantastic entertainment performance by Sam Cooke. Great songs of the time and reflecting black culture
What a surprise I had with this album. I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't heard previously Sam Cooke, so when I saw the cover I expected another boring soft jazz or RnB thing. But, come on, this is so real and sounds so stray that it seems than I'm in a pub and I have this guy singing for me. Really, really, enjoyed it. The best is of course the charming vocal performance, but the songs themselves are pretty good too. Amazing, captivating live album. Probably my best discovering so far in this 1001 list.
Bangers back to front. I thought I hated live albums but all my favorites so far have been live albums. As with all live albums, recording suffers a little but I could not give less of a shit here - feel like it adds vitality. What tremendous energy and a tremendous voice.
sam cooke is one of my all time favorite singers but i had never heard this recording before, or really any live recording of his. he has such a great, iconic voice and i love his songs. the energy on this one was fantastic and live his voice has a gruffness that his studio recordings do not have, which i really liked. the selection of songs here is really great and it was a blast to listen to!
I would give anything to have been at this show. The sound quality is great for a live show of that era and the band & Cooke’s voice are so perfectly tuned. Alternately joyous & moving. A five.
I loved it
oh my fugking god man jkghdjkghsdjkhsdkjhgsdkj. if aliens asked what music is this is prob one of the first recordings u should show them. just godly godly godly...with some great performances u just stare up at the performer in awe but cooke makes u a participant whether u expect it or not, just goes Right into my fugking bloodstream and puts me on the stage on equal footing. the combination of clarity/precision and rawness/grit in his voice has prob never been matched by anyone ever, and the band just reconstructs the material on an atomic level to its boldest self possible. there is absolutely no barrier, no hold on the enthusiasm, no reservations, its just incredibly freeing and visceral. ive heard some exhausting albums in this project, most of which are much longer than this, and none of which are as satisfying...by the end i feel like theres just nothing more i can ask for, ive already heard everything ive ever needed to hear Ever
I'm not big into live albums, but man this was on fire. You could tell Sam Cooke was having the time of his life on that stage, and that fun is so contagious. Instantly lifted my spirits, no skips.
Harlem Square Club huh? Now this is what energy in the air sounds like. There's so much chemistry between the audience and the performers, it's a real experience. You really feel like you're there, as it's such a transporting experience.
No notes.
Imagine being able to get a room of people this excited, while also singing lines like “I’ve got something wrong with me, it ain’t that Leukaemia”. Love a live album, and this is one of the best. The way this builds & you can hear the audience getting more and more excited as the album goes on really adds to the experience - I assume this was recorded somewhere smaller & more intimate than a lot of live albums which is why you can feel that energy a little more here. Incredible work from Sam all the way through; smooth, soulful & energetic with a killer band to back him up. This rules.
Nice one
I'm normally not a fan of live albums but this was 40 minutes of greatness.
Loved this!
took a long break lol. it’s 2025 now. anyways. this album bangs so hard. my fav song was Chain Gang. but i would LOVE to see this live. i think it would change me
Sam Cooke es sin duda alguna una de las mejores voces de la historia. Este directo es formidable, además de ser uno de los mejores, al nivel de los de James Brwon en el Apollo. La banda suena irrepetible (ojo a King Curtis). Te subes a Feel it y ya no bajas del soul train. NO incluye sus canciones más conocidas como Wonderfull Life o A change is gonna come, pero da exactamente lo mismo. Están Chaing Gang o Bring it on home tome. Es inexplicable que estuviera más de 20 años guardado en un cajón. 38 minutos del mejor soul. Chrissie Hynde o Terence Trent D´Arby se lo conocen de memoria, y no son los únicos.
A solid listen. Recognized more than I thought I would. Sounds really good for a live album. Would be a good pick up on vinyl. I'll rank it a 5, even though it's not really my taste of music.
It's the best he ever sounded and what I want a party or show to be
Finally hitting some great soul in this list. Yeah, the recording quality isn't perfect, but you'd have to be pretty cloth eared not to hear the musicality and talent and joy streaming from this.
to be in that audience 🔥
Bloody excellent.
Amazing album if you wanna groove to amazing jazz.
The Sam Cooke you never heard in the studio. Huge talent, tragic early passing.
I absolutely loved this
Great r&b with soul!
Really Cool, Liked that a lot!
Wow this is a banger start to finish. Redeems live albums for me. Outstanding
Incredible to know that his voice could manage a whole set like that with no loss of tone! Favourite - Bring It On Home To Me
Incredible live album, certified by my dad as a classic. Infectious energy from an amazing vocalist
it ain’t leukemia! ❤️
Ich muss mir echt mehr Live-Alben anhören, besonders von kitschig-romantischer Musik
Die stem...
Justifiably reckoned to be one of the greatest live albums. Crank up the volume on your high-end hi-fi, let the raw production wash over you and you're right there at one of the front tables. Top tracks for me are Chain Gang, Cupid and Twistin' The NIght Away
This thing is HOT! Crazy to think that the label sat on this record for over two decades before releasing it, as it was deemed 'too gritty' at the time of recording. Sam's voice commands the crowd - you can practically feel the sweat flying off of him - and the band is relentless for the entire duration. I was fully transported into the rowdy Florida club where the thing was recorded for the entire 38 minutes. Definitely need to check out Sam's other records!
Same Cooke is an absolute legend, love this.
Feel like you’re right at the foot of the stage. Top-five album for me.
Performance and recording are outstanding, I can almost smell the cigarettes, taste the scotch and feel the energy.
Невероятная энергия от голоса и инструментов, обожаю такое звучание.
every musician dreams of a performance like this
This album slaps
Unmatched energy, really makes you feel like you're in the audience. Incredible live album.
I mean, come on. A Sam Cooke live album? What the hell am I supposed to do - dislike this album? My god the energy pouring out of this man and this band into the crowd, and the energy they throw back at them is incredible. I can't imagine what it was like in The Harlem Square Club (oddly not actually located in New York City...). The record label apparently didn't want to release this at the time, as they feared it would damage Cooke's more clean cut image. They felt it was too raw, too raucous. Maybe they were right, but I'm glad it came out two decades later because this is a treasure. I would love to have seen him live in this period. A show like this must've been incredible. Five stars. Standout Tracks: Feel It (Don't Fight It), Chain Gang, Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Twistin' the Night Away, Bring it on Home to Me
Absolute legend 🔥🔥
Soooooo good
Awesome record! From start to finish. One of the best live albums I have ever heard. Intense and raw. Never knew Sam Cooke was so rock n' roll. Few records I've heard that can transport you to a time and place like this one. Up there with Springsteen live at Hammersmith Odeon from the 70s.
Here's a case where the year released might be brought into question. Ostensibly, yes this is a live album from soul singer-songwriter Sam Cooke that was recorded at the Harlem Square Club in Miami back in 1963, and it was originally planned to be released later that year. However, this live album would end up shelved until its release in 1985. The reason for this prolonged delay was that Sam's label RCA Records wanted to protect his squeaky-clean image that was presented on earlier albums. I'm sure this notion sounds ludicrous today, but upon reflection of where America was in 1963 during the civil rights movement, it was probably a calculated strategy for the time to keep selling his records to white people. Only years later did RCA executive Gregg Geller discover the tapes and issue them out. At least this performance saw the light of day because it is amazing. From the get-go with "Feel It", Sam Cooke carried such raw charisma in this live performance to elevate his typical doo-wop soul music into a more kinetic and energetic sound, aided by his backing band playing at the same high intensity. Not to mention, the amount of times that he gets the crowd involved, whether it's getting people to shout the "uh's" and "ahh's" in "Chain Gang" or singing along to the chorus of "Having a Party" at the end. Live at the Harlem Square Club is one of those live albums where I genuinely feel like I'm vibing with the audience, which is the highest praise I could give for such a legend in his element.
Now THIS is what a live album should be! I've listened to a few live albums for this project so far. Some have been pretty enjoyable listens, and others are Live at the Star Club, Hamburg. Once again, fuck Jerry Lee Lewis. Sam Cooke, though? He's cool. I like him. He's one of the most influential soul artists of all time, so you already know I'm gonna like this. So, does Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 live up to my expectations? It absolutely does and then some. This album is excellent. There's not a ton of complexity to the album, but the execution and artistry is so top-notch especially for 1963 that you just have to respect this album for what it is. The energy here is amazing. This is one of those beautiful instances where an album being a live album really enhances the listening experience for a full-album listen. Sam's singing does a great job at playing into the energy of the other musicians. The writing has aged fairly well. It also has the benefit of being mostly written by Sam Cooke himself, so that's great! This album really doesn't have any filler to it. Some live albums are bogged down by downtime between songs that just doesn't usually work. Take that Jerry Lee Lewis one for example. I was constantly being reminded that I was, in fact, listening to music by a man who married his 13 year old cousin. This album? Sam's introduced at the beginning, there's a few little moments of him saying like a single sentence between a few songs, he has an outro at the end, and that's it. Other than that, the whole thing is basically just a non-stop musical event. That's what I want to hear! I don't have a ton of other things to say. This album represents the best of what early 60s soul can be. Energetic, yet still with an emotional core that gives the music some, well, soul! This is one of the best live albums I've ever heard. Light 5/5.
Never heard this album before. Sam Cooke was definitely a performer. Great suggestion.
Really easy listening to
Masterpiece !
Із всіх класичних концертних альбомів про які я тут писав - цей, безперечно, є найкращим. Адже на ньому ти, дійсно, відчуваєш як «теплота» яку випромінюють виконавці - «запалює» людей, що прийшли насолодитися найвишуканішим #soul та #rhythmandblues, який я тільки чув у своєму житті. А їх щира радість, справді, дарує «відчуття присутності». У результаті, завдяки поєднанню чутливого виконання та бурхливої реакції публіки, що навіть часом дуже влучно підспівує. Утворюється, не з чим незрівнянна, атмосфера «магічної пристрасті», яку просто можливо створити у студії.
Fantastic!!!
Love how this sounds...both raw and raucous
Such an uplifting and energetic live album! Not sure how I feel about live albums on this exercise, but hey ho, I really enjoyed it.
Amazing. Lots of fun and just what a grey Tuesday needed. I plan on listening to his on my deck in the summer heat with the BBQ burning me some tasty food. Highly recommend !!
Great vocal performance and excellent songs. Southside Johnny clearly loved this.
One of my favourite live albums ever. Love the rawness of it, it isn’t polished in the studio like most live albums.
Goes incredibly hard even 60 years later
Killer live album! I’ve loved Sam Cooke for a long time, but this showed a very different side compared to his studio recordings. Very gritty and raw, as others have noted, and the energy is electric. He has an almost James Brown stage presence, and the set moves at a speedy pace with no slowdown. Admittedly, the sound quality isn’t great (it was 1963) but in a way that, along with the audience noise throughout, adds to the recording and really makes you feel like you’re there. Not sure how often I’ll come back to it, but as an experience it’s fantastic
Some live albums are real drags that just end up being the most dogshit low quality performance recorded on the 1970s equivalent of an iPhone microphone. This is not one of those albums, this is one where it being live complements an already strong performance with the strong atmospheric element of an audience that is absolutely loving the show. Really makes you want to be in the crowd. What it doesn’t make you want to be is Sam Cooke’s date on the night of December the 11th 1964.
I love Soul, but never in a million years would I think that an R&B album would be my favourite album OAT. But this takes that cake. Absolute masterpiece, after first listen proceeded to listen another 4 times back to back 10/10 Fav tracks - Perfect Album
That is incredible fidelity for a live recording. Sounds amazing and his voice is incredible. Iconic. Classic songs. The live album feels like a documentary of a bygone era.
Shake your booty
I love this album!
un disco muy alegre y bonito! :)
Sam Cooke is an unusually special artist for his enduring appeal generations later. His voice is beautiful, smooth, and just pulls me in. More importantly, he is able to address deep racial topics, even bring hope that they might change, but also get me dancing on the same album. I personally believe his untimely death was orchestrated by the CIA because his appeal and ability to keep our ugliest racial problems at the forefront of the public discourse was indeed dangerous to the status quo. This performance displays greatly how appealing Sam was. How amazing it would have been to hear him live! I'm familiar with several of these songs, and it's a truly talented musician that can make the live version better than the recorder version. The joy in the crowd comes across in the recording. RIP Sam Cooke, and rest easy knowing we're still "Having a Party" in your honor.
This is a great live album. The intimacy of the recording almost makes you feel like you were there.
Sam Cooke. Period.
One of the few live albums I own and play frequently. He was an incredible talent and it is showcased on this recording. Everyone sounds like they are having a blast on stage and in the crowd.
Great album, really enjoyed it!
0003 / 23.12.2024 I listened to the One Night Stand version because it's the only one available on Spotify. Anyways, this is absolute joy and magic. I never heard a single Sam Cooke song before, and now he's my favorite soul singer, even better than Marvin Gaye. The introduction itself is already very energetic. Feel It is going straight to my favorite songs list, with currently 165 songs out of the almost 4000 I have on my main playlist. This album is just banger after banger, every single song is so great Also I need to know the exact location of the place where the people are so gay. Just for research purposes, of course. No queer intentions on my mind Choruses - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Mixing - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Lyrics - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Vocals - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Instrumentation - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Rating - 100 Highlights: Feel It; Cupid; Twistin' the Night Away; Somebody Have Mercy; Bring It On Home to Me; Having a Party Lowlights: N/A
I just recently really got into Sam Cookes music, so that's a nice coincidence. I've avoided this album so far because I usually don't like live albums at all. This one however is outstanding. The crowd interaction is part of the performance as much as the music, rather than getting in the way, and everything works together flawlessly to create an incredible experience that really captures what a great time it must've been to be at the venue back then. I expect to come back to this album many times, and I'll give more live albums in general a chance as well.
rockin live album full of hits
Great album
Sam Cooke is a voice that no one could ever imitate. This live record shows off the incredible range and energy of his voice.
Love it. Love how he interacts with the crowd. Classic songs from him too.
Dy no mite
I love listening to live albums because you get to feel the energy of the crowd. It transports you to the venue and it’s like you’re taking in the live show with them. You get the artists personality and get a tiny glimpse into how they perform live. For older artists like Same Cooke, you get a sense of how they were received in that era. The music sounds incredible, his voice, command of the crowd and showmanship show through the records. I thoroughly enjoyed this record!
Loved the album. Had heard of Sam Cooke before but not this album and never really listened to him much. Thought it was really well done. Lot of the songs I found myself moving and grooving as it was playing. I also saw it was recorded in 1963 but not released until 1985 and the record company just sat on it for 20+ years! So it is wild that this album with teh 20 year delay in being released influenced others. I can certainly see how Sam Cooke influenced some, but this delayed album is wild. Anyway, more proof record companies are scum of the earth along with healthcare CEOs.
One of the few live recordings that really captures how magical the performance is.
Some live albums are legendary. This is one of them.
This is the best live album of all time.
This flooded me with memories of my aunt, uncles, and my pets. I adore Sam Cooke and thank my family for turning me onto this era of music. I cherish it so much that Cupid and Bring It On Home To Me are songs I dedicate to my bird and kitty who have since passed. I also think about how amazing it must've been to witness such an incredible singer perform live. I loved this, and I'll be certain to revisit.
High energy party classic!
I expected smooth crooning and got taken to a party.
wham bam
Such incredible, stirring performances of great songs. Cooke elevates them to another level, and you can feel the excitement and joy in the room. Probably the best recording from one of the greatest soul singers to ever do it. Cannot say enough good things about this album.
Pretty easy 5/5 for me, the level of energy is infectious thanks to Sam's performance and the live crowd
Y'know, I'm just taken by the fact that this album was apparently held in the vault for 20 years after it was recorded because Cooke's label thought this show was too raw and would damage his pop image. And I just gotta wonder: are they stupid? Like, maybe I'm missing something about how Cooke was publicly perceived at the time. Before now, I'd only heard one Sam Cooke song, on the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL. 2 soundtrack, and it honestly took me a second to remember that. And I especially don't know anything about the landscape in 1963, over 60 years ago, so, yeah, for all I know, maybe it would have hurt his pop image. But at the same time: who C-A-R-E-S about his "pop image?" This is the single most exciting and electrifying live performance I've heard in a hot second. Cooke is **amazing**, the band behind him doesn't miss a beat, and the audience... Oh, goodness, I kinda wish I coulda listened to the version where the crowd sounds were louder? I can only imagine how this thing woulda felt if it had crowd mixing like James Brown's LIVE AT THE APOLLO. OK, maybe not **that** extreme, but still. I can't even really think of any specifics to gush about. It was just an incredibly entertaining 30 minutes, and I feel like it was such a crime to keep this from the world until **1985**. And if you couldn't tell, this is a huge 5 from me. Another notch in my "live albums deserve to be here as much as any other" argument. Seriously, I can't imagine how anyone could listen to this and not get into it, goodness. Expect me to spin it more than a few times more after today.
So much energy on this live album, it's almost magical. Solid 5 Stars.
Well, that’s obviously a 5. Just an electric setlist, really – those 36 minutes flew by. I’ve heard of Sam Cooke, but I’ve never actually heard Sam Cooke until now, and that motherfucker can sing his heart out, my goodness. Combine his gritty soulful voice with a red hot band and a red hot crowd, and that’s a recipe for an awesome live album. How this went unreleased for 22 years, I simply don’t understand. How could you listen to that album, with that much crowd energy, and such an honest and soulful performance, and think it’s too edgy? I guess 1963 is still deep in the Civil Rights Movement, and it was more palatable to present him as a gospel star rather than an Elvis Presley-esque pop star, but come on, this would’ve sent Sam Cooke into absolute superstardom. I’ll go so far as to say he wouldn’t have been murdered if this had come out. Truthfully, I got so swept up into the energy and charisma of the whole thing that I barely have any individual notes on tracks – my ears were attentive, but my brain was on autopilot. There’s a lot of love songs here, which makes some sense, but the energy with which both Sam and the band perform them with is so damn high, you could easily confuse it for a dance album. He’s got the crowd in the palm of his hands too – the amount of call/response parts on this album is kind of unbelievable. It’s really hard to explain how good this album is without listening to it; it is just 36 minutes of pure energy and a spectacular live set. I deeply enjoyed this, and it’s an extremely easy 5.
Chefs kiss
Not only is this the best quality live album I've ever heard, this is one of the best albums this website has ever given me. Cooke's voice is infectious and silky smooth and it's a shame that he left us so soon.
This was cool. Energy and urgency.
I liked this album very much
Really enjoyed this and I think I'll give his other live album a listen too. This one captures a fun little window into a different time. REVISION: I'm editing my rating on this one to change it from a 4 to a 5. Live At The Harlem Square Club is so good. I think it ended up being my favorite "new to me" album of all of 2024. It's infectious; two months later I still find myself randomly singing parts of it.
It really touched my heart. This is really great...
This live album has great energy. What a great front man Sam Cooke is. The band is rock solid. Sounds like a smaller crowd but they are completely immersed in the music.
Sam sounds so much more raw and real live as opposed to his cleaned-up album sound.
The best kind of early rock/soul. All the good vibes. Can't be in a bad mood, while listening to this. Added this album to my collection.
Another live R&B live album, and I'm still loving them. I'd never heard of Sam Cooke, but what a performance. Similar to the live albums of B.B. King and Sarah Vaughan, this oozes with charisma. It's also surprisingly well produced for a live album and the sounds are all so crisp. For the tunes themselves, Feel It (Don't Fight It) is awesome, but It's All Right / (I Love You) steals the show. One of the best live albums here so far.
bdb. Considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time
this shit banged
It’s not very often that I listen to a live album and wish that I was in the room for the recording. This is one of those albums. Cooke is firing on all cylinders and we’re better for it.
A perfect live album with the voice of an angel.
I love this one! It’s a real mood booster and he has a great live energy on this album.
Sam adding the line about how he will always be a slave until he's buried in his grave in 1963 on Bring It On Home To Me gives me chills every time.
Not a bad second let alone a bad track.
legend. this shit ROCKS. i love a live album, the kinetic energy of it, the sound of the band and the audience reacting in real time. the crowd singing along! the sounds of girls literally SHRIEKING in the audience! and that VOICE! the only complaint i have is that im not in the room with them.
This is just very good. It's hard to imagine anyone not liking this.
Superb
It’s safe to state that this record got me into live albums. I’ve avoided them until now for some reason.
I loved this album! I knew of Sam Cooke. I know of some of his music. But he sounds sou good live. I so wish I could have seen him live in his prime. His songs and his voice are amazing and I will listen to this again.
So good and even better because it is live
Ich muss mir echt mehr Live-Alben anhören, besonders von kitschig-romantischer Musik
Electric performance with impeccable vocals
The songs are still delightfully infectious after al these years, and Cooke sounds like he's having a blast in this live performance. A great choice if you're ever feeling the least bit down!
Oh man, this was great. I'd never heard it before, but I sort of felt like I had - I'm pretty sure that this version of 'Bring It On Home to Me' is covered on the soundtrack to the movie Ali, which I had when it was new. You can't help wishing you had been in the audience while listening to this one.
So good. So many hits, love his voice, great vibe
I've definitely heard some of the songs from this album before but not the live versions. I really enjoyed hearing this version of Cupid (I was previously only familiar with the Amy Winehouse one) and the whole album just left me feeling GOOD. Great album!
Great live R&B set of some classic Cooke tunes
Super fun old school, really love hearing the audience from this era.
Came into not really knowing what my expectations should be but not going to lie, this was an incredible experience. I think what really got me was his showmanship! Listening to him perform with his energy, the live music, and his crowd work made this a really incredible experience. Let's chat a little about the live aspect of this album though. I think I always admire when artists release music that has been performed live. Yes there's a lot of ambience noise but i feel it compliments the overall vibe. Does this make audiophiles super happy? Nope! Does this add a different dimension to the music? Hell yea. I love it when singers specifically own their music and also learn to really perform their music for people and not just sing it as if its a record. Again, this is one of those albums I would never really do a double take to listen to but boy am I pleasantly surprised. Highlights for me: Feel it (Don't Fight it) Cupid Having a Party
The energy that Sam Cooke brings and maintains pretty much throughout the whole performance is intoxicating. You can hear how much enjoyment he's getting from performing in front of the crowd in this live album. I think this is the first live album where I was really happy to have listened to. I honestly can't believe Sam's voice and how he's able to maintain that cadence and passion. I find it kind of funny that there are imperfections of the recordings, even digitally. At the beginning of Feel It (Don't Fight It), you can hear it repeat or skip. Does it give it charm? Is it annoying? Maybe a bit of both? This album is so much fun. I loved every single second of it. The pacing is great and the vibe throughout is consistent and my foot never stopped tapping. I've been having a debate in my head all morning whether to give this album a 4 or a 5. On one hand, I don't know how much I'd be returning to this album, on the other hand, I really did LOVE listening to this album. Even if I don't return to it, I feel like I'll be thinking about it a lot. I had to give the album a second listen with headphones to settle my internal dispute. Maybe I just gave it a second listen because I didn't want the party to end. Highlights: Feel It (Don't Fight It) Cupid Twistin' The Night Away Ultimately, I think I'd regret not giving it what it deserves.
one of my Dad's favorites
Just like James Brown Live at the Apollo this album is infectiously happy. You can feel how excited the audience is and how much everyone is enjoying themselves. Really great album!
Great vocals from Sam Cooke, as always
You like soul? You want to dance? Then this has it all, only shame was it was over in 35 minutes. I had to listen twice instead!
A perfect live recording! I really enjoyed this.
Feel It -3.5/5, enjoyable, a little repetitive. I might put it on a playlist if it fit the vibe Chain Gang -4/5, really love the vibrancy of the crowd and the way Cooke interacts with the crowd. Beautiful song too, gospel-inspired, which I have such a soft spot, even if it's absolutely a terrifying song, lyrically Cupid -2.5-3/5; I mean, it's a classic and I've heard it before. Not really my song, but it is pretty Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons -"Is everybody in favor of getting romantic" like how he cheerfully introduces it, and then the la la las. -You ever hear something so beautiful and sweet and it's clear he's having a lot of fun? 4.5/5 but I'm tempted to bump it up to a 5 Twistin' the Night Away -BANGER OF A FUCKING SONG! SAVED IN MY SPOTIFY LIKES SINCE 2019!! 5/5 partially because I love it, partially because I know it already, partially because I just like it Somebody Have Mercy -5/5 Sax solo, the joy and the raspiness of that voice Bring It On Home To Me -5/5 again with one I know before and love dearly Nothing Can Change This Love -5/5 another classic!! Today's been a good day. Having a Party -5/5 "'Having a Party' became the closing song of Cooke's live performances from the time it was recorded to his death. These concerts would typically end with all other acts joining Cooke and company onstage, throwing confetti while Cooke worked the audience to "keep on having that party" after the show is over. A version can be heard on Cooke's posthumous live recording, Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963." - Wikipedia. What a beautiful thing. "When you go home, keep on having a party," he finishes with. Overall Rating: 4.72 according my averaging. I guess it's close to a five. What a hell of a song.
Every song is a hit. Even the deep cuts sound like hits.
Maybe someone with a better knowledge of audio could explain to me, why this live album from 1963 sounded so damn clean and sweet to listen to compared to so much later recording studio stuff??? There's probably an explanation and better words to describe it, but this blew me away with sound quality. Also with the music.
A scorching live soul set.
Brilliant! So rowdy
Real and raw. So good.
Not usually a big fan of live albums, but this one is great. It has a tremendous amount of energy and some great songs. Eager to check out more of Sam Cooke's stuff now.
Oh, Sam, das ist so cool. Freude an der Musik mit einer tollen Stimme. Ich kann es nicht fassen, wie unfassbar fantastisch dieses Live-Album ist. Ich habe es mir zweimal hintereinander angehört und war unglaublich glücklich.
All music can make us feel, but some music is transcendent and can transport us to another time or place. This album does just that….close your eyes and you’re in a small venue, packed tight, hot as hell, and the smell of stale beer and cigarettes fills your nostrils. Sam’s on a small stage, it’s an intimate venue and you almost feel like he’s singing and talking to you. Singing some of the best music ever made. Hands down one of the best live albums EVER!!
Awesome
Pure fire! This album had me wanting to get up and groove right along with it. Infectious energy from Sam Cooke here, and I love how the crowd would get involved and sing along. This album deserves its spot on the 1001 Albums list!
I can feel the energy.
one problem that some live albums have is that many of them sound like studio albums. either the crowd sounds fake or you can only hear the crowd between songs or the songs sound a little too “perfect”. in short, they can sound too polished. not with this one. this live album is astonishingly good. it does what i feel live albums should do, and that is to make you feel as if you are actually there. as i listened to this album through my headphones, i could actually hear the crowd DURING the song. it is considered by many to be one of the best live albums of all time, and honestly it’s hard to argue with that. highlights: “cupid” “twisting’ the night away” “bring it on home to me”
I love it, will revisit when I'm feeling rowdy. I miss the New Orleans midnight jazz bars, this brings me a piece of it. 5/5
Bloody hell! This is good! What a singer and what an artist! And what an entertainer! It's not a 2+ hours arena gig like people expect today. I mean, imagine being only 10 minutes late to the show and missing so much good stuff!!! Wow! Just...wow!
You know how they only filmed Elvis from the waist up the first time he was on TV, because they thought his swiveling hips would scandalize the youth into fits of unbridled horniness? RCA worried that Sam Cooke's *voice* would do that.
I love Sam Cooke's voice - I don't know that there's anyone in my mind that will ever sound as good as him in this genre. You never know how well an album voice translates to a live performance, though, but this album proves he's good in any format. 5/5
It’s rough. Ready and swings and rocks with a whole dollop of soul.
Soul. Great voice. The father of soul, inventor of soul,Mr Soul etc Sam Cooke. An auditory outing, dinner and show with some rowdy guests in the background, set list builds to a peak then we head home. Interesting as a reminder music is best as live event; organic. Like a naturalistic eavesdropping recording; captures what an evening in a club in Harlem really sounded like, audience interaction, chaos, wailing ... A beautiful tragic important entry. I get why it's here and fell compelled to explore his music and soul further. Defining music of a time. And I barely grasp its full significance I think....
I was chatting once to my mate Dave, who is musician and published critic, about how I don't really like live records, except for... at which point I started listing off a string of really great live albums that I would happily choose to put on the turntable. I had, at that point, just recently acquired a copy of this Sam Cooke record, which really was the proof point that I do, in fact, like live recordings. Same Cooke released a string of absolutely, drop dead classic soul singles in the late 50s and early 60s, although his albums of the time are often a little under-baked (as was the fashion at the time). Artists of the period, especially black artists, are often criminally underserved by Dimery's 1001 list, with its obsession with the album format. They were singles artists, and there often is no single (non-compilation) album that really represents their strengths of influence. And really, you must listen to a good best of compilation of Sam Cooke's singles, which is a five star listen if only for "You Send Me" and "A Change is Gonna Come". But it is also true that Sam Cooke aimed most of his recordings at a cross-over (read: white) audience. Those records tend to be a bit sweeter, a bit smoother, a few more string arrangements. This live record, however, is atypical of most of his output. It is rough and raucous, recorded at a 1am show in a predominantly black club with a gritty and soulful band (featuring King Curtis). There is quite a rasp in Sam's voice (a result of this being the third show of the night) and he is working the highly responsive crowd. I am not surprised that his record company shelved the tapes; this was not consistent with his usual sound. But I am so glad we have this artefact, released 20 years later. This is one of the great, great soul recordings, and one of the best live soul recordings ever. I would argue that it is an even more masterful performance than James Brown At The Apollo, which was recorded two months earlier but not yet released. Sam Cooke Live at The Harlem Square Club is raw, it's sweaty, it's sexy, it's a masterclass in secular gospel. Preach, Sam, preach! Five stars, every home should have a copy.
This was a hidden gem. I just wanted to bop and dance along in this club. It sounded like a great night to be apart of. So many classic songs and such a great voice.
Great old timey soul music. Love that this is a live album. Such great energy!
This show is so incredible it brought tears to my eyes. His energy is big and bright and infectious, and his songs are just fun. Amazing voice and sounds too. Loved it all! Easy 5!
This was absolutely stellar. What a voice! What an atmosphere! I’ll be putting this on my playlist for sure.
I usually prefer studio recordings to live performances, but this was energetic and just so much fun - there is such a rawness present in his voice and the crowd is having a blast. Will be revisiting this in the future for sure - I loved loved loved this. Favourite track: Twistin' the Night Away
GREAT VIBES, love this
5/5 Cooke briskly marches us through a classic soul tracklist, with energy and character. The band is fantastic and Sam's voice is endlessly charismatic. Great, great listen. Feel It (Don't Fight It) 4.5/5 Chain Gang 4.5/5 Cupid 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons 5/5 Twistin' The Night Away 4.5/5 Somebody Have Mercy 5/5 Bring It on Home to Me 5/5 Nothing Can Change This Love 5/5 (FAV) Having a Party 4.5/5
Fantastic energy and I love how present the crowd is in the mix.
Great catchy tunes.
Just an unbelievable live album. I love all of his ad-libing. If only this had been filmed.
Sam Cooke is just amazing - this album made me feel like I was there.
**Sam Cooke's *Live at the Harlem Square Club* (1963): An In-Depth Review** *Live at the Harlem Square Club* by Sam Cooke is more than just a live album; it is a historic record capturing a transformative moment in music history. Recorded on January 12, 1963, in a small, smoke-filled club in Miami, Florida, this album showcases Cooke at his rawest and most electrifying. It offers a striking contrast to his polished studio recordings, revealing the gritty, powerful soul behind the smooth pop persona. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and will assess the pros and cons of this iconic recording. ### 1. **Lyrics** Sam Cooke’s lyrics in *Live at the Harlem Square Club* reflect the core themes of love, longing, and joy, which are staples in his discography. However, in the live setting, these lyrics take on a new dimension. The emotive delivery adds layers of meaning to even the most straightforward lines. **Highlights:** - **"Bring It On Home to Me":** Cooke’s pleading tone and heartfelt delivery elevate this song’s simple lyrics about reconciliation and love lost and found. The repeated refrain, "Bring it to me," becomes an almost spiritual call, resonating deeply with the audience. - **"Twistin' the Night Away":** This song's lyrics are straightforward, focusing on the joy of dancing and celebrating life. In the live performance, the lyrics gain an infectious energy, drawing the audience into the experience. **Analysis:** The lyrics of these songs are not complex or metaphor-laden, but they are effective in their simplicity. They reflect the universal themes of human experience, which is part of what makes them so relatable. In the live setting, the immediacy of Cooke’s performance injects new life into these familiar words, making them resonate on a deeper level. ### 2. **Music** Musically, *Live at the Harlem Square Club* is a masterclass in soul and rhythm and blues (R&B). The album features Cooke backed by an energetic band led by saxophonist King Curtis, whose contributions are integral to the album’s dynamic sound. **Instrumentation:** - **Rhythm Section:** The rhythm section, particularly the driving bass lines and the energetic drumming, provides a solid foundation for Cooke’s vocals. The uptempo grooves of songs like "Having a Party" and "Twistin' the Night Away" showcase the tight, propulsive nature of the band. - **Horns:** The brass section adds a brassy punch to the arrangements, particularly on tracks like "Chain Gang" and "Somebody Have Mercy." The interplay between the horns and Cooke’s vocals creates a call-and-response dynamic that heightens the energy of the performance. **Vocal Performance:** Sam Cooke’s voice is the centerpiece of the album. His vocal delivery is raw, powerful, and full of emotion. Unlike the smoother, more controlled performances on his studio albums, Cooke allows himself to stretch and bend notes, creating an almost visceral connection with the audience. **Improvisation:** One of the most striking aspects of the album is Cooke's willingness to improvise. He plays with the timing and phrasing of his lyrics, allowing his voice to soar, shout, and whisper as the mood dictates. This spontaneity gives the album a sense of urgency and makes each song feel like a unique, in-the-moment creation. ### 3. **Production** The production of *Live at the Harlem Square Club* is both a strength and a limitation of the album. Recorded by engineer Wally Heider, the sound is raw and unpolished, which adds to the authenticity of the performance but also presents some challenges. **Sound Quality:** - **Pros:** The album captures the energy of the live performance in a way that is almost tangible. The crowd noise, the interaction between Cooke and the audience, and the imperfections in the recording all contribute to the feeling of being present at the show. - **Cons:** The rawness of the recording also means that there are moments when the sound quality is less than ideal. The balance between the instruments and Cooke’s voice is not always perfect, with some elements occasionally getting lost in the mix. **Mixing:** The mixing of the album is minimalist, allowing the live atmosphere to take center stage. There is little in the way of studio manipulation, which preserves the authenticity of the performance but also means that any flaws in the live recording are more apparent. **Impact of Production Choices:** The choice to keep the production minimal and to embrace the rawness of the live recording is a bold one. It allows listeners to experience the performance as it was, with all its imperfections. However, for those accustomed to the slick production of Cooke's studio work, this can be jarring. Ultimately, this approach suits the album’s intent—to present a true, unfiltered snapshot of Cooke's live prowess. ### 4. **Themes** The themes of *Live at the Harlem Square Club* revolve around love, joy, and the human experience. Cooke’s setlist for the night was carefully chosen to reflect these universal themes. **Love and Longing:** - **"Bring It On Home to Me"** and **"Chain Gang"** both touch on themes of love and longing, albeit in different ways. The former is a plea for reconciliation, while the latter, though originally about the plight of prisoners, becomes a metaphor for enduring hardship with hope. **Celebration and Joy:** - **"Having a Party"** and **"Twistin' the Night Away"** are celebrations of life and the communal joy of music and dance. These songs capture the spirit of the live performance, emphasizing the connection between Cooke and his audience. **Resilience and Perseverance:** - **"Somebody Have Mercy"** and **"Feel It (Don't Fight It)"** deal with the struggles of life and the strength needed to overcome them. These themes resonate deeply in the context of the early 1960s, especially considering Cooke's later involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. ### 5. **Influence** *Live at the Harlem Square Club* is an album that has had a lasting impact on music and culture. It showcases a side of Sam Cooke that was not widely known at the time—his raw, soulful energy, which would later influence countless artists across genres. **On Soul Music:** The album is often cited as one of the greatest live recordings in soul music history. It captures the transition from the polished, crossover-friendly sound of early R&B to the more raw, emotionally charged performances that would define soul music in the 1960s and beyond. Artists like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown would carry forward the live performance intensity that Cooke exemplified on this album. **On Live Recordings:** The album set a new standard for live recordings. It demonstrated that a live album could capture the essence of an artist in a way that studio recordings could not. The rawness and energy of *Live at the Harlem Square Club* influenced future live albums by artists such as Bob Dylan (*Live 1966*), The Rolling Stones (*Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!*), and more. **Cultural Impact:** Though not released until 1985, the album’s eventual release added to the understanding of Sam Cooke’s artistry. It revealed the depth of his connection to the black community and his roots in gospel and R&B, counterbalancing his more commercially successful pop recordings. This live album has since become a crucial part of Cooke’s legacy, ensuring that his influence is recognized not only for his contributions to pop music but also for his role in the development of soul music. ### **Pros and Cons** **Pros:** - **Raw Energy and Authenticity:** The album captures Sam Cooke at his most raw and passionate, showcasing his ability to connect with a live audience. - **Vocal Performance:** Cooke’s voice is powerful and emotive, demonstrating his range and versatility as a performer. - **Musicianship:** The backing band, led by King Curtis, provides a tight, energetic foundation that enhances the overall performance. - **Influential:** The album has had a lasting impact on live recording standards and the evolution of soul music. **Cons:** - **Sound Quality:** The rawness of the live recording means that there are moments when the sound quality is less than ideal, which may be a drawback for some listeners. - **Lack of Polish:** Those expecting the smooth, polished sound of Cooke’s studio work may be surprised or even put off by the rough edges of the live performance. - **Limited Setlist:** While the songs performed are strong, the album’s brevity and relatively short setlist leave the listener wanting more. ### **Conclusion** *Live at the Harlem Square Club* by Sam Cooke is a landmark album that offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the soul of one of music’s greatest artists. The live recording captures the energy, passion, and connection between Cooke and his audience in a way that studio albums cannot replicate. The album's themes of love, joy, and perseverance resonate deeply, while its influence on soul music and live recordings is undeniable. While the album's rawness and less-than-perfect sound quality might be seen as drawbacks, they are also part of what makes this recording so powerful. It stands as a testament to Cooke’s ability to transcend the confines of the recording studio and connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level. In the end, *Live at the Harlem Square Club* is a must-listen for anyone interested in the roots of soul music or in understanding the full breadth of Sam Cooke's artistic legacy. Its pros far outweigh its cons, making it not just a great live album, but a pivotal moment in music history.
For me it sounds like real sam cooke, rather than how the studio albums were recorded- probably so they appealed more to a white america. Excellent album
The energy, performance, and vibes are all on point, with this also being an excellent way to represent an influential artist with big singles without adding an album that doesn’t really belong just because of some songs on it.
A soul legend, a legendary live recording.
Holy moly this was a bonkers-good
At first I was bummed because it's another live album, but I didn't find that to be a detractor at all. A fantastic album- great pacing and the live recording is near indistinguishable from the studio recording. Cupid is one of my favorite songs ever; I was chuffed to see it included.
This is the first 5 I've given out to an album that I wasn't already familiar with. This is awesome.
Simply fantastic. Sam Cooke makes it all work so well. He has the swing in his music that makes you want to move and he has a powerful voice when he wants to. Bits of this felt like he was channeling James Brown and the product is an incredible show that starts off super high.
Fellas, is it cool if: 📝You help your friend and his brothers get a music deal. ⚰️Same friend shows up at your funeral in your clothes + your wife on his arm. 💍They get married 3 months after your funeral. 🚸Your friend then also Fs your daughter. 😡Then your friend gets 🔫 by your wife(now friend's wife) when she finds out. Sam Cooke haunted the crap out of Bobby Womack.
So fun!
I didn't realize I knew anything by Sam Cooke until I started listening to the album. Song after song I was familiar with and I just loved the live versions of them. It sounds like they were having such a ball at this show. Between this and Folsom Prison I am more and more opening up to maybe listening to some live albums. I've never been a big fan before but I loved both of those. 5 stars for me.
Unbelievably good!
For those giving this album bad reviews because or recording quality....get over yourselves. The dude's voice is amazing. This makes me want to sit by a pool on a hot summer day, friends near, with drinks in hand. Love it.
Holy shit this is a good album.
Great live album. Top stuff.
Instant 5 stars when it comes to Sam Cooke! Heard some of his radio hits thru the years but really “discovered” him around 2005ish, instantly loved him.. nice change on this live album from his more whitewashed pop sound - makes sense that he was in the middle of the civil rights era
God I fucking love Sam Cooke. Another one taken from us too soon. Blasted this in my car on the way to work this morning and it felt like I was part of the crowd; I wish I could have been present in this nightclub at this time. The crowd sounds so into it, singing along, the women screaming for Sam. His energy is electric and his band is vibrant. The music swings and grooves the entire time, never losing a beat or dipping in momentum. Sam’s voice is one of a kind and carries such gravity that will always impact me in such a human way. Very happy to have learned about this one.
Hell yeah. The medley into Twistin the Night Away was the peak, it made me wish I was there dancing along. I loved this so much
I can think of worse ways to use a Time Machine than to go back to the Harlem Square club in 1962 to see Sam Cooke
4.5
Bueno
born to be at a Sam Cooke concert, forced to live through the crumbling fall of America
Energy on every track. Great live album!
Soul,R&B,gospel. Bring It on Home to Me.
Wonderful. Great.
OMG, to be in the audience! Everyone is having such a blast, the band is tight and Sam is ON FIRE! Love it! 5 stars!
Cool
Sam Cooke LOVES his woman. This album is less of a live set, more of a party and a proclamation. His energy is bombastic, the audience part of the band. It's electric. The backing band is great, but they are a bit behind because this is Sam's show, and he shines. Incredible capture of a night from 60 years ago.
‘60s soul performed live in a small club… It really doesn’t get better than this. All the tempos are elevated, the crowd is charged. The performance is electrifying. I only have 2 complaints; it’s but long enough, and I’m not old enough to have been there.
Absolutely loved this!
Holy moly!
Amazing live album, amazing soul. But this music has aged a little. So how do I judge this? Based on music today or music at the time? Comparing this to music 50 years later is like looking at Newton's accomplishments and saying, "Meh, that's old school." Newton was one of the most revolutionary figures ever. So I will judge this by the standard of the time. 5 stars.
This thing absolutely SMOKES, holy shit. Rarely does a live album feel this essential.
love the crooners
the verve!
Sam Cooke sings! I mean he really belts it out here. Him and his band play with a loudness, intensity, and degree of grittiness that wasn’t present in pop or soul at the time. The recording has an immediacy and urgency that makes you feel like you’re right there in the club with them. And Cooke’s voice just grabs you, sucks you right in, and keeps you there until he’s done with his set. A masterful live soul album.
I am generally not a huge fan of live albums, but this one is certainly an exception. Sam Cooke has an amazing voice and this album just conveyed what an amazing present he must’ve been. Some truly great classic songs.
I LOVE HIM MY POOKIE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
OH MY GOD it's like I’m hearing music for the first time. I CAN'T STOP DANCING! DON'T FIGHT IT! FEEL IT!!!! I don't know how to twist but sam I swear I'm trying my best. how does one not move their entire body snapping their fingers and tapping their feet to all of these songs.. it's transfixing.. I feel the 60's mysticism of letting the music sweep you away from all of your worries and up into a cloud of pure glory. Bring It on Home to Me has the most passionately in-love vocals of all time probably. this thing is a masterwork.
Really good really fun. He has such a charming energy it’s great. A teir
The main thing I'm learning from listening to nearly 300 albums from this website is just how much I like 60s soul music. This is the latest one that I would have never listened to previously which I'll definitely go back to. Really solid good fun from start to finish and one of the best live albums I've had on here so far. Fav tracks: Chain Gang, Twistin' the Night Away, Feel It
5/5 - really fun
Very good
Great mood setting album. He’s better live than in studio which is rare.
Southern soul. One of the best live albums I've ever heard. Nonstop amazing songs, amazing performances, powerful vocals. SO much energy and love packed into one concert, somehow properly captured in the recording. I can't help but imagine what it must have been like to be there. All bad feelings wash away while listening to this. Impossible to not enjoy. Would love to revisit. 5/5
The single greatest live album of all time. From the introduction, the way that it builds, the way that Sam whips the crowd into a frenzy, the release on Somebody Have Mercy and the sheer peak of Bring It On Home To Me, followed by the slow cool down that ends with the celebration that is Having A Party. In the words of Mr. Cooke himself, "I just can't quit you". His voice is raspy perfection, the best a soul singer has ever sounded on tape - a little raspy, tired, pleading, a little cocky and hopeful that it will all work out in the end. The band is loose but tight in all the right places. The crowd is vocal and you can hear their sweaty love for it all through the tape and 60 years of time. A masterpiece.
Wonderful!!
Wow this is a great live show. It makes me wish I was in the audience. Sam's voice is AMAZING.
The energy in this one was amazing. It's remarkable the difference with a good live artist. I would listen to this again for sure.
I'm not usually a fan of live albums but I really enjoyed this one. You can tell that the audience is really having a good time too
Incredible live performance. The interaction with the crowd and musicians creates an amazing atmosphere.
I'm genuinely surprised by my feelings about this album. Soul music is something I would not listen to, and it surprised me. First I'll give my one main critique: The songs are very repetitive. Obviously that's a stylistic choice, but I fail to be a huge fan of it. Despite that, the whole album has so much momentum to it. It's something that works for me to focus my attention on or to put in the background as something to enjoy the positive energy of. I am pleasantly surprised. 4.5/5 stars, so I'll round up.
Nice and short. Enjoyed throughout and I think the live aspect really added character
Best live album of all time bar none. Cooke used the tour to perfect an experience for the artist that felt spontaneous and moving. 3rd show of the night and everybody's feeling it. The sweat comes through the speakers. One of the most enigmatic figures in late 50s early 60s soul. He was a voice of social change, but this shows he knew how to thread the needle and sometimes that meant just having a party!
If you don’t listen to this and feel at least a little bit happy, I swear you don’t have a pulse.
Imagine suppressing something for more than 20 years because it sounded like too much fun. I do like a live album. And this is a heck of a live album. There aren't many where you can absolutely feel the sweat on your back and the sticky floor under your feet. This is really, really good. So much better than the pop image they tried to preserve.
Sam Cooke is having a great time making this live album. Every song is catchy, fun, and fun to sing along to. I've only heard the Commitments' version of "Bring It on Home to Me," so it was cool to listen to the original. I also didn't know Sam Cooke sand "Twistin' the Night Away."
When I first started to listen to this I thought it was a mess. Poorly recorded and mixed. Too much crowd noise. But then I started to think, this is real. This is raw. Close your eyes and you could be in The Harlem Square Club, singing along with Sam. All the classics. Great music
Soul,R&B,gospel. Bring It on Home to Me.
I love Sam Cooke.
Omg que des classiques ici vraiment -
Sam Cooke is always a good choice. Great album.
Such a feel-good jam through and through. I can feel the energy in the room and how it's a party I'd love to be at.
This is an amazing live album. The pace and energy do not let down once it gets started. Songs are fun too, Sam Cook is great here! Excellent.
If I could transport myself back in time, what a joy that would be just to be there, that night. Just an incredible live performance, brilliant and effortless.
The voice of Sam Cooke stands on top of every instrument and it's very good, not only that but the people's energy is an important part of this album. The simplicity of love on this album is great too, there's no "deep" emotion behind things, it's love in the purest form. I forgot how good a live album can be. T he atmosphere on it is amazing, if I close my eyes I can feel that I'm there with Sam jamming to his songs. There's nothing to dislike from this album to be honest, it's all positives. In conclusion, this was a fantastic album.
Sam Cooke is deservedly a legend. I don't like typically like live albums, but this one is deligthful (much like the live Sarah Vaughan)! Cooke is such a light and charismatic presence, it would have been a dream to be there at the club to see him record.
I thought I loved Sam Cooke as much as I could before, but I had never heard him live. His voice is so perfectly raw, and this really feels like the definition of soul. He put his soul into this. I am amazed that I hadn’t heard this earlier, but I’m glad I finally did.
Such a fun album. Amazing live recording and one of the few albums I'd relisten to in its entirety.
5/5. The energy and skill is undeniable, just a greatest hits collection. The flow into each song is flawless, and his singing is so passionate and exceptional. It honestly feels too short for the amount we should be getting. I was expecting way more but was very satisfied with the quality and artistry through this record. Definitely a repeat listen for me.
lively, can feel it from the music
Such energy, so fun. I'd heard all these songs before but not this live album, and I completely understand why it is so loved. Few live albums put you so wholly in the room as this. Definitely will get many, many more listens.
An amazing talent taken too soon. His joy and energy radiate from this album. Listening to this will transport you to another time. I love that you can really hear the audience. Not necessarily my favorite Sam Cooke versions of these songs, but an incredible live record nonetheless.
Absolute masterpiece.
Sam Cooke - One Night Stand (live at the Harlem Square Club l, 1963) One of the greatest, doing what he did best. It's a great view into his electrifying stage presence 5/5
Raspy, raw, rehearsed. Truly in concert with the audience, in every sense of the word. So incredible tapes were rolling. What a document. Peaks with “Bring it on Home to Me”. This is the important part. Everybody’s with you tonight. Yeah.
Good album. i really liked it
It’s Sam Cooke. For the love of God my opinion on this shouldn’t sway anyone to listen to it. The Swedes hand Sam Cooke albums out as part of their baby bundles so their children will know greatness from day one.
Molten hot live set in the vein of Live at the Apollo, need more listens but could even be better
Großartig! 5/5
Sam Cooke burns through his hits and it's a pleasure to hear. If you don't know Sam Cooke or haven't heard him live, this album is a must-hear. The tempo rarely slows and it's like a sprint to the end of the set. This album has been in my personal collection for a while now and I love revisiting it.
amazing
A wonderful, really groovy album. The vocals are pretty and suitable for the music, the sax is beautiful! I'm not quite sure if this is considered Jazz, Blues, or some other genre, but I like it. It's almost soothing, so it's definitely something I'd listen to if I feel like it.
Great, great show but after you listen to the patter and other improvisations you start to understand why he might have been shot to death by a woman. I wish I could find out the backing band here - this ensemble is pretty damn good! Bought this went it first came out and would listen to it back-to-back with my Otis Redding+Jimi Hendrix at Monterey record. Brings back a lot of great memories listening and fantasizing about what these shows must have been like. 😍
Instant party. God bless you.
Hoppin' !!! Record companies are so dumb....they should have never held this one back.
Cooke is an electric performer, his voice is beautiful, the music is excellent. The quality of the live recording is frankly unbelievable, especially for 1964.
I think live albums are a bit of a cop out. This is a decent one though, you can feel the energy in the performance. The events surrounding his death are incredibly sad and interesting to read about.
I respect people's differing opinions on music but you shouldnt trust anyone who doesn't love this album with their whole soul.
Sounded like an amazing gig
Amazing crowd energy elevates a great performer.
Loved this front to back....what a voice, what a performance. hit after hit after hit.
Really solid, probably one of the greatest soul albums ever made. Can't really go wrong with Sam Cooke
LOVE!!! 5
What a fun album! You can really feel the energy of the crowd.
5/5
awesome, some chill
Music is so much about context. After some extremely low-effort / low-rent noise albums a raw and sincere live hard R&B show from the 60s hits perfectly. Although I'm sure I'd have connected with it on any day - love Sam's voice/vocals, love the band, the crowd interaction, love the length of the album. Nothing world-shattering but at the same time this is a classic/keeper - incredibly fun - what a performer. Was wavering between 4 and 5 but for what it is it could not have been any better so 5 it is. 9/10 5 stars
One of the best live albums I’ve heard. Reminded me of seeing Leon Bridges live
Absolutely intoxicating energy from Mr. Cooke. A gift to the senses and the soul.
Really fun! Favorite song: Twisting the Night Away
Great entertainer. Great voice. And the live album makes you feel the energy
Finally! A genre I recognize! Thank you.
My favorite album so far. I thought Sam Cooke was good, in studio, but he's wondrous in a live performance. His singing is so throaty and effortless, like a songbird. Had to look up The Harlem Square Club, was surprised it was in Miami.
Phenomenal!
This was incredible. Breakneck pacing, just ripping through the set, almost as if something were going to happen if he didn’t fight it back with music. Such incredible energy throughout from SC and the crowd, too. I needed this on a Friday!