Reviews (page 6 of 13)
Very enjoyable
Lots of really fun songs from way back!
one of the best live albums i’ve listened to
I'm having a great night, Sam. thanks for checking in.
from previous list
Sam cooked
I feel like this is a case where the live nature of the album really pays off. You can definitely feel the energy in the room. A really fun listen overall!
The most fun 60s jazz album just pure vibes I love it
First Listen; 3.5; This is a really, energetic album. I can hear the sweat on the record. Very raw sound from the performance that makes clear how fun this show is. Favorite Track: Twistin' the Night Away
Standouts Twistin' the Night Away Bring it on Home to me Nothing Can Change This Love We're Having a Party
Will never be a huge fan of live albums, but this one has two things running in it's favour. 1 - I would LOVE to be in a bar with a cocktail listening to this incredible music and 2 - I now want to go and listen to all of Sam Cooke’s work. The soul & raspy vocals are like butter, and you can feel the brilliance of the performance come through very well.
Very Good
"This ain't my dad, this is a cell phone." I really enjoyed the dynamics of each song here, even with the old recording technology they still felt lively and crisp.
Never really think of swing seriously, but this was banging. Might even come back
Great album from Sam Cooke’s early days. Similar to Sam Cooke at the Copa, but with more energy from the audience. I’ve read that Sam Cooke tailored his performance to suit the audience. The Harlem Square audience was mainly African-American while the audience at the Copa was mainly white.
Jazz style, I love his husky voice. Very suitable for jazz
Not something I would generally listen to, but it's good music and gives off good vibes. Very jazzy and upbeat. I liked the instrumental parts a good bit as well.
i wish i could have been there to see it live i listened while decorating my christmas tree
.......
Pretty cool live album with some classics making appearances
Very fun energy throughout the album. I love Sam Cookes vocals. He's an incredibly charismatic performer, it's such a shame that he was taken at such a young age.
Early soul, very energetic
This was close to a five for me--and maybe should be, but I only got in one listen. What a stellar recording of such a fantastic musician.
This was excellent
Muy buen disco de blues, me ha encantado.
pretty amazing stuff
85/100. Man, what a treat. Sam Cooke, Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 is a fantastic live performance that truly captures the magic of the moment. Cooke completely captivated the crowd with his smooth, soulful voice, catchy grooves, and even a few funny remarks that added a personal touch to the show. His performance is a clear reminder of why he's considered one of the all-time greats. The energy of the live show shines through every track, bringing a genuine feel that studio recordings often lack. From start to finish, this record immerses you in the vibrant atmosphere of the Harlem Square Club
Sam’s the man
Such a fun listen. Felt like I was there listening to him. A lot of repetition so it will not be getting a 5, but still fun.
Maybe it is the energy, or the vibe? But i like it anyway
A good surprise! Je pensais pas du tout mais j’adore le swing ! J’ai ajouté des chansons à ma playlist
Amazing live performance that’s full of soul and raw musicianship, some of the songs are truly a product of their times with the lyrics not aging so well, but it’s worth a listen to hear the sounds of Motown and soul in its purist form! It’s full of energy and makes me want to relisten to some of the other fantastic live performances of this decade If you enjoyed this I can recommend Otis Redding in person at the whiskey a go go
Um álbum ao vivo com muita alma! QoA Cloudscape.
This was really good
prefiro o SC em estúdio. 4 estrelas
Great stuff, didn’t realize his voice could also be rough and scratchy
Right off the bat, this album took me for a turn because I know Sam Cooke from his hits like You Send Me and Bring It On Home to Me. He’s got such a sweet and delicate voice in those. But in this live album, he’s gotta a much rougher voice, yet is still hitting those notes, and that voice really goes well with the energy of the crowd for the performance. It’s hard to rate this album anything lower when it’s such a great representation of the times it came from. You get such an authentic piece of what concerts were like in the early 1960s. Great listen.
Love this in so many ways. Great voice, good audience interaction. I am not usually a fan of live albums but this is an exception. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Chain Gang, Twisting the Night, Cupid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Saved some tracks
I wanted to be in the room with them! Great live album.
There are better studio albums for quality of sound. But pleasure of the live voice is there.
Sam Cooke is just one of those performers gifted with amazing charisma, wonderful warm voice and sweet, sweet 60s soul songs. You can’t go wrong.
As a live album this was brilliant, really felt the energy and showmanship. Guess I might be uncultured for not knowing Sam Cooke, definitely seems like he has a voice and presence to match James Brown. For some I think it was interesting and unique enough to warrant repeated listens outside of listening to the properly recorded stuff. I'm not a particular fan of soul but I think this high energy version is the best. Not sure I'm a big enough fan for repeated listens but enjoyed this listen and worth being on the list. 3.5.
Love this. Upbeat and fun. 8/10
Solid 4 again, enjoyable but not mind blowing
I wonder what the total live album count is on this list. Can probably find that answer somewhere. With each passing day I have more questions about the little intricacies of this list. Anyways. "Chain Gang" was super fun and catchy. This whole record almost functions like a modern-day club dj set it's just one song into the next, everyone's meant to just keep dancing. Sam Cooke sounds pretty good live. Near vocal-booth quality of singing and TONS of energy. The medley at the end of "Sentimental Reasons" was a sweet moment. You can hear the people having fun and singing along while Cooke leads the crowd. The closing "Having A Party" is worth the wait too, I encourage everyone to stick it out till then. A sneaky 4/5 honestly for how infectious it is
oh my god what an album. the crowd really makes it and helps multiply sam's stage presence. best live album ever?
Great stuff! Return to it often.
неожиданно очень приятный альбом! зажигательно весело, очень музыкально и отлично звучит. класс
more like sam cooked
Bet some babies have been made after people listened to some of the songs on this album.
One of the better live albums on this list
Good vibes. Simpsons: Yes
Good stuff.
Had a little boogie to this with my girl. Good times.
Super fun album. Love Sam Cooke, and the energy was amazing. Too bad it was not well recorded
Fun album. The crowd really showed the energy.
very good.
Rapid fire bangers. So much energy. I could only imagine seeing a live set like this
What a performance. I don't know where Sam Cooke's songs really stand in my overall catalog of greats, but this recording is special. All of the interaction, the soul that Sam naturally evokes through his performance, and even the mistakes, all come together as a great reminder of what these early artists brought to the stage beyond any studio recording technique.
Oh to be in a small jazz club with sam cooke
Back to back live albums. Great performance from Sam Cooke
I really like this gent, his voice and his songs.
Off the cuff remark: I am not overly familiar with Sam Cooke, so know next to nothing about him, of course there are some songs on here which I am familiar with. As a live album though this positively fizzes with energy and joy. Live albums sometimes have a "you had to be there" feel, this is more of "I wish I had been there". Standout tracks: may be the songs I am most familiar with but Cupid and Bring It On Home to Me are still great. Revisit?: I would be very happy to but it probably isn't something I will do in all honesty, bu I am intrigued to listen to some studio recordings.
maybe there is a life
Really enjoyed this. Excellent party vibe.
What a fun album, this is the definition of charisma. Sam is so entertaining and you can’t help but be caught up with his enthusiasm. I wasn’t born when this was recorded but it feels like it beings you right to that club in Harlem.
His voice is insanely good
A ridiculous amount of raw energy. A powerful performance. Recorded live in 1963 but, inexplicably, not released until 1985? This set just sounds like pure fun. Sam plows through the hits with an in-your-face presence that commands respect. Excellent recording quality and a solid performance by a terrific band. I've never heard him like this before. I can see why he was such a huge sensation in his time.
Cooke clearly was a great entertainer and he had some pipes. I enjoyed the energy on this live album.
Solid from start to finish end of story
this was a great live listen-his voice is strong but still smooth, music great.
estremamente bello ieri l’ho sentito di sera mentre stavo per strada sotto la pioggia top vibe
Veramente un bell’album. Ho scoperto che uno dei suoi soprannomi è king of soul, e lo posso capire. Il fatto che sia live di solito per me è un malus, ma in questo caso le interazioni col pubblico mi sono piaciute molto
I gotta go, but you keep on having a party. When you go home, keep on having that party. No matter where you're at, remember I told you; keep on having that party.
ay da hani mi gfühlt als wäri live im harlem square club debi gsi! verrückte typ – für 5 whiskey sour längeds allerdings nöd ganz
I liked this better than BB King
1001 albums you must hear before you die #1 Oh. My. God. When I first saw that this was the 1st album I needed to listen on the list, I directly wanted to quit. I'm not a big fan of soul and rnb but this album. I think that if this was recorded in studio, I wouldn't like it that much. His voice is so fucking amazing and he's definitely one of the greatest singers of the 60's. Favourite song : Bring It on Home to Me Less Liked song : Somebody Have Mercy
Pra ser bem honesta não escuto nada de soul, mas isso não me impediu de poder apreciar esse album. Sentia falta de ouvir algo totalmente nova para >mim< uma vez que cada vez mais sinto que estou cada vez mais na minha zona de conforto e ouvir um album tão fora dessa zona que eu mesma me coloquei ao longos do anos é algo refrescante. Agora falando do albúm, gostei da maioria das música e acho, inclusive, ouso dizer que não possui nenhum skip. Ao longo do tempo que escutava sentia que se mostrasse qualquer faixa para alguma pessoa aleatoria ela provavelmente gostaria por ser mais "easy listening" e não algo MUITO diferente. Além disso, amei as letras e, ainda mais, a voz incrivel e carismatica do Sam Cooke que consegue passar muito bem a mensagem da música e , também, consegui sentir a simpatia dele somente o ouvindo cantar. Também algo que me ajudou a gostar do album, é pelo fato de ser ao vivo gosto quando consigo ouvir a reação da plateia e é outra sensação ouvir o cantor cantar ao vivo, você realmente cosegue conectar com a música de uma forma totalmente diferente. Favs: feel it (don´t fight it), cupid, it´s all right (i love you) for sentimental reasons, somebody have mercy e nothing can change this love
This was such a fun listen
Beautiful.. wish i was alive, let alone be present for that lobe show..
I like Sam Cooke a lot and this live recording has such great energy. I would probably come back to this album before a lot of his studio records. 4/5
Very fun live album. I don't think I knew who Sam Cooke was, but I know a few of these songs. Nice to put a name to it. Good energy. 3.75/5
I think I'm learning that I like old live albums a lot more than modern live albums. They are just different in some way. There's a lot of passion on this album which manages to just pull it up to a 4 for me Standouts Twistin' The Night Away Having a Party 4/5
Love
Amphetamines really were something else back then…
Would be amazing to be there. Low 4/5
Sam Cooke is my Elvis. What a show! The energy he is able to whip up in the room and his crowd work is out of this world. What a joy that this performance was recorded for posterity. Chain Gang and Cupid particularly sent me into a frenzy, but there wasn’t a soft spot on the record.
great voice, great lyrics, great to sing along
This was a really great live performance - amazing energy from SC.
Great live album, full of energy, great songs. 4/5
4 out of 5 So many classic songs
Bra liveuppträdande! Kändes som jag var i publiken. Svängigt!
Despite being on a delayed 2 hour journey while listening to this, and despite the production being flag and it not sounding nearly as vibrant as other live albums from the period (BB King) this was just fun enough for a 4.
Great voice great songs. Good energy. Comparing live albums to studio albums feels weird to me, they're totally different beasts. This was pretty great, but it did make me realise how much of this music is the same. A track started and I went through at least 3 songs of what I thought it could be before the vocals sand a 4th option to exactly the same backing track. Cupid is killer though and a few other ls are just total classics.
Great social/ dance music
I haven't had much exposure to the King of Soul before, but this live album made me feel like I right there at the show dancing along. The vibes are off the charts on this one. I'm typically not big on gospel music, but I don't think there was a song I disliked during this performance. It being live definitely did give me a better opinion of it as it was more of an experience than a listen.
Makes me wish I had a sweetie to put this on and dance to at the sockhop. Some of the songs I like better in the studio recording, but some of them need that live recording. Bring It on Home to Me makes me think of Sinners in the most complimentary way possible. Truly transcendental stuff. This album plays super well as one continuous thing, definitely something I'd be happy to put on and walk away to flirt with a cutie.
I'd love to have seen a show like this live.
Fun live album, it sounds as raw as it should be, songs were amazing, and good vibes all around.
Que señor tan carismático encima le dice a la gente las lyrics para que las canten, muy buen álbum en vivo tenía muy poco de este genero en el repertorio. Me gusta que haya cantado la canción de Nat King Cole porque le tengo bastante cariño. No menciono mis favs porque me gustaron todas casi por igual, vi mas el álbum como un show cohesionado que como canciones individuales.
El soul y R&B que se hizo en esta época es tan importante para absolutamente toda la música que vino después, hacen falta más raw singers como él y más reconocimiento a los live albums. Favs: Chain Gang, Nothing Can Change This Love, Having a Party
Otro artista del que nunca he escuchado un álbum entero como tal, y me alegro de que este sea el primero: puro fuego, sudor y alma en carne viva. La energía del público es brutal, se nota que el club estaba a reventar y que la gente estaba viviéndolo muchísimo. Sam afina, improvisa, alarga frases, juega con la banda y la gente como si llevara el propio soul en las venas. Temas que ya había escuchado como Bring It On Home to Me o Twistin’ the Night Away suenan más crudos y sinceros que nunca. Según leí tardó años en ver la luz porque RCA pensó que era “demasiado ruidoso” (lol). Precisamente por eso se siente tan auténtico: un genio sin filtro, con toda la pasión y humanidad que lo hicieron icónico. Un concierto breve, intenso y absolutamente imprescindible si quieres entender por qué lo llaman el alma del soul. Favs: Chain Gang, Twistin' The Night Away, Bring It On Home, Nothing Can Change This Love
Menos mal que la discográfica terminó sacando el concierto, porque menuda clase magistral de cómo llevar un directo. Qué vozarrón tan potente, qué carisma y qué canciones tan increíbles. Nunca he sido muy de escuchar discos en directo, pero si me estoy perdiendo de joyas como estas desde luego hay que cambiar el hábito. Gracias Sam Cooke. A la playlist: Feel It (Don't Fight It), Chain Gang, It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Twistin' the Night Away, Bring it on Home to Me, Nothing Can Change This Love.
That sure sounded like a fun time!
Soulful classic
It's a fun rock'n'roll live album. The songs sound very similar, but it's a fun listen without a boring second from start to finish. 4/5
Talk about high energy! That was non-stop!
Such a soft spot for Sam Cooke and the live albums do help you vividly imagine how great it would be to see him.
King of Soul indeed
What a great frontman. Great live album - can only imagine how awesome it wouldve been to see in person. Good shiz
I FEEL IT SAM THANK YOU FOR BLESSING ME TODAY
The energy in his performance is pretty amazing. it must have been amazing to be in the crowd
Quite good fun actually
I fucking love soul. Thank you Mr Cooke!!!
Favorite Track: Bring It On Home to Me
Erinomainen soul-liveveto!
Classic songs, all time bangers, one of the best voices of all time at the top of his game. Great album, but 36 min live show has me wanting more. Would have loved to have been at one of his shows! I've seen Leslie Odom live and think that's the closest thing I can get... I love Leslie but he's no Sam Cooke!!! Sam has so much swagger and such a silky smooth voice.
How incredible it would’ve been to be there in that club. This a great snapshot in time of how true live albums should be made. It’s full of swagger, improvisation, sweat, smoke and raspiness. It’s perfectly imperfect. And what a crime that the record label waited two decades to release it. This is great stuff.
This is quite great. Would love if there was a video to go with this. So smooth, so much charisma and songs that just hit you in the feels. Know Sam but never listened a ton. Need to change that after listening to this. 4.25
This is the type of live album I like... really get a sense of the power of Sam's voice as well as his personality. Crazy it took so long for it to actually be released. Great stuff. 3.75/5
Was a dancing good there that night I bet
This album bops. I think I'd rather listen to Cooke than Elvis. Don't tell my Aunty.
**** 1/2 I knew Sam Cooke…a little. This album is a discovery: what a performer, what songs.
Se me ha hecho corto
Can't believe I never heard of the King of soul before! I loved the live performance recordings! Tracks to Track: Nothing Can Change This Love
Good document of the live music scene, the banter gets a little annoying at times, and the Leukemia mention is crazy, but the songs are great, the singing is phenomenal and the audience is eating it up.
I grew up with boomer parents who had Sam Cooke on but never revisited. This was a fun listen. Absolute classics.
Immediately put me in a better mood. A very good performance.
Kind of exactly what I needed today. Warm heartfelt and fun
A classic live recording from 1963. His vocals are exquisite.
Loved this so much; the whole thing feels like I just stumbled into the best gig of 1963 with a whisky in hand and no plans tomorrow. It’s not flawless (some tracks blur together) but it’s a masterclass in live soul.
what a fucking voice! increasing my love for live albums. it’s wonderful to be immersed, what a time capsule. so wonderful to hear the audience singing along in the background. i love the sort of vamping at the end of ‘bring it on home to me’ and the excitement into ‘nothing can change this love’
First live album I've heard on the list where I felt like it'd be cool to be there. Sam's vocals are so gritty and sound so good, the crowd is so into it, the band is great, this was a really good time. I don't think this has me wanting to listen to any of Mr Cooke's discography but this was an enjoyable live album experience. As is era appropriate, entirely too many baby I love you baby you're my baby girl I love you songs. Not trying to start a feminist discourse either but this is the first time I've heard someone seriously say if you give me good sex I will give you a child, like it's of his choosing to give her a child very funny. All in all enjoyed it way more than I thought I would, his command of the crowd is inspiring and extremely fun to listen to.
Very good! Upbeat and old school
Great live sound. A time capsule of the 60s. "Don't beat your woman"
4.5/5
I could smell Sam Cooke’s sweat while listening to this album. That voice in a live setting was something to behold. So glad those of us who couldn’t experience it in person, can at least get a taste through this recording.
good stuff
It was good but i dont like live albums that much
honestly just a fun time. most songs seemed to blend together but it felt like a good thing on this album
Great energy, Cupid draw back your bow
Fantastic album. It is nice hearing a grittier, more energetic version of his studio songs. Favorite songs: Cupid, Chain Gang, It’s All Right
The exception that proves the rule. I normally don’t enjoy live albums. Far too much crowd work, and a sound that’s worse than a studio recording. But this won me over. It’s propulsive and energetic. The crowd reactions are additive. 4/5
Gillade verkligen rösten, kanske en 4:a t.om.
Sam Cooke is the undisputed King of Soul. Here we have undeniable influence, indisputable hits, and I love it. Why is the average global rating sub 4? I have to assume it's because this is a live album (and one recorded in 1963 with 1963-quality equipment), so the recording quality isn't great. But what better genre to highlight with a live recording than soul? Mr. Cooke had a true vibe at his shows. That this one was in Harlem, a one-night stand, and while Cooke was at the height of his popularity and powers overcomes any technical issues for me. I love live music; I love experiencing the vibe the artist intends while listening to their music. This album shined in that regard.
Loved this, what a voice. Such awesome live energy, even though the recording quality is average to today’s standards, still so much mojo. Shame he died so young
Really enjoyed this album, I think I’m finding that I love 1960s Soul/R&B which is something I don’t think I would normally listen to. Loved the energy of the live recording and I really liked his voice. Fav song: Medley: It’s All Right / For Sentimental Reasons Least fav: Somebody Have Mercy
Quite enjoyed this one actually. Think it would have been amazing to be there in person. They seemed to be having fun with it. Not as much a fan of the slower songs later on though. Chain gang is really catchy Specific rating- 4.2 Fav song- chain gang Least fav- nothing can change this love
Great, energetic, and makes me wish I was there.
Très groovy 7.5/10
Great raw souly vocals. Great vibes and great tunes. You can really feel the energy in the venue coming through.
Full of energy and makes me want to get up and dance!
Really cool, soulful. Loved it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sam is COOK’ing on this raucous, gritty and electric live recording that will have you moving to the beat of his soul! 🕺 One Night Stand! captures a version of Cooke that RCA kept hidden for over two decades: raw, electrifying, and completely untamed. Recorded in a packed, sweat-drenched Black nightclub in Miami, it’s an album that rewrites the narrative of who Sam Cooke really was — not just a smooth pop crooner, but a soul preacher, crowd commander, and emotional powerhouse. 🎧 Classic Track: Twistin’ The Night Away 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Nothing Can Change This Love 🎧 Personal Favorite: Having A Party Even where the material is secular/pop, Cooke channels a kind of gospel fervor. You hear it in his vocal dynamics, the way he stretches out phrases, his alternation between tenderness and power. It gives the set a spiritual dimension — not in a preaching sense necessarily, but in expressive depth. The crowd is not passive. There’s shouting, responses, intimacy. The recording captures that club environment, the sweat, the sweatbox, the party, the tension. That makes the album feel alive, visceral. 🖼️ Album Artwork: A Portrait of Energy Because of when and where it was recorded (segregated South, a Black audience), and how it shows a side of Sam Cooke that his pop label often hidden away, it contributes to understanding his artistry beyond the surface hits. It bridges the commercial and soul side of his work, showing how one (the polished pop side) wasn’t the full picture. It sits somewhere between performance and spiritual experience, between celebration and emotional depth. For anyone interested in soul, R&B, or the roots of what would later become more socially conscious soul, One Night Stand! is indispensable.
An oldie but a goodie. I liked this album. It was upbeat and most of the songs were easily recognizable
Nice live album, every song you probably didn't know you knew, but you probably know! I loved the soulful twist on these classics, probably pick this up for myself.
This is a really cool live album to listen to. Sam Cooke’s soulful singing is not normally something you’d hear during the era it was recorded. It’s very insightful and you can totally hear his passion as he performs.
One of the best to ever do it
Beautiful music. Sam Cooke was a revolutionary.
Fucking brilliant
Класний концерт, чудовий голос від класичного виконавця. Отримав задоволення, хоч і якогось вау-ефекту від запису не було. Все дуже гарно зіграно і виконано.
Виконавець класичний, але музика доволі одноманітна, хоча й звісно має дуже приємні вайби. Наче дивишся якесь feel good movie з 90х.
#DÍA 29: 1001 Discos Que Hay Que Escuchar Antes De Morir (English Translation Below) Segundo concierto que me aparece en el desafío, la verdad que agradezco que existan muestras de cómo eran los conciertos de los 60s porque creo que captan mejor la esencia de muchos de sus músicos. Sam Cooke es llamado “Rey del Soul”, una influencia vital para aquellos por venir, pero fue él quien dio forma estéticamente al importante género musical. Con una voz poderosísima, carrasposa y de lo más expresiva, una voz sobresaliente sin duda que le da sentido al nombre “Soul”. Este LP en vivo realmente te da ganas de estar en aquel sitio en aquel momento, y al parecer no fue publicado hasta 1985 por considerarse demasiado crudo… Eso siempre promete. La grabación en directo arranca con un buen entrante, Feel It, para dejar bien claro que todos estaban allí esa noche para sentir y bailar la música en unidad. En este concierto Sam Cooke y los músicos acompañantes realmente lucieron el potencial de las canciones, algo evidente en Chain Gang, una canción que además trata de un modo muy pintoresco e ilustrativo la esclavitud. Por otro lado, el carácter performativo de Sam Cooke es de lo más encantador cuando hace el sonido de tensar un arco en Cupid o el manejo del público en It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, hace que se te ponga la piel de gallina escuchar como cantan de vuelta. La crudeza censurada se entiende más en Twistin’ the Night Away, en la que Cooke realmente adquiere una intensidad de Rock N’ Roll, acaba hasta saturando la mezcla. En la segunda mitad se vuelve bastante sensible, sobre todo Somebody Have Mercy, dónde bien siente al cantar la cuestión de “I wanna know what is wrong with me”. Acercándonos al final del espectáculo tocan dos canciones de amor bastante emotivas, sobre todo Nothing Can Change This Love, que es de lo más tierna y pegadiza. Finaliza con Having a Party, celebrando la música Soul y tratando la vida misma como una fiesta, es optimista y un perfecto cierre para esta noche. Es un álbum en vivo excelente, obviamente la mezcla no es lo mejor del mundo y el protagonismo cae demasiado sobre el cantante para mi gusto, aunque los solos de saxofón son fantásticos. Las canciones pueden terminar siendo algo similares entre sí pero hablan de un género que está en puro desarrollo, y creo que es muy estimulante poder escuchar cómo sonaba en vivo. Ojalá fuese más largo… Favoritas: Chain Gang, It´s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Somebody Have Mercy, Nothing Can Change This Love, Having a Party Menos favorita: Cupid #DAY 29: 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die Second concert to show up in the challenge, and honestly, I’m grateful that recordings exist showing what concerts were like in the ’60s, because I think they capture the essence of many musicians better. Sam Cooke is called the “King of Soul,” a vital influence for those who came after, but it was he who gave aesthetic shape to this important musical genre. With a tremendously powerful, raspy, and deeply expressive voice—an outstanding voice, no doubt—that truly gives meaning to the name Soul. This live LP really makes you wish you had been there in that place at that time, and apparently it wasn’t released until 1985 because it was considered too raw… and that always promises something good. The live recording kicks off with a great opener, Feel It, making it clear that everyone there that night had come to feel and dance to the music together. In this concert, Sam Cooke and the accompanying musicians really showcased the potential of the songs, something especially evident in Chain Gang, a track that also paints a vivid and illustrative picture of slavery. Also, Sam Cooke’s performative character is utterly charming—whether making the sound of drawing a bow in Cupid or engaging the audience in It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, it gives you chills to hear the crowd singing back—. The “rawness” that was censored makes more sense in Twistin’ the Night Away, where Cooke truly channels a Rock ’n’ Roll intensity, to the point the mix even becomes a bit saturated. In the second half, the mood turns quite sensitive, especially with Somebody Have Mercy, where he truly feels the weight of singing the line “I wanna know what is wrong with me”. Nearing the end of the show, he performs two rather emotional love songs, especially Nothing Can Change This Love, which is tender and incredibly catchy. The concert closes with Having a Party, celebrating soul music and treating life itself as a party—optimistic and a perfect way to end the night. It’s an excellent live album. Obviously, the mix isn’t the best in the world, and the spotlight falls too heavily on the singer for my taste (though the saxophone solos are fantastic). The songs can end up sounding somewhat similar to each other, but they speak to a genre in pure development, and I find it really exciting to hear how it sounded live. I just wish it were longer… Favorites: Chain Gang, It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons, Somebody Have Mercy, Nothing Can Change This Love, Having a Party Least favorite: Cupid
Festligt album man bliver glad af at høre :) Historisk set så lavede han mere stille og rolig soul med bløde tekster osv overfor vide mennesker som en ægte crooner, men overfor sorte var han en ægte gooner der gav den gas og var elektrisk og energisk. Så der er masser af power, en meget anden måde at lytte til sam cooke på. Gad vide hvad han havde lavet af musik hvis han levede nu.
If you want to twist the night away
A great soul / jazz performance with a lot of heart and energy. It sometimes sounds pretty close to old school rock'n'roll, with a superbly festive atmosphere. Must have been insane to see it live, the crowd is on fire. I usually stay away from live albums since they often sound terrible (and I find the noise of the crowd distracting). This album is better than what I expected in that regard, but the sound is still a bit too murky for me. However, I did a quick comparison between the live and studio versions of the songs ; the live versions are so different from the studio takes that it's not even the same music anymore, so I guess it's worth it. "Chain Gang" was stuck in my brain for most of the day, and I had to give it a second listen. A solid 4* for me, and I can totally understand people who'd give it a 5*. Sam Cooke had fantastic potential, it's sad he was murdered at 33.
What a live party along with a great jazzy music !! I really enjoyed listening to this live and festive album
It grew on me as it went. I think the crowd got less annoying as the show went on
First listened soul álbum. I think it may be good, but im not sure. It was a pleasant experience although
A great time! Never thought I would enjoy a live soul album, but Sam Cooke's energy was infectious. 4/5!
This was fun
Good
classic
"cupid" von amy winehouse gecovert
Charming, lively, fun. Its all right Medley is a banger. Having a Party makes me feel alive.
Mr. Soul in the raw. You can feel the excitement and energy in that club with every note.
This sounds like such a fun party. Normally I don’t care for live albums but this one is worthwhile. You can feel the energy from the crowd. I’ve never heard that captured on record quite this way. His crowd banter is great too. I love his voice.
I hate live albums... but I love this album. It doesn't feel like a concert. It feels like they recorded a 50s sock hop. It feels like a community event, a local dance where everyone is just having the best time. The vibe of this thing is incredible. It's just such a good time. It transports you to a time and place so incredibly well. More live albums need to do this, capture a moment in time. It would make more of them worth listening to. Anyways... Sam... his voice is incredible. That man could read the yellow pages and I'd be transfixed. And he's charming as hell. He commands the audience, is in conversation with the audience. It's so entertaining. The ad-libs and banter are wild. There's one leukaemia ad-lib... only he can pull that off. Or the advice about not hitting your partner (he landed on the right side of history on that one). It only works because Sam Cooke is pure charisma. The backing vocals he coaxes out of the crowd are incredible. They sound better than studio recorded vocals on 1000s of record. The sound of the record in general is just so warm. The sax! The sax! So good. I think my only criticism is that the album is missing one of my favourite Sam Cooke songs, (What A) Wonderful World. Perhaps it hadn't been written yet. I wish he had done it in this room, on this album. Woulda been amazing. Some highlights: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons - Just 2 beautiful songs rammed together. That sax! Those backing vocals are just lovely. Twistin' The Night Away - it's just fun as hell. makes you wanna dance. Great sax solo. Bring it on Home to Me - it's a classic. And it's so massive and dramatic and powerful on this live performance. wow. Having a Party - again those backing vocals... it's just pure jubilation. To be honest... they're all pretty great. Not a bad track in the bunch. It's a strong 4 for me (might grow to a 4.5 over time).
Same Cooke is a brilliant artist and a very energetic performer. This album doesn't have the audio quality that his studio albums have, and this means that Sam Cooke's voice sounds a lot more raw. Can't say this album really has any of his hits on it, there's a lot of classic Soul repertoire on here. No one like Sam Cooke to interpret these songs and bring them alive though. I find the songs fun, but Sam Cooke nevers really wows me like he can in the studio or with some of his other live performances.
Love that this was initially deemed "too loud, raw, and raucous" to be released (as Wikipedia reports)--this made me reappreciate Sam Cooke BECAUSE it was so raw and fun and real. It's a live album that really feels live.
This was an awesome old school album and I love Sam cooke! So good all around
Pretty good for a live album though it did seem like Mr Cooke was in a bit of a hurry to get things over and done with!
7/10
Great set of live soul, rnb, doo wop and two versions of Feel It for some reason, call and responses, the twist, sprechtgesange interludes, a piano being beaten to within an inch of its life. I take back what I said about live albums on the James Brown live review. This is almost as good as the real thing.
Gotta say, really enjoyed this live banger, solid album
such an enjoyable and fun live album with big band, early funk influences, and just an overall energetic vibe!
Great album! Energy is super high and the vibes are good. Music is obviously great as well! 8.1/10
Oh what I’d pay to attend this concert
His energy is infectious
Liked the live album format more than i expected. pretty freakin legendary performance. such a tight set.
Loved these soulful oldies.
Sam Cooke had one of the very best voices in all of music, and simply oozes charisma and charm. The album suffers slightly from period-appropriate flaws with the production that mutes the instrumentation a bit, although it also provides some sense of verisimilitude. Truly great showcase for a truly great talent.
Ja: nie lubię soulu. Także ja: Nie mogę wyjść z podziwu nad tym satynowym głosem, lekkością i klimatem. To nie jest płyta, którą kiedykolwiek włączę sama z siebie, ale gdy już się pojawi to będę się rozkoszować każdą nutą. 7/10
I love these songs. Bring it on home is an all time fave and I love his version of the Tennessee Waltz - the live recording didn’t do much to augment. Classics.
Great live album, full of life and character. He sings like he feels it. The audience is loving it. You almost feel like you're in the room. Would relisten.
I thought I would hate this.. but I'm into it. Wish I was at this concert!
4/5
Sam Cooke, good. Too much crowd noise on a live album, not good. I bet this was a hell of a show though. He's got such a distinctive voice. After listening to 70s Marvin Gaye albums in this project, something might be said for 60s R&B. Cupid is a great R&B song. Advising your audience not to hit their wives is a solid move. Twistin' The Night Away was one of his bigger hits...I prefer Cupid or A Change is Gonna Come. Bring It On Home to Me is another great song. A good album by a legend.
OH yeah
Very good album. Not usually a fan of live albums but this is a top notch recording. It feels very organic. Amazing when you consider it was recorded in 1963. Oh and did I mention that Sam Cooke performs on the album? Lots of classic songs from a more innocent age.
A happy and fun live album, lovely vibes
It's not really my thing musically (too R&R) but it's a good live album with some classics, which (not always the case back then) Sam Cooke has written himself. Hence it deserves a 4 for me.
Unbelievable vocally. Gritty, soulful, powerful. In terms or the voice this is everything you could want from a live album. This will perhaps be considered blasphemous but some songs can be a little repetitive at times. The nature of the genre, along with a likely deliberate decision to incorporate repetition for the purposes of the live show, means parts of the album do become a little monotonous. But the energy of the performance does counter this. Getting the crowd singing along. Brilliant. Overall an enjoyable album. I listened 4 times through in the end. 12 bar blues in the DNA with a mountain of soul on top. A winning combo. 8/10
A definite Paolo Nutini influence
Don't really like live albums but did like this one. Lot's of energy and fun.
Lots of fun. Wish I could’ve been at that show.
This is pretty enjoyable live album
Liked this quite a lot. R&B is not my go to but really liked the passion on this one. He was definitely into it.
Sosososo good. Had such a good time listening to this. Super energetic and I love Sam Cooke’s voice
Great fun album
Sam can make anything soulful. Great recording for a live record from the 60s. His voice is in fine form and the band swings. Unfortunately the fast live energy doesn’t translate super well to a recording- some songs need more room to breathe a little.
Powerful performance from a legendary singer
That was high energy! I'm not much of live album guy, but all these songs are classics and it's fun to hear a different version than what the radio plays.
Would have liked to be there
I take this vibe, 4/5
This album was just full of soulful joy and good vibes! This sounded like one hell of a concert. It’s not music I typically listen to but I would definitely listen to this again if I needed something to bop to and something to lift my spirits. Nothing but good vibes here!
Uiteindelijk ook maar naar de 2005 reissue geluisterd, omdat de 1985 variant echt nergens te vinden was. Deze varianten zijn echt significant anders, dus ga nog wel een keer op zoek naar het origineel. It was still good tho, geweldige stem en wat betreft dat een live album, ik vind dat wel echt wat toevoegt aan dit album. De nummers voel veel meer levendig en ik denk dat de kale studiopnames me minder hadden bekoord.
Would have been such a vibe
Honestly this one is just good. He definitely earned the name Mr. Soul.
So talented, gone too soon.
Great vibes and great live show flow
Tiene pinta de haber sido una noche muy divertida...#fomo.
Another outstanding voice on a live record. You can just feel that Sam Cooke has an effortlessly cool stage presence here. The live mixing isn’t the best, and the crowd sounds muddy the songs a bit, but this is an electric performance that I was really into. I thought I was a bit over live albums on this list, but when they’re of this quality keep them coming.
Sam Cooke is easily one of my favorite vocalists. Great album!
Great album, amazing performance. The sheer presence of Sam Cooke is almost physical, even across continents and half a century. It’s still a live album though, and I fundamentally do not think it belongs on this list. Great listen though.
Would listen to the album again
A great set from a fantastic writer and performer.
Great live soul record. The energy of Cooke and his band is incredible. Almost seems like he was hopped up on something because he just never stops for a breath.
This album was recorded in 1963, but not released by the record label until 1985, apparently worried that this performance would damage Cooke’s reputation as a pop singer. Well, to put it bluntly, RCA are idiots. This is a fantastic performance - raw, unfiltered and soulful, bantering with an enthusiastic crowd and full of energy. Definitely one of the all time great live albums.
Great musician, great voice, great energy, great live album. But we can sometimes feel a little too much of the live setting, the crowd cheering all the time and almost covering the music. The quality of the recording is not the best but it conveys the raw energy at least.
Sam Cooke cooks.
I'd heard covers of many of these songs before, but never sung by Sam Cooke himself. Loved his voice. Loved the performance. The only negative was a few of the between song cuts. Some were quite jarring. Makes me wonder if a full concert recording exists of this show, and if so, why hasn't someone released it. Faves: "Cupid", "Somebody Have Mercy On Me"
This man could move mountains with that voice, not just is the music good but how he engages the audience is such a treat to listen to, the little quips the ways he goes off in some way during the song, the audience reactions, the energy. Everything about this is awesome
Sam Cooke's voice is a one of one. It's perfect and buttery. Rich and full of life. Truly my favorite vocalist of all time, he was gone way too soon! Fun hearing him in a live setting, I really enjoyed this album.
# Playlist Track - Bring it on Home to me # Notes - Pretty fun! - The record quality isn't great, but it's pretty interesting.
Sam cooke is a legend- the jealousy of not seeing this live is why it's getting a lower ranking. Chain Gang ( a banger). This music is influential and impactful... pure joy
Ehkä paras livelevy minkä olen kuullut. Tiiviissä ympäristössä, melkein pubimainen fiilis.
This album made me want to dance! I especially loved the It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons medley!
He has an awesome voice and this whole album is a bop. Definitely enjoyable to listen to and felt like a party
Never thought I could enjoy something so happy sounding
I'm not a live album kind of guy, but this is a rare exception. Bursting with energy and, yes, soul.
Another gone too soon artist. Thoughts of what could’ve been accomplished by an artist more music had been created. Cooke was just a flawed man but man could he sing. This album is a good example of what he brought to the world.
What a voice. Solid live performance by all involved
This was a great experience, amazing and distinctive voice. Will definitely listen to him more!
Enjoyed it. Best song: Cupid.
High energy and killer saxophone. Incredibly fun
Some good live soul. Sam Cookes voice is always really nice to listen to. I also really liked the general energy of this album. Feels very of its time. 8/10 Favourite: Bring It on Home to Me Least Favourite: None
Fun listen and energy from the live
This was great, and Sam Cooke is better than Taylor Swift.
4/8
A fun blast from the past! Great energy and crowd engagement from Sam Cooke. Foot tappin' music that melds together.
Excellent collection of classic soul and R&B songs. Sam was an excellent vocalist and the backing band is a group of highly talented individuals. It is a shame that Sam's life was cut short. I give this a 5 star rating but I am going to knock it back a star do to the overall sound of the recording.
A delight. Fun and energetic.
the music feels really alive for some reason. despite the history during those times, the air feels joyous and bright.
What live albums should be, a window into the party some people had, no wasted time, no excessive banter, no encore. Enough to make you move, and wish you were there.
This is a very solid, outstanding quality live album. It's crisp and clean while also sounding raw and that's everything you want in a live album. Standouts were "Feel It (Don't Fight It)" - kinda creepily titled, considering the events surrounding Cooke's death, but good song - "Twistin' The Night Away," and "Somebody Have Mercy" I quite enjoyed this listen actually. I'd have killed to be in that audience. All the songs were swingin' and the energy is great. This is like a 9/10 album for me. The only thing holding it back I think is the lack of variation; everything is very good, but also kind of the same type of song and I got a little tired of it by the end.
This live album was recorded in 1963 but was not released until 1985, because the record label felt it would be bad for Cooke’s image. Fortunately someone found the tape and it was released after 22 years. Naturally the sound quality in 1963 was inferior to today’s standards, but the album gives the feel of being there. Since Sam Cooke was shot in 1964 there’s not much of his live music available. This gets a high rating for its historical significance.
It was good.
Fantastic live album from an artist I have clearly not spent enough time with!
it ain’t that leukemia 🕺
It’s an album I would have never listened to outside of this. It’s the type of music that I would never sit down and listen to, since it feels way more like the kind of music you go to see live and dance to. It feels like a “top 100 performances you wish you could have seen live.” But, that being said, it was also pretty mind-boggling how good he sounds live. And feeling the crowd through all the cheering and laughing… so nice. Really liked this one the line “it ain’t that leukemia” and then laughing during “Somebody Have Mercy” was fucking weird, but when I googled it there’s a whole wikipedia page for the song that says the line “tell me what is wrong with me” created speculation and rampant rumors that Cooke had leukemia, which was false… feels like I am still missing everything between point A and B, but that was a wild moment Bring it On Home to Me blew my mind. What a ballad. And when he says “I know I laughed HA HA HA when you left” the laugh part REALLY reminded be of Robbie for some reason lol
Listened to it like 3 or 4 times, energy is insane and it's so fun to hear the people freaking out. Went to a concert last night and was thinking about this album and how I was wishing every concert was just 30 minutes of nonstop intense bangers... I think the only thing preventing me from putting it at 5 for right now is that this kind of music resonates most with me when the TUNES are really undeniable and for some reason despite listening several times the melodies and hooks didn't stay with me that much. This might be a skill issue on my part tho! Fav song: Feel It (Don't Fight It)
So much fun to listen to. You really get caught up by Sam's charisma, even just through the audio. Happy to have listened to, but it's just not the type of album I will return to.
Sounds like a party!
Fantastic joyous dancing music!
There’s a real sense both of the energy in the room and also of Sam Cooke’s ability to communicate with an audience, to create a sense of connection. The band are red hot and there’s a lot of improvisation and ’question and answer’ type conversation between Sam and the band, and between performers and crowd. You’re also struck by Sam Cooke’s voice, instantly recognisable but smokier than the records demonstrate; he has an earthy, sexy vibe which the studio works never quite captures.
Contagiously energetic performance
One of my favorite genre of live album where it’s someone who sounds incredible in studio and then we hear them live with rawer vocals and less clean instrumental and it’s suddenly transcendent. Very very few pop acts these days could ever hope to make a live album like this these days.
I generally don’t like live albums but this is great
A fun album to listen to. You can really feel the vibe of 1960s soul music. The performance highlights Sam Cooke’s charisma and his interaction with the audience. His backing band is also excellent. The reason this album gets four stars rather than five is the recording quality. The songs were recorded live in vintage quality — while it definitely captures the magic of the club atmosphere, this particular sound makes it harder for me to include songs from this album in my playlists. It's the kind of album that's fun to play in full every now and then.
great energy, great songs, great live recording
Happy energetic music. It all flowed together and sounded a bit like a variation on the same theme, but overall, a pleasurable listen.
Sound like it was a lot of fun being there, and that energy comes through in the recording.
Enjoyed it...felt like I was there. "Do you mind if we dance with your dates??"
Uh Sam Cooke - das git so gueti Luune! Und tanze würd mer au gärn. Das erinnered mich a Chicago, wo de Thomas und ich aafangs 90er in än Blues Club sind...und die einzige Fremde gsie sind😂
tönt wie e seeehr igspielti band. feel it isch etz seeeeehr basic. nööd viel als song. sini stimm isch super. chain gang schono cool haha. aber etz au nöd meeega en geile song? er bringt s publikum zum stöhne dasch no cool. es goht afoch wiiter keei pause. huere zug druff. cupid isch au acht mol s glich. sini stimm isch super aber jäääh. bim medley giter uuuhuere gas wooow sini stiiimm. jööö wie d crowd mitsingt. twistin the night away seeehr cool. super groovy. evefybody get take the handkerchief round haha. nothing can change this love isch sooo cool mitem ewige intro. d lüt wönds uuuunbedingt ghötr.
Great energy, infectious.
Live at the Harlem Square Club is widely considered one of the greatest live albums of all time, and with Sam Cooke’s unfiltered nature and raw energy, for good reason. It displays his ability not only as a musician, but also a performer. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout. Though I did find that on some tracks like It’s Alright/I Love You, Cooke’s entertaining of the crowd got in the way of the performance. However, as the track continues, he unleashes his full vocal ability. Cooke puts on a brilliant show, and on this recording, he’s absolutely on fire. His voice is gritty, passionate, and dynamic, conveying emotion like few others can. He elegantly plays off the crowd’s energy, combining dialogue with singing. His band provides aggressive, rhythm-focused backing, adding to the intensity and rawness, creating an undeniable ‘60s authenticity. While I feel Live at the Harlem Square Club is to be taken in as a whole experience, tracks like Cupid, Twistin’ the Night Away, and Somebody Have Mercy are perfect for any setting due to their unique, unrefined liveliness and less focus on crowd interaction. The low-quality production of this record creates a special feeling, almost like you were there yourself. 8/10
Beautiful voice and great charisma and the band plays real nice too
You can just feel the energy permeating from this, like sweat from everyone dancing in that club. If you close your eyes you can put yourself there. Usually not a huge fan of live albums but the setting of this is undeniable. Very cool moment in history
What an energy bomb, such a positive and uplifting album. Sam manages to engage the whole audience, together with us, into a hell of an experience. Sam mixes a great, powerful voice, which dominates the sonic scape, with a great deal of showmanship and positive energy. Right from the first seconds we are drawn in. Not one seconds goes by without energy and happiness, as Sam calls out to the audience. This energy doesn't fade for the whole duration of the album, no matter if the songs are slow ballads, or more uplifting twisters. The lyrics talk about love, feeling good and being happy, living with a soul. This album is the essence of the genre in that regard. The saxophone solos are another standout feature of the album. When Sam gives the queue to go for the solo, the sax takes the front stage perfectly and screams like it's nobody's business, with clear and melodic phrasing. Literally every solo on the album is phenomenal. Even though this is a live album, it really doesn't lack in the mixing department, which is a great sight. Live albums can often come of as weak and unbalanced, but here this is definitely not the case. Even the audience sounds are great, they are heard somewhere in the background, but they don't get in the way of the music. Great album, I haven't heard of Sam Cooke before, but I see why they call him the king of soul.
Great energy and presence on this one, just how a live album should be. A performance, not just playing the hits.
Soulful and energetic. So many classics. The live recording is very clear.
Cooke tears through about twenty songs in about 35 minutes, sounding almost manic as he pumps up the crowd and sings every song at full power, and it's terrific. Massive live-performance energy as he goes through the hits, and there are a lot of hits. Cocaine is a hell of a drug!
Love it, high energy. Will be returning to this.
Energetic
Of the live albums I’ve had to listen to for this list, this album at least had the energy and crowd interaction to make it feel worth being a live album. It was a nice listen, but it mostly reminded me of seeing a band perform on a cruise ship. There’s a lot of talent from the band, but it feels like they’re playing to a room that’s more focused on drinks and other activities. Closer to the end of the album the feeling starts to fade, but it was just kind of an uncanny observation.
Super energetic and fun, great music to exist to. Like a fellow user, this is the album that makes me get why live ones exist.
Incredible live recording for that time, there are much worse studio recordings made later in that decade. One can feel the connection between the audience and Cooke and his musicians. Great listening.
Beautiful and entertaining
One of them ones that’s surprising me how good it is 4/5- but I wouldn’t be surprised if I change it to a 5 one day
I don't usually care for live albums, but this one is worth it. It manages to bridge the Motown sound of the 60s with the emerging soul of the 70s. Definitely worth a listen.
It’s fine
I really soul so this is pretty classic, for an old live album it has incredibly good sound.
Nearly manages to bottle the magic, the only thing I could say really let it down for me would be the recording quality, but I bet the engineer did all they could to cope with the screaming audience. Live albums seem to be better when they're older, I wonder if the same is true of live shoes in general.
This is my first time listening to this album. Definitely not the Sam Cooke I’m familiar with, but I like this unfiltered live sound a lot better. The energy from the audience, the band, and Cooke himself is really palpable, even through the recording. I think he gave his audience exactly what they were looking for, but I personally would have loved to hear a couple of big solos from the band, especially the saxophonist on Having A Party. Maybe I’m reading into it too much because I’ve been reading a book about prisons, but I really wonder why he chose to put Chain Gang in the middle of an otherwise upbeat set full of songs about love and dancing. Overall quite good, would listen again.
I didn't need to hear it live, but I do love his music.
the artist in the classic soul sphere that i personally vibe with the most, his music is comfy and satisfying to listen to and he has a distinct charm this one is extra upbeat, same charm and enjoyability frankly he cooks
8/10. This is a live album that is alive.
Excellent live collection of Sam Cooke classics. Worth the listen, despite his history... -Cupid -Twistin' the Night Away