Reviews (page 4 of 14)
Pretty good, classic songs, classic vibe.
It's fun and has palpable energy but the song style is pretty dated and doesn't seem to know if it really wants to be soul or pop
Great live album, really fun atmosphere. Shame to hear he died a bit after this.
oh yeah
Sam Cooke sounds incredible here, with a lively crowd, strong singing, and songs that stay exciting, making this live album easy to enjoy and hard to stop replaying later again for years afterward.
Whoa! What. A. Powerful. Live. Recording.
4/8
I'm sorry soul fans, the music is fantastic but I just can't deal with the sound quality. I understand it's a record from its age, it mortifies me that I can't enjoy music recorded live from before the 80s. And even 80s music live sounds too raw and "amateur" with today's standards. I know there's nothing to be done and this is the way things were back then, but I don't like this sound.
This was a great album. Just transported me to another time and place. I knew Sam and had heard some of his work, but all together is just great. He's such a good singer and the supporting band is amazing. The live audience adds so much, and I really enjoyed it. Not the widest variety, but soulful as hell.
Absolutely excellent live album
Muy Bueno, La historia de Sam es bastante interesante, el album, 3.56/5 picos altos como tambien, bajos.
Live music makes the energy feel higher. It's just better than a recording. The crowd feeds into it.
씐나네요
monumental !!!
Good music just not really my thing
Encuentro valiosa la recomendación pero definitivamente no es un género que disfrute mucho. Buen interprete.
Having a party indeed. Hot damn it would have been amazing to be there. What a voice! Honestly, I think I may like Cooke more than Brown.
I'm glad I heard it, and I wouldn't mind listening again, but I wouldn't seek it out
Bonne découverte mais pas fan des albums live
This just makes you happy
Really good album. One of the best Sam Cooke albums i've ever heard.
Pa simpa album, ali mi ne radi ništa posebno, mislim da je to jedan od onih albuma koje treba čuti live u tom vremenu da stvarno možeš cijeniti. Smiješno mi je njegovo vrištanje, na trenutke zvuči kao atmosfera s neke aukcije 😅 3/5, 5/10
10/10 - listened to this twice in a row, my 2yr old was jamming, absolutely amazing, chain gang is a highlight
So much positive energy, soul is almost never my music of choice but I enjoyed it. The live performance only adds up to it.
This was so, SO GOOD. What I wouldn't give to have been in the room when this was recorded, drunk and sweaty and ALIVE.
3.5 Really cool hearing the crowdwork between the songs
Well, why I don't think I personally am going to get into Jazz as a genre, I can see what about it draws people in. It's a very alive kind of music and that is something I can appreciate. Not really my vibe though, it's too much going on at once
Muy buena voz
I expected more from this. Sort of one dimensional, hard driving throughout. Reminds me of the James Brown live album. Sam Cooke’s singles were legendary and I don’t think this performance reflects the greatness of the artist.
10/10 one of the best albums ive listened to because of this website (thus far) really solid lvie porject
incredibly energetic live album, Sam at the peak of his powers. Can only call this secular gospel music. Hearing his connection with the audience is so exciting. Vocals are absolutely perfect — but it's a totally different side to him as a performer than what you hear in studio recordings. The history behind this album, how it was held from release until the mid eighties for fear of ruining his pop star image, is also fascinating.
As good as a live album gets on here.
Fun. Fun is the word that wraps up everything about this performance in a heart-shaped box of chocolates. The excitement! The vitality! The banter, with both audience and fellow musician! It's so easy to close your eyes while listening and imagine yourself in the crowd, twirling around the dance floor with your partner. It's the kind of show that can go on forever and never get boring. I imagine everyone walking out of the club, still feeling loopy. I saw a lot of comments on this from people who immediately dismissed it because "live album" or "not a good guy." That innate negativity bothers me, and I want to encourage everyone to keep this in mind for every album on this website: it's someone's favorite. This album is someone's favorite album. So I'm going to give every album on here a fair shot and try to understand it like they do. Wouldn't you?
Nostalgic feeling, now I want a lemonade or a cheap cold beer... Idk what that means, but it was a fun listen.
I have twisted the night away and I loved it.
What a voice.
The ENERGY and ATMOSPHERE and FUN! Gonna come back to this one.
Obligatory "I don't usually like live albums" statement goes here. Sam Cooke is great. This album is great. It sounds like it was a blast to record. Lots of crowd interaction which would generally be a negative for me, but this is so much fun that it's ultimately a positive. 4 Stars.
Review - wow this album is great. Never really listened to Sam Cooke, and at first was like wow this is punky for being from the 60s, was this really popular back then? Then saw it hadn't been released for 20 years for being too "raw". Also interesting reading about how his music was marketed to "pop" audiences. The language used then, in the '80s, and even now, is just code for talking about race. His music was targeted at white audiences, and execs decided that this album wouldn't be bought by them, so it was shelves for 20 years despite being great. Will be looking into more of his work. Rating - 9/10 Need to hear? YES
Det är bra låtar och det hade säkert varit superfett att vara där, men jag får inte ut nåt av detta. Ljudkvalitet är allt för dålig för att vara njutbar. Ljudbilden är stökig, jag stör mig på publikens bullrande, gitarren känns smått sur och det är bitvis inte lika tajt som man hade önskat. Hade det varit en studioplatta hade jag säkert gett en fyra, men detta var mest jobbigt.
Stämning!
Sam Cooke är fin. Riktigt svängigt, svettigt och mysigt. Genomgående gospel-pastor feeling. Tycker det var lite för mycket samma-låt-rock n roll och för lite dynamik. Det hade höjt helheten om han tog ner det och blev mer finstämd ibland. Men stark 3a.
Efter introt i åtminstone tre låtar trodde jag att det skulle komma ett: dont know much about historyyy. Blev prankad! Trots att allt låter nästintill likadant var det fan rätt skoj lyssning ändå. Otrolig röst, otrolig stämning och egentligen bara hits. Melodierna är ju nice ändå. Stark trea!
omg vilket ös
Vilken härlig kväll det måste varit. Trevligt! Blir ju inspirerad till att också börja interagera med publiken konstant. Bara man hade den rösten!
Holy moly - need on vinyl
3.5 stars I’m typically not a fan of live albums. My average for them on here is probably 2 stars. The sound quality of this feels a lot better than others of the era like the James Brown one. I also feel a little more part of the show, where as the James Brown one feels like a documentary with the crowd disrupting over his grunts and such. Cooke is connected with the audience in a way that feels more intimate. His singing is captured well and the tunes are good. It is great to have this document not too long before he died to hear how he was when in his element. I still prefer hearing studio versions, but this was relatively short and I didn’t mind the live elements.
Me gusto mucho el ritmo
Not my vibe at all
7.5/10 - Sam has a great voice but what sets this album apart is his presence. He is so dynamic, he works the crowd, he adds with the ad libs. This is one of the best live albums I’ve ever heard.
It's fun, his voice is great as always. 7/10
6/10
Absolutely loved this album. Sam Cooke has an incredible voice. I don’t know how I didn’t hear him sooner. I wish I saw him live. He definitely deserves to be on 1001. Favorite song: Chain Gang
Shelved for 2 decades, this might be Sam Cooke's greatest achievement. During Cooke's lifetime, the image the suits wanted to believe was that Cooke was a polite crooner that you could take to church and meet your family. That was very far from the truth and this live record shines a spotlight on what a raw and sexual performer he was. Adding some much needed grit onto Cooke's clean music, his voice is so soulful, rugged and demanding here. His band are phenomenal at backing him up, with them matching Sam's energy. As great as a song that 'Bring It On Home To Me' already is, the live cut here with the slow introduction is the superior version. I've never heard a live album that can paint a such vivid image of being there during the recording. From Sam's constant banter with audience to the sound of the audience conversing and responding back to Sam, I feel like I'm in a sweaty and smoky club in 1963 Miami watching one of the greats whenever I put this album on.
good
Another live album that must have been awesome to have been there but works less well as standalone record due to wonky recording / mix. He has an awesome voice that can convey a lot of emotion and the band its tight and the songs are mostly classics.
Live at the Harlem Square Club Obviously he has one of the greatest voices of all time, and it is excellent here, with a worn-in rasp that really accentuates both his tenderness and ruggedness across some of his best songs - Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin’ the Night Away and Bring it on Home (although his stage patter could do with some work). The band are great too, tight and efficient, backing him without ever threatening to upstage him, although they aren’t as well recorded as his voice. It definitely does feel raw and raucous, especially for 1963, but, I can’t help the nagging sense of him kind of rushing through his set, like he can’t wait to be somewhere else and that he’s not fully engaged. The vocal ad libs sound a bit practiced, and as the medley of It’s Alright and For Sentimental Reasons transitions it sounds a bit autopilot-y to me. It’s tricky to rate. Even if (to me) he is phoning it in a little, his voice is superb, and the songs are very good. But it isn’t recorded well, so it’s not really a particularly easy listen. I think that all balances out as a 3. 🍪🍪🍪 Playlist submission: Twistin’ The Night Away
Well if this isn't half an hour of unadulterated joy. It has the same superb energy as the best early Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. The vocal is absolutely en point in the most effortless way; and the soul is heavily infused with foot stomping gospel. It feels undated and unclichéd in a way that some early rock n roll doesn't. And he wrote every single song here, in an age where that was far from typical. What a talent. A really entertaining listen and a superb live performance.
Not what I'm used to listening to being a rock and electronic guy. But it was very enjoyable and a smooth and easy listening experience. I have the urge to explore more of his discography. Highlights: Every track is good but Twistin' the night away and Nothing can change this love were highlights for me.
Ademas de la clara voz fantastica del muchacho, es muy cálida esta live performance, el sonido de la batería esta increíble, cada detalle se aprecia de una manera increíble muy entretenido, El sonido ambiente de gente bailando, gritando, haciendo el coro, charlas es fantástico, te lleva directamente a los años 60 en un salon grande con gente bailando y mesas El momento romántico del 5 track con its all right es increíble, seductor del carajo el grone sam. El grito de las mujeres del vivo de fondo, gran gran sonido.
I'd prefer a studio album, but there are so many great tracks.
🆒
Good quality live music but I’ve never been a fan of the music quality for live recordings. Helps set the atmosphere overall though!
Good album, Sam Cooke sure knew how to groove.
An energetic and fun performance whose nature of having been recorded live provides the listener with some of the overflowing enthusiasm of the performer and their audience. Cooke is a masterful artist and this recording provides a high quality representation of his skill as a musician and performer.
What an energy packed album. While most live records capture the spontaneity of improvisation, One Night Stand documents the pure power of soul going through the venue. It's heard in the band, the crowd, and most importantly, the legendary Sam Cooke. Never has a live album been recorded to sound like I'm in the venue and the music is being shot at me like this record. It's got emotion, it's got hard thumping blues, and it's got soul.
Buen album
love this record, a consummate performer at the peak of his vocal power. the version of Bring It On Home had me fully in tears at like 11am
most live albums are a let down but boy oh boy what a great entry this is. I'll always have a soft spot for Twistin The Night Away (thanks Innerspace) and really the whole performance carried the same energy. Nothing is muddied here, you can hear the crowd having a good time, the backing band is on point. Sam Cooke is just that good.
Normally I am not about Live albums but holy shit this one as incredible. So much energy and fun. I think every live album tried to capture that but almost all of them fail. This one had great sound recording, the crowd sounded like they were having a hoot, Sam sounded pissed off at them at the start which was really funny. All in all this blew me away and I doubt any live album will top it
Few moments on this but I wasn't that engaged.
4/5. More like Sam Cooked with this live performance. Because he gives a fantastic studio-quality live performance here, extremely expressive with an infectious energy which is helped by the backing band. you get a mix of blues and soul here and in theory it’s quite a basic album but Sam just absolutely sells it and elevates it to something great.
I don’t know if I have been living under a rock but I had never heard this before. I know Sam Cooke but haven’t listened to a lot of his stuff. This live album was so good. One of the best soul albums I have ever heard. Amazing!
Fun album. Lots of classics.
Cool to hear the audience, a different time!
This was fantastic to get the day after Moby. I've always loved Sam Cooke and as far as live albums go this was a great one. Bring It On Home To Me is the high point for me, but I loved the album overall.
peak
I loved this album! The pace of it, the songs (so many of which I knew), the energy and sheer joy of live music. I have never heard of Sam Cooke before today, but I am so pleased I have now.
Kris is right, every song kinda sounds the same
This was a good album but at times it felt like SC was playing at a small club. You could hear people talking in the background.
No me volvió loco, pero estuvo linda la escucha. No creo que vuelva a visitar este disco igual ya que no hubo nada que me enganche o entusiasme.
Great soul music
Amazing live recording of an amazing singer.
Some upbeat songs that get you moving. Recognizable moments that influenced future artists.
This was pretty good - I could swear at one point he said "It's not that leukemia", but I could be wrong.
Love the opening track, followed by another banger of Chain Gang. HUGE.
Not a Soul or R&B fan but this is so catchy and has pop and rock sensibility that transcends genre. Fun
4.8
4/8
8/10 A great laugh ve album that captures some of the excitement and sheer joy of what must have been an awesome show. The best of Sam Cooke is amongst the very best, but a couple of the songs don't quite hit for me.
Made me so happy. Wish I was there with all the black folks
I prefer the single versions of these songs but most are still great.
Когда я увидел что мне попался очередной лайв-альбом, я чуть раздразился "снова лайв.." подумал я. Не подумайте неправильно, я не против лайв-альбомов как таковых, но всё же, просто не в моей привычке слушать подобное. Обычно мне думалось, что хочется слышать и чувствовать эту самую энергетику, непосредственно перед сценой, а не в записи, но к сожалению, Машину Времени ещё не изобрели, иначе я бы уже давным давно был не здесь, а летел напрямую в 65 год, прямиком на Shea Stadium. Ну тк вот.. по поводу One Night Stand. Мой настрой чуть изменился когда я услышал Feel It из этого альбома. Невероятная энергетика, замечательное звучание. Это отличный лайв альбом.
Kind of easy to tune out like it was fine but not hugely for me. Lots of talent though and I liked the ambience.
we're in the weeds again (the 60s)
Sál í þessu
Ég er meiri töffari eftir að hafa hlustað á þetta 😎
god
Damn near a religious experience. Like a seasoned preacher leading his flock into ecstasy, the way Sam swings between tenderness and swagger keeps me on my toes. It's a fucking revival. Spins: 3 Playlist Additions - Feel It (Don't Fight It) - Chain Gang - Cupid - Twistin' The Night Away - Nothing Can Change This Love
bijo es chaxlechili jazz momashorettttt nu gmuit
Strong live set. Edgier than his studio cuts. Really great
Fuck we really had it all back then
awesome energy! solid 4 favorites: bring it home to me, medley: it’s all right / for sentimental reading
This is just a party. Hearing a live record of these great songs is such a good insight into what a great performer he was.
This album has such good energy :) it was such a joy to listen to
unexpected banger. live stuff really adds to it and his voice is unreal
Major goat
Solid gritty performance but dunno if it is essential listening
Sam Cooke deserves an MVP award for this performance and probably a cool drink of water, because his throat is gonna be raw. The quick edits between songs and the prominent crowd noise keep the energy high. But just like the band, the listener could use a breather every now and then. These factors also make things feel performative, like the band is racing against the clock: The faster-tempo version of “Cupid” feels hurried and loses some of its oomph, for example. In the end, this illustrates my problem with most live albums: I’m sure this was an incredible performance to see in person, but these aren’t my favorite versions of these songs.
I understand we gotta have live albums to get at this period of music history without resorting to singles/greatest hits collections, but this recording and the edits didnt really do this material justice.
So energetic. Didn't know I liked live albums until this one. 10/10
This is produced better than most 50s and 60s live albums I've heard, which on its own doesn't say much, but this is well made for what it is. Sounds like they're having a good time. It's a nice time capsule, must have been a good show. 3.8/5
Top Songs: Feel It Chain Gang Cupid Somebody Have Mercy
This album should have been called ‘One Night Stand with Sam Cooke’
Amazing voice, amazing vibes. Nothing to add, just all in all a great performance.
Fun, energetic, raw and fantastic!
Спасибо fylthy frank.
His voice is phantastic. But him hyping up the crowd was so annoying (maybe for European ears? I hate it when performers overdo it) that I couldn't enjoy.
finally, some good jazz lol! love that this is live, its great!
Sam Cooke is one of my favorite artists of all time, so this is no shocker. But this live album just sounded so fun! It was my first time hearing it, and boy, was I impressed! Not only is he a generational talent, but he had fun doing something he was good at, which is all we could really wish for ourselves and others. Will definitely be added to the rotation.
*Highly regarded live album, soulful Chain gang Cupid Twistin' the night away Having a party
Can't go wrong with Sam Cooke; he's great! Audio quality could be better though.
My 14 year old’s new favorite singer apparently? She got really into it when i had it on in the car
Highly enjoyable. Sam Cooke had a lot of good years left that we didn't get to experience.
One of the best ever
3.4
Joyful and sublime from start to finish.
I felt it and was not fighting it on this one. Almost felt sped up but was great energy throughout. Sam’s voice is crazy Fave song: Bring it Home to Me & Nothing can Change This Love 3/5
I can't speak to the technical aspects of this album the way some other reviewers have. I'm not familiar enough with his work to call out why the live album is inferior or rebut those statements. I do know I really enjoyed listening to this record and added it to my library. It was a mood boost on needed on a Monday morning.
Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
Sam Cooke is one of many soul singers who died too early. This live album show the power of his voice with great arrangements. I would've chosen a different track order here and there, but that's my online issue.
Sam is always a great listen. Didnt really love this album live, voice felt different altough it sounded good Just feels the recordings was not that great. Good album and energy on stage though
I'd be less sad if I could sing like this.
I like this. He has a great voice and some classic songs
Excellent I want this on vinyl
Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963 (1985) is a live album by Sam Cooke. It was recorded on January 12, 1963, but deemed to raw to fit in with the singers smooth image, it was eventually released posthumously in 1985. This may be ‘raw’ but there is nothing rough about Sam Cooke’s vocals, which are flawless. It’s no wonder he earned the title ‘King of Soul’. Cooke’s roots were in gospel but this live performance sees him also leaning into R&B, which is perhaps what his label were nervous about. My favourite tracks were ‘Chain Gang’ and ‘Bring It On Home To Me’. There are no bad tracks but the Medley does go on a bit. Of course, whilst listening to the album I went down a bit of a rabbit hole reading about his tragic death. He was shot and killed by a motel manager only one year after this performance. The circumstances are sketchy and don’t paint Cooke in a good light but the investigation into the shooting was conducted so quickly and left enough unanswered questions that conspiracy theories abound. Whatever happened, the result was that the world lost a great talent much too soon. [Note - there are three versions of this album - the original 1985 release, a version released in 2000, and a 2005 version which is the one I listened to on Spotify. Apparently the crowd is louder in the 1985 mix, quieter in the 2000 mix, and somewhere in the middle in the 2005 one.] Side A: 1. Soul Twist/Introduction 2. Feel It (Don’t Fight It) - 4/5 3. Chain Gang - 5/5 4. Cupid - 5/5 5. Medley: It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons - 3/5 6. Twistin’ The Night Away - 4/5 Side B: 1. Somebody Have Mercy - 4/5 2. Bring It On Home To Me - 5/5 3. Nothing Can Change This Love - 4/5 4. Having A Party - 4/5
Sam Cooke is one of the all time greats. I love how raw he sounds here.
quite so very groovy
An all-time favorite live album. The vibes are immaculate. So much energy and passion. Cooke’s voice is smoky and incredible. A joy to listen.
amazing live atmosphere and vocals, don’t usually like live albums very much but this is great
At first, it felt a bit repetitive—Tunes to Feel It and Chain Gang reminded me a lot of Wonderful World, and I wasn’t sure where it was going. But then the album completely took me over. It’s massive, almost cinematic. Listening, I imagined this story in my mind: a middle-aged Black man in his late 50s, at Yankee Stadium, watching his favorite team win. Walking through the streets of New York, he notices the workmen, the city’s rhythm. He comes home alone, changes clothes, and heads to a jazz bar. There, he sees the most beautiful girl in the city, imagines their conversations, their love, the moments they could share… and in the end, nothing happens—she leaves—but the emotions stay. This album is pure storytelling, full of soul, feeling, and life. For me, it’s an easy 5/5, and Twistin’ in the City is the absolute standout—the best track on the record.
I had never heard of Sam Cooke or realised the importance of his music.I'm not generally a fan of love recordings but I enjoyed this. I could imagine being there, what a night!
Sam is totally killing it here. He's an amazing singer and his performance here is top-notch. The crowd loves him. And as loud as this set is, it feels intimate and personal - I feel like I'm there, in a tiny room, sweating through my button-down, dancing the night away. My issue with this record is one that I have with a number of live albums from the 60s and 70s. *Somebody is out of tune.* It could be the bass, or the guitar, but it's someone whose job is holding the chords together and when they are off from the other instruments and/or themselves, it drives me nuts, and I can't hear anything else. The other thing that gets me is that the set blends together after awhile. I like soul and r&B, but these songs all have a similar key, tempo, minimal dynamic range, and the same changes. The vocal performance, the showmanship, the energy, the raw quality of the recording is all excellent. But those two issues really hold it back for me. THREE STARS
Actually jazzy
Hell of a good time!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ It was a good listen. I'd probably give it 5 stars if had heard it for the first time in '63, but to my 21st century ears, it just sounds like some darn good rhythm and blues. It was probably some sort of important milestone of the genre or something, but from a purely musical standpoint, it's really nothing to write home about. Cooke's voice was outstanding, but the instrumentation was just a standard blues rock twist arrangement. The songs didn't have a lot of direction or focus, which is what I value most in music. The album definitely accomplished it's purpose (being a loose and groovy live r&b record), so, if you're looking for exactly that type of record, this should be a 10/10 for you. I feel like I'm supposed to love this album and rant about how good it is because it's a classic release from a classic artist, but when it comes down to it, this is just genre music. It's not bad, but it's nothing new either (unless this album broke some sort of ground I wasn't aware of). Anyway, I'm sure I would have a blast if I were in the room on that night, but listening to the recording on my bed while dicking around on google maps was roughly a 5.8/10 (⭐️⭐️⭐️) experience. It was just just a perfectly passable live album with an unenergetic crowd from an artist who's put out far better material. 0.0 - 1.9 = ⭐️ 2.0 - 3.9 = ⭐️⭐️ 4.0 - 5.9 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6.0 - 7.9 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.0 - 10 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.25 - Who doesn’t like Sam Cooke??
It turns out Sam Cooke can really sing - this is great. Will listen again.
Loved
Thats why its called soul. You can FEEL it!
I liked how he created a cohesive narration of the songs in the album in a very engaging way. His songs are all about setting standards for men to take care of their woman, ofc I found it pleasurable.
Excellent live performance great listen
a blast from the past. I'm not a huge fan of live albums and this one is no exception to that preference. Not something I'd choose to listen to.
This album list has its flaws, but it is developing an appreciation in me for older live albums. Each time they've been a party. (This album was unreleased for 22 years for being "too gritty"?!) This album is a party, and it also reinforces the fact that American music would be nothing without Black musicians.
Big fan of Sam Cooke. And I get why this line album made the list, but unfortunately the live atmosphere ruins it for me.
A great best of compilation, that also happens to be a great live album. Gives you a sense of what it was like to be there. I could easily see me putting this on again.
Can only imagine how great it must have been to actually be there. Classic songs performed with such intensity that they’re almost a completely different thing entirely. The only downside is that after hearing this it’s hard to go back to the studio recordings.
On one hand, I don't particularly like live albums. On the other hand, this is a great album and it likely wouldn't have quite the impact without the crowd noise. You can't help wanting to move to this music. But there is a bit too much of the crowd noise and Sam interacting with the crowd to give this a 5.
Surely after this night, men wanted to be him, and women wanted to be with him.
This sounds like such a fun live show. Besides being a phenomenal singer, Sam Cooke has a talent for interacting with the crowd and making them feel included in the performance. Unbelievable stage presence. Encountering live albums like this make me really happy. I'm rating it 4.5/5, although giving a 4/5 feels a bit low. At least that gives me a reason to revisit this and consider bumping it up to a 5/5.
7/10
Pure SOUL. Great energy, great vocals, and a killer lineup of songs make for a pretty great live album!!
So many reviews calling this the best live album that’s ever existed and man that is some high praise. It was solid, an overall fun time, but I just didn’t get the hype to that degree.
Sam cooked indeed! This is music that I can't quite imagine myself liking all that much in a studio release, but with the energy of a live setting it becomes a whole new thing. So soulful! Standouts: Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons • Twistin' The Night Away
This is my favorite live album ever. The energy is so relentless and I love how he's almost playing one continuous song that incorporates crowd work and spoken word as well. Can't imagine what it would've would've like to be there.
Really enjoyed
Ok.
Reading the Wikipedia article and trying to rationalize how this could be maybe the best live album of all time when I could blurt out 10 candidates off the top of my head, slowly understanding why as I listen. Sam Cooke has such a wonderful voice, amazing energy, and can absolutely lead a crowd wherever he wants them. I get it. I'm not sure it's MY favorite live album, but it is EXCELLENT ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I'm not generally a fan of live albums, but this was a blinder. Some classics, belted out with 100% commitment and great musicians in support. You can tell the atmosphere was electric.
6 / 10 - rau, ungeschminkt und authentisch - Kann mir gut vorstellen, dass dieses Album die "Blues Brothers" wohl sehr beeinflusst hat - fast-paced, durchgehend energiegeladen - Wenig Dynamik, aufgrund der durchgehend hohen Energie und pausenlosen Songwechseln eventuell etwas monoton
Não sou dos maiores entusiastas de albuns ao vivo, mas esse mereceu minha atenção, a atmosfera criada pelo Cooke e a sua banda dão a sensação de estar no show e isso minimiza as questões com a gravação ao vivo. O Sam tem uma voz ótima e a versão ao vivo de "Cupid" é realmente um acontecimento
Imagine shelving an album for 12 years because you had issues with it. RCA clearly shouldn't have done that. "Live at the Harlem Square Club" is a good album. It's not the best of Cooke's dis3 stacography, but it's fine. I'm just asking why there are so many live albums on this list? 3 stars for "Live at the Harlem Square Club".
This is my first time listening to Sam soul isn't a genre I listen to much but I was happy to hear this recommendation His voice is fantastic live and his enthusiasm for engaging the audience definitely adds a special touch
best live album ever recorded.
Liva album at its best. The feet are swingung all the time.
It's such a shame they don't make them like this any more. Great performances all round, great energy, great tunes.
Another live album. Gosh almighty. Rule #1, there better be crowd interaction. Rule #2 there better be something jammy and extraordinary Rule #3 the sound quality better be great. There are more rules but I’ll have to make them up on the spot as needed. So, where there may be some interaction with the crowd, Sam Cooke really kind of whips through the songs. I’m ok with it so far. The tides could be a changin’ . Maybe not. So far, all 3 initial rules have been hit. The vocals sound raw but still have that sweet sweet harmony. The band seem to take a backseat of Sam’s vocals and delivery, which work. The crowd seems to be into it. Can’t deny that. You can easily forget that this is a live album. I’m ok with that as well. Oh and a coached sing a long. Nice play. Ok, ok I take back any disdain I had for listening to this album. I will admit, Chubby Checker did this to me as well. There is just something special listening to a live soul time album. There’s no way a studio album could sound this good as a whole. I’m sold. My only gripe is guess is that the album just ends. If you’re going to present a live album, you need to make me feel like I’m there from start to finish. That was a let down. Do I dare let it affect my rating? Hmmmm Choice cut: It’s Alright Medley
so cool, literally it is just pure good vibes and such fun music
bueno
I never listen to jazz that much before and this was a nice start:))
Nunca lo había escuchado completo. Muy bueno. Me gustó la sensación de estar en el Club escuchadolo, con risas y todo. Grande don Sam!
it’s not doing much for me and i’m not fully sure why. it’s cute. doesn’t help that there’s a song that’s been ruined by overplay for me in the middle of the album. didn’t even like it that much to begin with. his energy is pretty great.
But as long you tell me it's untrue, BABY IT'S ALLRIGHT!
This was a very fun listen, sent it to my girlfriend.
Direct and raw. This album was nonstop and felt like you were there too, he did crowd work but really didn't mess around and just kept it moving, felt like it went by super quick. Highlights: It's Alright, Bring it on Home
Very great. New style
Gran álbum. Una leyenda el tipo. La onda que le pone. Album de un show 1963. No se puede creer. 6/10
más allá de los ritmos, que me han gustado bastante, el hecho de que sea en vivo me hace sentirlo más
1. Okay, it's catchy. Nice voice. 2. Okay, catchy again. Not as fun as the last one. 3. yeah yeah it's good but, whatever. 4. Yeah, I don't know, I'm bored. 5.Okay, again, catchy but boring to me. Once again, god forgive me but I'm giving up. It's just not my thing. It started off strong but there's really nothing for me here.
кул
Did not stand out to me even after two listens
1. zoul - 1 2. feel - 1.5 3. chain - 1 4. cupid - 1.5 5. right - 1.5 6. night - 1 7. mercy - 1.5 8. home - 1.5 9. love - 1.5 10. party - 1.5
Favorite songs: Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin the Night Away, Bring It On Home to Me
If Lindor chocolate truffles could sing they would sound like this. I really wasn't expecting to like this album so much, especially a live album. He had me singing along with him and the audience despite not knowing the song or the words until he prompted us all. Great time!
This guy's voice is incredible. There's so much soul, passion and love going into this performance. I accidentally fell in love with him by listening multiple times and more songs. What a dreamboat. I wish I was there; the crowd is having a blast, and it's contagious. Pleasantly surprised at how fun this was.
test
Classic
muy griton
Wonderful voice...smooth but gritty
really infectious energy, liked it a lot.
Good old Motown
Muy disfrutable!
At first I was unimpressed by this album, due in whole part to my own ignorance. After a little educating, I was reminded of when a colleague blurted out one day, “I don’t think much to the beetles. Their music sounds like everyone else’s”. No, I pointed out kindly, everyone else’s music sounds like the beetles.” … sort of. Because the beetles, like so many in the ensuing decade, and the roots of whole genres we now call friends, sound like Sam Cooke. Thank you, Sam. I’m a little bit better a person than I was before I started listened to this album. Oh, and it’s a blast.
4.1
Favorite tracks: Feel It (Don't Fight It), Chain Gang, Twistin' The Night Away The only thing wrong with this album is that it ruined studio recorded songs by Sam Cooke for me. The energy is OFF THE CHARTS
Awesome listen. Beautiful voice. Iconic music. Really can’t get much better than this. Easily a 5/5 for me. I could listen at any point and still have just as good of a listen as now.
Yes! I love Sam Cooke and know this raucous, high-octane show very well. I love live music and live albums in general, and this beloved album showcases Sam and set a high bar. I’m glad they captured it to give us a small taste of this show. I can respect those who hate live albums, but I will never understand them.
Very nice. Great live album, good energy, could see myself bumping this while I cook.
This was probably a very fun concert to go to, unfortunately it wasn't the most fun to listen to. The energy and hype was great but it didn't translate to 'good music'. Not something I'd come back to.
I had heard a couple of the songs on here before but had never listened to a full album by Sam Cooke. I had such a good time with this album, such a positive, uplifting record. Never used to be a huge fan of live albums but this might be changing my mind because the energy you could feel from both Cooke and the crowd really made this album special.
It was good, his live voice is excellent but the songs are the exact same style it needs some variety
so good to listen to
Wikipedia tells me Sam Cooke is the most important soul singer in history, but this is pretty much indistinguishable from early rock'n'roll with a lot of the same blues and doo-wop song structures and instrumentation. Feels like his intros are longer than the songs on a lot of these tracks, and it's a short album to start with! Great voice though, and you can hear the energy in the room.
This must have been one hell of a show! I admit that I don’t know much about Sam Cooke except that he was a (the) legendary soul man whose life was tragically cut short soon after this recording was made. I was amazed to hear the melodies that evoked so many rock and pop songs that were chart makers. I gotta dive into his stuff more!
Starts off kinda awk but pick up in next song I wish I could hear the other stuff other than just drums and voice but very smooth voice very upbeat? cute?? peppy sounding??? Omg I luv cupid sad and cute!!! <-(from what i can tell) his voice adds on so well and backing is just perfect 100/100. Ok im warming up 2 it... TWISTING HAS REDEEMED THE BACKROUND OMS. fin with album hmmm i say its likeee 4/5 2/16/2026
God damn what a fun listen. I've come to realize I love soul music, and Sam Cooke is just a bad bad man, love it!
A fun listening experience for sure, I think it was great, but I wouldn’t probably listen again. Personally, I’m not normally the biggest fan of live albums as something I would listen to regularly. I think as well, live albums are just a random selection of songs from a performance rather than a standard album where the songs have been more purposely chosen and curated. Standout songs however for me were ‘Chain gang’ and ‘Twistin the night away’, overall, a good listen, I do like some of Sam Cooke’s other songs.
Lively, vividly
this was so good
Generally, I do not enjoy live albums (at least compared to studio albums). This doesn't really change that, though it is better than most live albums. There is a good energy and the crowd work does add a fun element. But I can't see myself ever going back to this album over the studio versions of his songs. 3.5 rounded up for Sam Cooke
Really good stuff.
Lindo álbum, divertido!
Never heard of them. Favorites: - Thoughts: I don't think I like live albums. I don't have much thoughts didn't leave an impression.
Amazing crowd work. Would have been an amazing night to be there
It's great to hear his voice live, obviously Cooke is a genius and an absolute legend. But live many live albums, this one makes me feel like I missed a really fun evening. This recording is the faintest echo of what that experience must have been like.
This is one of those albums where the underlying music/style isn’t my favorite, but the way everything is packaged and presented elevates it to extraordinary levels. Sam Cooke was a master of crowd control and it really shows here – definitely one of the most fun live albums I’ve listened to for this challenge! Highlights: Feel It (Don’t Fight It), Chain Gang, Medley: It’s Alright / For Sentimental Reasons, Twistin’ the Night Away, Somebody Have Mercy, Having a Party
Feel It - 4/5 Chain Gang - 5/5 Cupid - 4/5 Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons - 3/5 Twistin' the Night Away - 4/5 Somebody Have Mercy - 4/5 Bring It On Home to Me - 5/5 Nothing Can Change This Love - 5/5 Having a Party - 3/5 Average score: 4.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Live gör det inte för mig. Man vill vara där.
As per my own personal policy, all live albums shall lose one star immediately.
Based on my Last.fm statistics I've only listened to couple of Sam Cooke songs before this. Not the biggest fan of live albums but I did enjoy listening to this.
Didn’t like it, while I completely understand the appeal, specifically for the first time it was released in, it’s just not for me
Как-то не проникся, не расслушал.
Soul and Rock&Roll - quite nice
First album. Really enjoyable, I forgot how much I like this style of music. I love the energy of the singer. I can hear the crowd. It is really lively. It makes me want to look at the lyrics and sing along with him. I'm reminded of the songs that my yeh-yeh used to sing in Malaysia. The songs my friend Marielena sang in third grade. The blues Brothers granbury live as a child. It's not something I would seek out. But I really was surprised how much I enjoyed this.
I love sam cooke and I think this has awesome energy.!!
For such an old album it was fine, quite catchy
Enough of this genre now please
A happy 60s album. He can sing. Good vibe. The album aged fine, but it won’t get as much attention if I was released today. Historically important +1 star, so it’s a four overall.
Sam Cooke can sing man. what a fun album to listen to. this dude had the whole crowd having an absolute blast. stellar voice and cool to listen to him in his live setting
Fast-paced, fun, and Sam Cooke’s amazing vocal talent make for a great album. It’s a shame his life was cut short and the world missed out on his artistry. Live performance recordings aren’t always my favorite, but this is one of the better ones.
A really fun live album that had me singing back the call and response to Sam Cooke while I was driving in the car.
I felt like I was there!!!
holy good vibes. some of the song transitions can be long but i dont even care his voice is so good fav song: Feel It (Don't Fight It)
This album is a lot grittier than most of the Sam Cooke I've heard. It's less polished, and that's not a bad thing. Favorite song: Chain Gang
4.45/5 Stars Top Songs: Feel It, Chain Gang, Twistin the Night Away
Don't usually care for live albums, but everyone in this seemed like they were having a great time and it put me in a good mood.
Felt like an exciting party, the crowd interactions were great and I mostly dislike live albums.
Fabulous! Great songs, great vibes, must buy
I liked it 😋
This might be one of the best live albums I’ve ever heard. The crowd is having so much fun, the band is great, and Sam Cooke sounds cool as hell.
Meh, 2.8
Takes me back to 60s even though I was not alive Very energetic which I love The live crowd adds something to the vibe Sam still sounds good Very jazzy and love songs mainly The band playing along also sounds good Like how he involves the crowd Special energy Favorite song: Sentimental Reasons
8/10
Fabulous atmosphere captured in the live recording that I just feel like you don’t get anymore?? I just love hearing the crowd scream like omg the girls really loved Sam hahahaha. You can hear them like dancing and having fun and catching a vibe insane insane energy. He sounds incredible?! Him embedding the call and response in the song, like feeding the crowd their lines and still keeping time and still performing the songs nuts nuts nuts. Giving this one a solid 8/10
I love a live album - feels like I’m a part of it. Also loved all the ad libs in there :) this album just made me smile. Is it my particular music taste? No, not at all. Will I listen to it again? No, probably not. Did I thoroughly enjoy listening to it today? Absolutely. And that’s why I’m doing this whole project! Favorite: medley: it’s all right/sentimental reasons
A perfect voice, top 5 all time fave. Great to hear in a different context, more upbeat and looser. Reminded me of the James Brown live album.
Livealbum
To my shame I'd not heard of Sam Cooke before. But I absolutely adored this recording. The energy. It's like being in that room. Then to read about what happened to him not that long afterwards.
A good one today. Of course I love Sam. He’s one of the all time great voices and one that was cut too short. I know the studio recordings, but never heard the live stuff, but this is excellent too.
Ooo live music! I stand by the argument that a recording of a live set can make a great album. This was a string of good vibes put into a 36 minute set. i liked Feel It (Don't Fight It) and Bring It on Home to Me. I forsee myself listening to this as a working album
4- Stars (10/15)
Listening to the 1001 is slowly changing my opinion on live albums for the better
7/10 I did enjoy it. I have never listened to Jess before but I’m going to listen to some more.
This not my type, but good old songs
This captures the feeling of being at a concert, complete with the shouts of the crowd. Favourite track: Cupid
I never really heard this properly..mostly the studio recordings and this is beautiful. Cupid always chokes me up for some reason
Love sam cooke
Прикольный джаз. Можно иногда послушать
Prior to being assigned this album on this website, I had 4 of Sam Cooke's songs liked on Spotify. All of these were from the original albums or compilations, none of them were live. I am not a huge fan of "live" recordings in general - usually preferring the album versions of most songs. That being said, I am no stranger to live songs - having ~140 live songs "liked" on Spotify - but that's out of 5,600+ songs so it's still a small subset. It was interesting to hear this - because I definitely can hear his influence on artists I like - such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger - especially on stage. It was also cool to hear him totally letting loose in the live setting. For example, just listening to the song "Bring It On Home To Me" - the live version is much more raw and energetic, where the studio version is much more polished and smooth. Both are cool - but you can "feel it" more in the live version. After listening 3 times, I ended up liking 5 songs on this one ("Feel It", "Chain Gang", the Medley, "Bring It On Home To Me" and "Having a Party") - and will look forward to them popping up on my playlists. Liked songs on Spotify: 5/10 Rating: 3/5
Five stars, no notes. Sam Cooke said that soul was “ the capacity to project a feeling”, and he turns it up to 11 on this album. It sounds like to took the crowd a little while to warm up but when they got going the really got going. It’s hard to beat James Brown’s “Live at the Apollo” for sheer raw energy and emotion, but I think this does it.
El selector aleatorio se empeña en recomendar álbumes en vivo de artistas cuyas mejores grabaciones creo que han sido en estudio. Pero bueno, un buen directo de un gran artista siempre es bienvenido. Sam Cooke muestra su lado más energético, aquel que se nos escapa en los discos de estudio y da buena cuenta de su magnífica voz y su intensidad cuando interpreta alguno de los clásicos del soul como “Bring It On Home To Me” o “Twistin’ The Night Away”. Legendario e imprescindible para quien quiera saber lo que es la música con alma.
No me gustan los Lps en directo, se pierde siempre sonido y a veces las voces son lamentables. Sam Cooke supera la prueba del vivo pero aún así lo prefiero en estudio.
2.7 1x
I don't think it gets any better than Sam Cooke when it come to R&B.
Thoughts before listening: I know Sam became famous for taking on a more politically and socially charged approach to his music later in the 60s, but I think that this album released in 1963 won't include those songs. Looking at the track list it seems this will be a lot of r&b classics, and I assume the looseness of a live environment will be a fun listen. Review: Yeah this is awesome. Heavily gospel influenced with Sam Cooke playing the role of preacher as much as singer. He's leading his congregation/nightclub crowd through an upbeat, interactive sing-along with a crack band adding brassy flourishes throughout. I love the fact that they recorded the crowd and allow them to be so high in the mix. It really puts you in that crowd and gives you a glimpse of how fun of a night this must have been. This is a 5-star album.
- Jeg er ikke generelt fan af live album eller generelt at høre live musik, udover når jeg ser det live, men jeg synes det her er godt, jeg tænkte ikke over de dårlige ting ved, at det er live, derimod forstærker det bare den glade og livlige stemning, at man kan høre publikum - Sam Cooke er virkelig dygtig og man bliver glad af, at høre det her album - Selvom jeg synes det fungerer med et live album på den her måde, er der stadig bare nogle musikalske mangler og lidt mangel på variation, for at det skal være et 5/5 album for mig
A helluva vibe.
Good entertainer. Brilliant idea to get the crowd to sing for you!
first listen. divertido.
All the songs kinda meld into one song but honestly a good listen- don’t usually vibe with 60s music
the songs are a vibe to dance at a club but other than that i wouldnt listen to the songs. its just a jam as a dancer because some songs are very jivey.
3.5
I’m not typically a fan of live albums but for this one I’ll make an exception. The banter between songs was almost as good as the tracks themselves! The track ‘chain gang’ made me realise where Fleetwood Mac ‘big love’ got their inspiration from! lol Awesome album!
Not usually a fan of live albums, but like my album-challenge-mate, I really enjoyed the banter! Great showmanship, good vibes
Somewhat bluesy. Sounds like many of the artists of this era. Definitely one of the best Sam Cooke albums. I particularly enjoyed this one.
It’s a rump shaker! Live audience works well, Sam Cooke does good crowd work.
Great! Up there with the James Brown at the Apollo album.
Man what a vibe! Standouts: Feel It (Don't Fight It), Medley, Somebody Have Mercy 4.5/5, really suprised me
Very chaotic concert! Mr. Cooke was definitely on some sort of drug during this concert. I can see why they delayed releasing this material to the public.
MW: 7.4 Fav: Feel It Least Fav: Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons
Mr. Soul. Smooth and raspy voice. Great tunes. Great album.
Really good energetic album and showing by Sam Cooke. All the songs are great, as I forgot how many classics are in his catalog. It is a shame he died so young, he could have been at the top with singers like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. High 4/5
Feels like cutting edge for 1963, love the energy. Sam Cooke really has a fun voice, makes you want to dance.
I had no idea going in but this album rips.
10/10, one of the smoothest voices of all time and this album is so fun makes you wish you were there live and dancing, favourite song is nothing can change this love, yes the vocals and production are more raw and messy but in my opinion that adds to the album it doesn’t take away, overall it’s infectious and fun
Soms good stuff for a Monday morning this. Great voice, great energy, it’s got everything you want from a live album. 4.0/5.0 Best Song: Chain Gang(?)
It could be my new favourite live album, I was blown away by it, I don't think I've ever heard a man so in charge of a crowd. He has such a phenomenal voice and presence, singing some absolutely beautiful songs. I enjoyed this so much. Best Song: Superb Version of Twistin the night away
Good voice and good crowd engagement. The rest of the music was only okay though.
Fantastic, one of the best live albums I've heard.
Yeah this one might be the greatest live album ever. The energy's just so good, I need to go to a Sam Cooke show! But alas... I'm pretty sure somehow I'd missed out on hearing all the songs on here except Bring It On Home to Me, which you'd think would have made me slower to catch on, but nope! Instant favorite from day one.