Reviews (page 4 of 13)
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sounds like a fantastic concert!
His timing is incredible. The audience participation in Sentimental Reasons made me smile, imagining how much fun it must have been to be in the audience here. Great sax, especially in Twistin' The Night Away. Amazing stuff.
Love it!
Excellent vintage selection. Some real classics here.
Really great album! I usually don't listen to live albums but this is the essential way to listen to Sam Cooke! I loved it!
Day 11 I didn’t know live albums were on this list! The transitions are so smooth, I love the songs and the crowd on this album! It makes me excited for day 12… wonder what this day could hold?
Great live album. I'm usually not a big fan of live LPs but this well earns its place on the list.
imagine being there..... wow
i love sam cooke and listening to him live is so special. his performance is raw, passionate, and absolutely incredible. there are only a few live albums i really enjoy, and this is for sure one of them.
Wow, what an experience this one was. I'm not normally big on live albums, but there's so much feeling and power in this one. What's absolutely fascinating is that this recording was kept in a vault for more than two decades. It says a lot about the state of the music industry that the label was afraid this recording would harm his image as a pop star in the early 60s. The fact that Cooke appeared to be in his most free form when performing for African American audiences (and that the label felt the need to tone this down and hide that side of him) speaks volumes. This isn't normally my favorite genre, but I was just blown away by this album.
one absolutely gorgeous album!!! it’s like a slightly more mature darin at the copa and jadore <3 -chain gang thru medley are my absolute favs barely a week into this and im discovering my love for soul music: this album gets my first 7/7
Just incredible all the way through. Every song is a banger. Would kill to have seen this live.
Absolutely terrific! Sam Cooke did it all on this recording. What a treasure he was and this recording is!
Day #2: Live At The Harlem Club - Sam Cooke Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), known professionally as Sam Cooke, was an American singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred to as the "King of Soul" for his distinctive vocals, pioneering contributions to the genre, and significance in popular music" Excellent performance - fun, energetic, uplifting. Love the Southern Soul sound. Highlights are "Bring It On Home to Me," "Cupid's Arrow" and "Chain Gang"
WOW. I didn't expect it to be this good!
Totally electrifying live performance, raw and raucous but still note-perfect — breathes new life into songs I've heard to the point of fatigue
Epic total experience!
Not always going to be the album I reach for, but undeniably one of the best albums of the genre.
Not that surprising that I loved this album. Not a common genre for me at all but it's so upbeat I just loved it.
this was so so so so good and i wish i was there and i’m so sad that i never was, never will, never can. perfect album, honestly.
Went in blind. Expected to not like this. Actually really really fun. 4.5/5
I'll take all the Sam Cooke you can find.
Amazing live album Standout tracks: chain gang, it's alright, bring it on home to me.
This album is a party! Uplifting and soulful music from beginning to end. One of the greats at his peak - highly recommend
Love the live album. God you can feel his charisma and energy and the crowd's excitement. So many fantastic songs on this album, a lot more I'd already heard than I realized. What a legend
All the best of Sam Cooke in a raw live recording that makes you feel like you are there. Loved this album!
Loved it!!
Loved this old school music.
I wish I was at that gig, the crowd sounds amazing. Great album. Favourite quote from the song Somebody Have Mercy "some body have mercy I wanna know what's wrong with me... It ain't that leukaemia that ain't it" - it was, he had leukaemia. Though he later died by gun shot through the heart.
Great feel good live album. Every song falls nicely into the next. The real definition of soul and r n b. Will definitely be checking out more Sam Cooke.
Pure delight from beginning to end. Live albums can be hit or miss for me, but this one is exceptional. Possibly my favorite version of Twistin' the Night Away, ever.
In "One Night Stand," Sam Cooke, the man with a voice as smooth as silk, reveals his grittier side in this live beauty. It stands as one of the best live albums, emanating raw passion and serving as the blueprint for all soul and R&B that followed. The performance, belting out passion akin to a gospel pastor, makes Sam's music feel like a religion one could completely convert to. Phenomenal. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 9 STAND OUT TRACK - Bring It On Home to Me
Awesome and totally got me going. Saw a great film recently, One Night in Miami... that features a portrayal of Cooke. He was phenom. Loved this
Vibey familiar energetic show that makes you think about riding in your moms car to school
Geniales Live Album, Sound Qualität so-so, Groove: 300%
Sam Cooke was already great. It makes you wonder what you missed not having the chance to see him live.
Absolutely amazing. You can feel the electric energy in the room.
The music here is incredible. Cooke's voice is amazing. Each song is so joyful. The type of live album that makes you wish you were there. I defy anybody to listen to this and not tap their toes and bop around at least a little bit. Basically as good as this genre of music gets. The apotheosis of the form. Also, I used to live near Cooke Road in Columbus, Ohio, and every time I turned onto it I got to sing Cupid to myself in the car. This album is a true gift to the world.
AMAZING!
One of the best albums ever. Love revisiting it every single time.
One of the greatest and so much more potential in Sam Cooke…
electric performance. amazing talent. one of the best live albums ever.
Gotta love Sam
1st listen. 4.5/5
good feelings
I can absolutely see why people went nuts seeing this live in 1963.
One of the all time great live albums and another side of Sam Cooke that most do not know.
I wish i was at this gig.
Zn tijd vooruit; gewoon heel erg goed en fijn aan de oorballen
2 banger albums achter elkaar, genieten! Dit voelt helemaal niet alsof het gemaakt is in de jaren 60 en dat bedoel ik op de beste manier. Als ik dit nu op een festival zou horen zou ik compleet los gaan!
Excellent live album.
This record is gritty and raw, with incredible energy. To me this is pure soul music, and I enjoy it more than Sam Cooke's 'perfect', and polished studio recordings. It has a great tracklist and the performance is stellar, you can feel the atmosphere of the audience too. Production is great too, the quality of the live performance comes across really well.
One of the best live shows ever recorded
I thought it started out kinda meh but by the end I really liked it! I might actually listen to some of these songs again so 5/5
Very good vibes got me dancing in my kitchen.
Sehr geiles live Album. Gute Songs, etwas älter aber sehr gut
A live album from a soul singer whose yelling at the crowd voice is nearly exactly the same as his singing voice? Yeah, that's an automatic 5 stars. Favorite track: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons
This was pretty bloody great. Very refreshing and impressive to have a live album that actually captures the magic of a live performance. Electric throughout. 4.5/5
Electric live album. Just so thrilling to listen to, the energy in the room so apparent, the passion of the performance captured completely by the recording. A voice that could move mountains. Four and a half. Fave track: Chain Gang
One of the best live albums, and one of the greatest voices of all time. So much energy! Imagine being in that room - just seems so insane. Full of his best hits and you can just feel the great time everybody's having. Feel like it's hard to listen to this and not have fun. Four and a half. Fave track: Bring It on Home to Me
Holy crap. He has the crowd in the palm of his hand the whole time. 2nd only to Stop Making Sense as far as live recordings for me.
Generally not a fan of live albums but this is incredible. The soul is out of the speakers.
Soulful live set with James Brown energy but a wonderful tenderness
One of those records that captures a live show that make you wish you were there.
Muy bueno.
Amazing live performance. 5/5
Made me dance around the house to my neighbors' displeasure
Wow this is so amazingly good
10/10 LOOOOOOOOVE Sam Cooke
Darn good signer. What a great live performance! Didn't love the music but can't deny the musicianship.
These are the hits
"Got to feel the feeling baby", en ik voel em. En dat heeft niks met mijn kortstondige bijnaam te maken. Deze plaat maakt mij al jaren euforisch en nog zoveel andere superlatieven. Keukendansvloermuziek van de bovenste keukenkastplank. Waarschijnlijk 1 van de beste feestjes van vorige eeuw op plaat vastgelegd. 1 van de architecten van de R&B/soulmuziek laat hier de blueprints achter. Een man die zijn gelijken enkel vindt in een Ray Charles of Otis Redding. Soul met bakken ziel. Na beluistering ben je gegarandeerd een beter mens dan een half uur geleden. Die berg complimenten moest er even uit voor ik door de muziek uit mijn vel spring. Een dik jaar later was deze grootse soulzanger er al niet meer. Hij bracht nog net het fantastische nummer A Change Is Gonna Come uit, zijn prachtige zwanenzang. Man, wat hadden de jaren 60 nog soulvoller kunnen klinken had 1 van de beste zangers ooit dan nog niet zijn tragisch einde gekend in '64. Mr. Soul liet ons wel ontzettend veel moois na in zijn muzikale erfenis aan de wereld, waarvan ik deze liveplaat het meest frequenteer. En vrijwel altijd in zijn geheel. Het enige minpuntje dat ik kan verzinnen is dat de plaat nog wat langer had mogen duren. Dan maar op repeat zetten. Bedankt Sam. Het was een eer ooit uw geboorteplek in Clarksdale, MS bezocht te hebben. En ik ga u blijven eren tot op de cafetariadansvloer in het rusthuis. Ik kaap daar wel de aux-kabel, als die nog zou bestaan dan.
so good jfc..
So good 👍🏽
This is one of those live albums that has better versions of the songs than the studio versions! His performance turns these quaint classics into raucous party songs!
I wasn’t expecting to drop 5 stars on this, but I listened to it 3 times today.
Addicting album. Hearing these familiar songs live breathed new life into them. Also hard pressed to think of a better live album, you can sense the room and crowd in a way I'm not sure I've ever heard before.
The energy from the crowd is palpable. You can almost feel like you're there, singing along to the songs you know, waving your handkerchief in the air, and dancing in your seat. I kept trying to think what keeps this album, which I'd never heard before, from being a 5...and I couldn't think of anything.
Fun music. Incredible voice.
The tits! Five stars!
Loved it. Super groovy and full of energy.
Very, very catchy and just makes you wanna dance. The live aspect really puts you into the club at some points. Liked all but one song.
So many classics!
One of the all time great singers. Some great tracks on this album. I'm glad they have some Sam Cooke on here.
Loving it! Listening to it now :)
Old school bluesy / souly classics, great jams, loved it.
Really good album
A sweet, sweaty, smoky, chaotic mess with the best soul voice guiding you through. Amazing.
Holy moly, electric and incredible performance
I expected greatness, knowing this is Sam Cooke but, somehow, it was even better than I could imagine. It's his powerful, moving voice, matched with showmanship and energy, that makes this a thrilling and immersive performance. Doesn't hurt that the record contains some of his best songs. Had a blast with this one.
Such incredible energy, both from the performers and almost radiating from the audience. I can't imagine being there for this show! Very danceable and just a great time.
The king. Incredible soul music. Apparently RCA held off on releasing this recording because it was "too loud, raw and raucous – not the Cooke the label was trying to break as an international pop star". WHAT? Who was the RCA head dude at the time I just wanna talk. They deadass said it was too soulful to release. Throw some respect on Gregg Geller, my man found the recording and immediately released it.
I wish I was there
❤️
Wow! This is the kind of album I was hoping to find when I signed up for this. I had so much fun listening to this, I knew some of the songs and loved hearing the ones I didn't. I also found the sound quality to be remarkable compared to other live albums. So glad this was today's album!
Liked it, specially because it's played live
Listened Before? N Wow. What a performance. My dude was absolutely ON FIRE in the Harlem Square Club in '63. This man's voice is ingrained in 20th century American culture, mostly due to his pop recordings. This is some of the same songs, but the rawness and energy is incredible. I will be listening to this a lot more. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Cupid, Twistin' The Night Away
Great album. A lot of classic songs, with that loose 50s rock feel that is just a lot of fun to listen to.
One of the best live albums ever. Maybe the best, I don't know. It's so raw and energetic, the crowd is into it, Sam is into it, it's banger song after banger song. If you think you don't like live albums, listen to this and you may change your mind.
Great love album, this man can make any word sound good. I like Bring It On Home To Me and Cupid, and the medley and Nothing Can Change This Love.
Amazing energy
This is an absolute banger. 10/10 - no notes. Perfection.
This is so good, I wished it was longer and that I had seen him live.
I always somewhat knew Sam Cooke and appreciated the music but never listened to a full album and I was pretty blown away by how good this was. A very pleasant surprise!
What a joy this is. Wish I could have been there. Although, it almost sounds like I am there, thanks to how this recording captures the crowd. If I'm going to nitpick, I do wish he mixed things up a bit more, especially at the beginning, but that's a small complaint. The guy has energy, charisma, and vocal chops for days, so I'm rounding my 4.5 up to a full 5.
Utterly electric.
Now this is a live album! You can feel the electricity coursing through this recording. Sam is in good form, belting out many of his hits to a crowd that is rightfully riled up. On songs such as "For Sentimental Reasons", the crowd's voices threaten to overtake Sam's, a spontaneous choir showing their love for music, and Sam's music specifically. The details of his premature death are unfortunate, but he sure sounds alive here.
Amazing live album!
Dios mío, qué fiesta. Bring it on home to Me, qué gran performance.
Infectious. The best parts of a live album.
Wowowowo
Not usually one for live albums, but this might’ve been the best I’ve heard. The voice, the energy, the instrumentation, just pure soul.
My only complaint with this isn’t even with the album it’s with the guy who made this list and only put one Sam Cooke album on here. It’s a great album and I’m glad I listened to it cuz I didn’t know how good Sam Cooke was live but come on this list has so much bullshit on it and omits so many important albums. But yeah insane energy is on this and made me appreciate some of his classics in a new light.
By far the best live album we’ve had. The music itself give it a five but his energy and way of controling the room is MAGIC. I felt like I was there. Some beautiful songs about love and forgiveness. Def gonna come back to this one tomorrow
Wonderful!
Best soul voice
It seems as though, with Live at the Harlem Square Club, we didn't really know what Sam Cooke was made out of. Or was capable of. What can be said is that record executives were right to be on edge in regards to this because this was the document of a man shedding all notions of what he was and was approaching the peak of his powers all before he was taken from us too soon. It is not hard to envision that the raw passion and sheer charisma pouring out of him (which was anathema to his carefully crafted image) was later co-opted and rendered solely in James Brown, for this is a glimpse of what Sam could have been in the eyes and ears of the listeners who were shielded from this unexpectedly explosive and revelatory performance. What a stellar live album.
So good, it went on to a Sam Cooke compilation and I let it run.
Pedazo de directo. Un torbellino de soul sin descanso... Vinilo.
Soul,R&B,gospel. Bring It on Home to Me.
A joy
immortal. One of the greatest male voices in soul.
Oh, Sam Cooke, I could listen to you all day <3
I’m glad I’ve been introduced to this album and gotten more exposure to Sam Cooke. Great listen!!
A crackling document of one of the greatest singers of his generation in his element.
This is one of the best live records I’ve ever heard. Crisp and joyful with a vocal powerhouse from a true vanguard and pacing and energy to spare. A joy to listen to.
One reason this album is earning a 5-star rating is because it's better than each album I've given a 4-star rating so far. Another reason this album gets 5 stars is because it is awesome. Super fun, super fast, and all around just great music and a great performance.
That first “ohhhh” he does is orgasmic I’d say being part of the audience was unforgettable, what a showman. I could hear a lot of similarities to Paulo Nutini in some songs, especially “Somebody have mercy”. Favourite album so far, loved it.
Fire
Soulful, upbeat
A fantastic live album, you feel the vibe and wish you were there. One of the greatest losses in music history but we have what he sang with us and we shall cherish it forever.
Viittä eikä kysymystäkään... ja jos ei kysymyksiä ei myöskään selittelyjä heh
Best live album I’ve heard on the list so far. Fewer of the sort of live mishaps that generally show up (I’m looking at you, Cheap Trick at Budokan).
I loved this so much. Put me in the best mood for the restart of work. Felt like a lil Rosie the riveter with her solider slay
A fantastic live album which manages to retain the vibrant energy of what must have been a great gig! My only quibble is that it isn't long enough!
Top 3: Chain Gang It’s All Right Bring it on Home to Me
WHAT a live album!!
I rarely have such strong opinions when it comes to music, but honestly, if you don't like Sam Cooke, I absolutely do not understand you. This album is an absolute joy to hear, just a good-time party. It's the legend at his best. Favorite tracks: "Having A Party", "Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons", "Nothing Can Change This Love"
I mean, it's Sam Fucking Cooke
Energetic. Electric. Soulful. One of the best live albums I've ever heard!
I challenge anyone else to cram this much excitement into less than 37 minutes. Not a huge fan of the songs, but the performance more than makes up for it. What a blast! I would've loved to be there when this was recorded, but listening to this is a very close second.
RCA buried this album for 22 years! Outrage! The fact that they were reluctant to release this recording to not upset Sam’s pop image demonstrates how repressed American popular society was in the early 60s. This is a wonderful album. It’s energetic and fun. Wish I were there to twist the night away.
I usually hate live albums but this was incredible! Only wish I could have been there myself. Recognized a few songs and found a few new songs I dig as well. My first 5 star!
Great energy!
God damn that man knew exactly how to swing and work a crowd
Excellent album with such a fun energy. He knows how to work the audience and they eat it all up. This makes me wish that newer groups would record live albums in the same fashion. They always want to make it perfect with a lot of polish and shine but it tends to lose out on the raw and visceral feeling of seeing it live.
This is amazing! What a vibrant live recording... I don't think I've ever enjoyed a live album as much as this. Sounds amazing. I've also read up a bit on Sam Cooke and it's so sad how his life and career ended!! Loved this and loved the audience reactions, truly feels like you're there.
Maybe I'm biased since I heard so many of these songs growing up, but I really liked this one even though I don't usually like live albums. I did go through Sam Cooke's discography after and enjoyed most of it.
Such an incredibly soulful album with outrageously good vocals, especially considering that it's a live album. Man that must've been a hell of a concert to be a part of. 9/10.
I had never heard this, but it is fantastic! A great live album - electric energy, an amazing audience, and banging songs throughout. It also has a cool history, being recorded and then shelved for two decades. I now want to listen to more Sam Cooke (I know, I'm super remedial when it comes to early Soul!) to compare it. Great album, would absolutely listen to again and again.
"One Night Stand - Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club 1963" is one of the best live albums you'll ever hear. Period. This album is so good, it should come with a warning label. No, seriously, it's that hot. From the moment you hit play, you're transported straight to the club, with the sounds of the crowd, the band, and Sam Cooke himself, filling your ears and your soul. It's like being right there in the front row, feeling the heat and energy of the performance. And let me tell you - it's electric. It's got all the makings of a legendary live show: backup singers that could make angels weep, a band that's tighter than my pants after Thanksgiving dinner, and of course, Sam Cooke, who's a force to be reckoned with. This album is a tribute to the power of live music, and a testament to Sam Cooke's incredible talent. It's raw, it's unpolished, and it's absolutely brilliant. It'll have you dancing in your living room, singing along, and feeling like you're part of the coolest party in town. Trust me, this One Night Stand is one you won't regret.
Is anyone else tempted to find people who give 1-star reviews for classic albums (for brilliant reasons like "nope", "live album", or "he was a jerk") and revoke their music privileges? I'm sorry you can't handle a live album. Music is supposed to be listened to live. The sterile, overproduced, autotuned recording is a relatively recent development in human history and was primarily developed to make money for record companies. I can't listen to Sam Cooke live because he's mortality-challenged. So I'm going to treasure this live album. If your response to a soul album is "nope", you don't have one. You've abdicated your humanity privileges. If you are trying to retrospectively cancel an artist because they did ________ in the year ______, just chuck your entire music catalog. To quote Captain Malcom Reynolds, "It's my estimation that every man ever got a statue made of him was one kind of sumbitch or another". I look forward to the good people of 2083 finding every aspect of YOUR existence wanting. That said, I'm now inspired to invent a time machine, if only because I can use it to go back to January 12, 1963 to go see this show.
One of the best live sets of all time.
How about it for Sam Cook, ladies and gentlemen. A perfectly executed live album. although not the tightest musical performance in places, the control he exercises over the crowd and his bandmates is an absolute masterclass.
Classic soul. Beautiful. One if the best live performances ever.
What a wild time Sam Cooke’s live shows must have been! His passion and intensity are felt through every note of this album, as he wrings sincerity from each song.
One of the greatest singers. I love the energy of this live recording.
His voice is so incredible and what a killer band. This would’ve been such a fun show.
What an incredible album. His voice is even better live. This must have been so much fun to be at. Only criticism is I wish it were longer!
So much life in this performance.
Feel it- 8 Chain Gang- 9 Cupid- 9 It's All Right- 10 Twistin' The Night Away- 9.5 Somebody Have Mercy- 8 Bring It on Home to Me- 8.5 Nothing Can Change This Love- 8 Having a Party- 9
I would have loved to be in the room for this performance! Just listening to him and already I think he's one hell of a performer. The record gets better with every song, carried by his infectious energy and a soulful voice that's guaranteed to make you smile. The passion seeps through the speakers. I'm not usually one for live albums, but when they sound THIS good I have to stand (or dance) in awe. That back half in particular is incredible. Standout tracks are his medley of It's All Right & For Sentimental Reasons, and those last three songs. So good!
Bajas expectativas, pero es de lo mejor que he escuchado en vivo
Loved. Classics
Every song was energetic and performed with love. I can only imagine what a great time the audience must have had that night. I had no issue whatsoever sitting down and listening to every song.
Love albums like this. Brilliantly performed, brilliant soul. Favorite track: Chain Gang
Dude's never sounded better. Great collection of songs too. Cooke could command a room. That velvety voice just effortlessly bounces off the band. He was a consummate showman playing to the audience and making live music pop! Even the slow songs are mesmerizing as long has he's singing. Twistin' the Night Away is the high water mark. It is a jam! My only complaint is that this album is not long enough.
Oh my God, this is an amazing album! Before today I didn't think I knew Sam Cooke, but after listening to this album, I recognized a few songs. Sam Cooke (affectionately called Mr. Soul, and for good reason) is a Soul singer, accredited with inventing the genre! I loved every moment of this record; the way Sam interacted with the audience to keep them pumped up, the electricity of the audience, the dabbling of the band, Sam's phenomenal vocals... Overall a stellar album! I will absolutely put this in heavy rotation. This music just has a way of making you feel good! Favourite songs: Having a Party, Twistin' the Night Away, Chain Gang, Cupid, Feel It (Don't Fight It), Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Somebody Have Mercy Least favourite song: Bring it On Home to Me (just because of the 2 and a half minute preamble before the song starts. The song itself is awesome) 5/5
Some people are called geniuses because they leave a legacy that never ceases to amaze humanity... this album is one of those cases! Try to listen to the whole album and stand still!
I always have thought of Sam Cooke as a calm, soothing sound. This was an emery I didn’t realize he had and is making me dive into him even more. Such a fun listen.
Love It
Einfach supergut!
Great
this is hot!
Great tracks. 4,5,7,9,10
Although not a style I’d normally listen to, I really ended up liking this. Tons of energy and put me in a good mood each time I listened.
Fajne
Good this. Hahahaha when he just goes "I ain't got leukaemia". 5 stars for that alone.
De eerste liveplaat die we hebben opgekregen? Altijd weer een heel andere sfeer dan het studiowerk. Kennelijk een vrij intieme setting dit optreden, met kolkend publiek. Heerlijke warme soulmuziek van een van de groten. Ik word er heel erg blij van. Nu al de derde keer dat ik hem luister :-)
Zeg ik bij het vorige album nog dat ik niet zo'n zoetekauw ben wat muziek betreft. Word ik nu toch erg vrolijk van deze zoete klanken. Zo vrolijk dat ik het album direct nog een keer opzet. Had ik hier bij willen zijn? Jazeker!
The "King" moniker is dropped and earned early. The recording choice is inspired: close and raw, as close to the songs as one can get. It's a trip back in time to living versions of what are now stodgy standards. And do they ever live. Lots of musical reference points close-packed and shimmering.
Don't fight the feeling, baby! Don't fight the feeling! This album rocked!
Would have been amazing to see live
Sam Cooke works better with the little bit of grit in his smooth voice that turns up live as opposed to the highly polished studio version of Sam Cooke. This live set is an absolute barnburner, and Sam and the band are firing on all cylinders. You've probably heard all of the songs in this set before many, many times, but listening to Sam Cooke add that extra bit of energy in the live setting transforms them into something better. This is one of the few live albums that justifies why live albums should exist in the first place.
This is what Elvis was trying to emulate but Sam did it so much better. Some real bangers here. Short and sweet but a top playlist
Not sure if it just caught me at the right time or if it put me in the right frame of mind, but this was a banger. This kind of music needs to make a comeback
This might be one of the best live albums I’ve ever listened to. I enjoyed it thoroughly and plan on listening to more Sam Cooke in the future
What a gem - this makes me feel like I'm there in the club - you can hear the audience, Sam's interacting with them, the guitar's slightly out of tune... makes a person want to be there! And god, his voice is so amazing, so vibrant and present and powerful. Love it!
Who doesn’t love Sam Cooke?
Absolute blast of an album. Makes me wish I was at the performance.
Holy cats, that voice.
I'm not a fan of live albums, but the recording quality of the early 60's isn't generally better than a live album anyway. Also, since I don't know these songs, I can't tell how they have changed in performance versus the studio. Sam Cooke is pretty good. I didn't expect to like 'soul', but I do. It's much better than 'jazz'. It feels like the inspiration for a lot of modern pop music.
Astonishing.
tres bonne fi d' album
Honestly one of the best live albums I've listened to.
5. Great live album. Classic Some Cooke.
I know I've heard Sam Cooke before, but I am by no means an avid listener, and damn. I can't remember how his voice sounds from studio albums, but you can just hear the rawness in his presentation on this album. His interaction with the crowd is fantastic as well and for a live album, I love that the mix includes the background noise from the audience; it pulls you into this intimate performance. For those wanting to get into Sam Cooke a bit more and dig into his brief discography, this may be the greatest greatest hits album to start with. Top song pick upon first listen would be the medley of It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons; love how the crowd gets more into it as Sam pulls people in and engages them.
A lot of artists record live albums, often in big arenas. Something is definitely lost with that approach, and that's the intimacy of an album like Sam Cooke's Live At The Harlem Square Club. You really feel like you're in the room with Sam Cooke here, it's such a pleasure to hear. Both Cooke and his band are in top form, and the ambient sounds of the crowd really bring a feeling of pure joy. That's the whole point of making a live album, to transport the listener to the in-person experience. Sam Cooke nails it here. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Bring It On Home to Me, Nothing Can Change This Love, Having a Party, Twistin' the Night Away, Cupid, Chain Gang, Somebody Have Mercy, Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Feel It (Don't Fight It), Soul Twist/Introduction
Absolutely amazing live album. Sam Cooke was a genius, and I wish we go so much more from him.
Love it
Absolutely loving the energy and the crowd interaction. Great audio quality too. “Imma GOin down to tha BUS station BaBAYYY - with a SUITcase in MY HANDUH…I ain’t got leukemia, that ain’t it” One of dozens of singers Zep copied from, specially Bring It On Home to me
This album just makes want get up and dance my ass off
Fuck the record executives who kept this classic in the closet for 20 years.
4.8
one of the greatest (if not the greatest) live albums of all time.
Absolutely wild, I never heard this before. What an amazing good time gig. What else can you say about Sam Cooke. Who knows if this would be the peak of his powers. Absolute tragedy that 18 months later he'd be killed.
Pure soul. In contention for best single disc love album
Great energy
Classic. CLASSIC. So good.
looooooooooooooove this album faveourite track: it's all right / for sentimental reasons, the anti-domestic violence tune
Daggone this sounds like it was a great show.
Superb piece of filthy raw, gritty soul. Loved this, you can feel the relationship with the audience.
Amazing! I loved this one.
Love the energy! Another surprise hit.
I think that I'm in a classical week! I know Sam Cooke by name but I never heard a whole album from him and now I have a new favorite album for my list of best albums. Nuff said!
I'm having a party 5
Not something I would’ve picked, but really enjoyed it.
Timeless
This is brilliant. Loved it.
Such a great album. The classic songs, amazing energy of this live performance and passionate signing from Sam Cooke! This will be in heavy rotation for years to come.
Wonderful -like sinking into a warm bath
I wish I could give this 10 stars. Sam Cooke is a legend. Listening to this live show is incredible. It's more than a concert. It's like a variety show. The call and response is so uplifting that you leave listening, feeling optimistic about the world and how it might be better. Even though you know what's coming next, he is able to infuse an air of suspense that is palpable. I also love the conversational tone of his banter with the crowd. It pulls you in as if you were an old, close friend. The standout tracks for me were "Twistin' The Night Away," "Tennessee Waltz" and "If I Had A Hammer." However, there is no song I would take off and so many gave me goosebumps, like when he croons "give" on "When I Fall In Love" and when he says "away" in "Blowing In The Wind." Such a special album.
Best live album
Hollywood's contemporary model for the music biopic means we won't get a film of Sam Cooke's life in the foreseeable future. The current template emphasises the redemptive nature of their music, of musicians who battled their demons successfully and performed exquisite music that justifies all the torment they suffered (e.g., Ray, Walk the Line, Bohemian Rhapsody). With Sam Cooke, the outstanding pioneer of soul music, his unfortunate, sordid end precludes your standard music biopic. The only way it could happen is if it ends with a triumphant performance of A Change Is Gonna Come, and just puts a small note at the end saying he was shot through the heart by a hotel manager after an apparent drunken brawl with a prostitute. Still, I neither want nor need a Sam Cooke biopic, and I am rather glad that Sam Cooke won't be contorted through the Hollywood sausage process. Anyway, this album is wonderful for the extremely simple reason that Sam Cooke performs wonderful songs in a wonderful fashion. That's it. That's enough. I had earlier reviewed James Brown's coeval Live at the Apollo, to which I gave 4 stars. I stand by that rating; the album is great fun, if perhaps not quite a masterpiece. I have no such hesitancy with this. It's pure pleasure, pure joy. That it was shelved for two decades just bewilders the modern listener. The record label deemed it to be a bit too passionate and heartfelt for its initial release. Yes, the money men behind the label have always ruined everything with their valueless stupidity. Thankfully, you're now in a position to treat yourself by giving this a blast, so you should take advantage of that right now. Now! I mean it!
fantastic !
It is worth noting that, while recorded in 1963, this album did NOT get a release until 1985. According to wikipedia, Cooke's label RCA Victor "viewed the album as too gritty and raw and possibly damaging to his pop image", which is why they didn't put it out at the time. Which is absurd, if you ask me. Sam Cooke is such a natural performer, his charisma and personality oozes out of this record. Him and his band keep the good times rolling through the entire runtime, an incredible feat. The essence of this record is that Cooke is playing so much to his audience, who plays an important part by matching Cooke's energy. This is what really makes the album so great, having the audience and Cooke playing off one another in a vibrant live show that feels so real when listening to it. It is a shame that, almost two years after this performance, Sam Cooke's life would be cut short in a frankly puzzling altercation. This album is a relic, one of Cooke in his prime doing what he did best. Incredible.
What can I say here. Sam Cooke is the greatest singer of all time. Bring It On Home to Me is the greatest song of all time.
All day long!
I knew some Sam Cooke, but this album made me a Sam Cooke FAN. This is easily one of the best live albums I have EVER heard. Sam is just as magical and energetic on a live album as he is in studio recordings. If anything, he's even more so in a live environment, where he is able to have these amazing interactions with the audience. He mixes a powerful, electrifying presence and untamed, raw vocals in with all of the quintessential Sam Cooke qualities that already made him great. It's a crime that this album was shelved for 20 years before it was finally released. In a world full of questionable live albums, this album shines as a prime example of what a live album should be. It has big energy, but feels intimate; I really felt transported to the moment. It made me wish I could have physically been there!
Best Song: For Sentimental Reasons. When the crowd starts singing along and Cooke still soars over top... To be in that room. Worst Song: Twistin' the Night Away. Just not a fan of the twist. Overall: The live setting really works well here. The recording sounds very close, as if the band is grouped tightly together in the corner of a small bar or club. And there's just something about the way you hear idle chatter in the background, the way Cooke rambles and adlibs these little bits. It feels like the audience isn't all stuck, shoulders squared to the stage, watching the music, but are letting themselves enjoy the music and each other. It feels like I can hear dancing. A surprisingly romantic album.
Wow. This was an ELECTRIC performance. I'd heard a few songs by Sam Cooke before, but I'd never given him a proper listen. This was outstanding. I love live albums and this must have been outstanding to see live. This entire album was absolutely rocking and Sam Cooke was a tour de force.
Now this is what I’m talking about - shagadelic baby
This is such a great live album that it's like why would you even bother recording studio versions? Sam Cooke is absolutely on a roll and his energy - along with the energy of the audience - is clear and infectious in every track.
very cool
Lot of Sam Cooke's popular songs were on this and live. Loved it.
I would have loved to see Sam in person. What a soulful and talented singer. Great album!
This was pretty incredible. I am realizing how good a live album can be. This was such a very alive performance, and hard to imagine that it was shelved for 20 years for being too "raw." I loved it.
This one was a great listen. I had fun and Sam Cooke's vocals were right on the mark! I have my handkerchief ready!
This was just great. Soulful and energetic. One of the best.
Raw and tight - the live versions are far superior to the studio recordings. What a voice. You feel that Sam was constrained on record.
It’s Sam Cook. It’s got to be great.
muito bom
fucking swinging
Best Sunday morning.
Songs had me up grooving
Just smooth and fun to listen to
Absolute classic
Absolute heaven. Imagine being there that night.
soulful genius, swinging and raising the roof
The king of R&B, killing it throughout the entire album. Brilliant, and perhaps the best live album I've ever heard.
Great fun, some nice classic rock and roll
'Course I Feel the Feelin
4.5/5. Very raw performance, lot of energy. Very very good.
A tour de force from one of the greatest male vocalists of all time.
Amazingly good. So much energy and spontaneous live feel but also polished and delivered with pinpoint accuracy.
One of the great live albums of all time - and yet they sat on it for 20 years before releasing it?!? Madness. What a voice, what a man, what an album. I'd have given everything to be in the audience. Bliss.
Tellement bon, un plaisir fou a ecouter cela. Ca vaut le detour et une reecoute. Un super artiste et album et d’habitude je n’aime pas top le live en audio. 5*
Great discovery. 5/5
tasty jazz
This album is fire! 🔥🔥🔥
Over a decade ago i downloaded a live version of Bring It On Home To Me from a livejournal community. I never knew the source. Today i found it!
Amazing albums from a legend
Enjoyed it. Fun performance and like the live crowd environment. That sax was great.
Really fun album. Looking forward to listening to this again.
This energetic show features heavy Chubby Checkers and Isley Brothers influences along with 1950's soul and R&B in general. Sam Cooke's delivery is incredibly charismatic. One of the great joys of this performance is just how much fun Cooke and his audience are having. It sounds like an absolute frenzy. Cooke's voice seemingly does not tire. It is truly a remarkable performance.
Rating: 10/10
Incredible album. Such a fun performance.
Gospel, soul and pop mixed together in an intimate sounding live album. Great stuff
Pedazo de directo. Un torbellino de soul sin descanso...
Jazz. Great concert vibes.
Amazing soulful voice.
Favorite Tracks: Chain Gang Cupid Twistin' the Night Away
bastante energico
Loved it.
felt like being there! what a party!
Great. Awesome live album. Bring it on Home is the highlight for me.
Amazing album, truly. I felt the animation of the atmosphere as well as the late Sam Cooke. Emotional really
Hoo boy, I'm not the biggest fan of live albums but I'll listen cuz it's on the list. Actually ya know what, this is good so far. I'm into it. This is just the first song. This was a fun album and it perked me up while listening since I've been stressed today. That deserves a 5.
Only 8 years in the business. This album is raw and his showmanship skills are evident the way he interacts with the crowd. Love this album.
Лайв, по качеству исполнения подобный студийнику. Не будь звуков толпы - даже в студийноси бы не засомневался особо. Хотя, помнится, кто-то промышлял тем, что поверх сырых студийных записей просто звуки толпы накладывал. Но да не суть. Слышно, что Сэм Кук просто горит тем, что делает. Ни один трек не перетягивает одеяло на себя, и ни один выкинуть не хочется. А сам Сэм своими партиями будто стремится взять за яйца каждого посетителя клуба. Этот подход же из баптистских хоров пошёл, где через душевную энергетику существует стремление показать на чувственном уровне, что бох есть. И ведь негатива не вызывает, честный приём же. Когда веруны в качестве аргументации приводят существование "духовных переживаний", "особого опыта", что не доступны неверунам, хочется сказать что-то типа "Йоу, пацаны, го слэм". Сама суть искусства ведь восполнять все потребности внутреннего мира. Тут мы имеем, что мощный кусок верунской культуры откололся от своей основы и стал частью культуры общей, разумистической. Ну утратив при этом своего созидательного начала. И это очень хорошо.
Loved this, would like the LP. Really upbeat, make you smile kind of music. Yay!
One of my favorite live records ever. Sam’s got the audience in the palm of his hand.
Loved this album also listened to more of his stuff and have listened to a lot more Sam Cooke than had previously thought.
This album is so good. I put it on and it was over before I even realized it. This thing really moves!
Excellent
Fucking love Sam Cooke.
just an amazing live album. would be a 9/10 so 5 stars from me. bring it on home to me *adore*
i like live albums and this rocks, 10
A gold standard for live records. Soulful, fun, and the energy between Sam, the band, and the crowd is out of this world.
I love this album. 10
I'm soul. This is soul. This is life
Now I'm getting this whole including live albums list, this one is amazing.
Oh hell yes. Best soul singer of all time.
Brilliant exactly what you would expect
So fun, so catchy. Sam Cooke is wonderful.
Love it, would buy.
Absolutely charming Never heard of Sam Cooke before this but I really like him now His fun and relentless energy drives the album beautifully
Without Sam Cooke there would be no "Hardest working man in music"