Live At The Harlem Square Club

Sam Cooke is another artist that I've been indoctrinated into by my step father playing it non stop. It isn't really my thing, but it's pleasant enough. I keep saying I don't think live albums should be here, but this one does feel kinda special. Sounded fun and Sam Cooke felt like he was genuinely enjoying it. 3 I think. Sam Cooke and cat Stevens Fall into the same category in my head and I think I prefer cat and I gave that 3.5

3.5

3.0

I know Mr. Cooke for his sweet buttery smoothness and exquisite grace, but this live performance showed off a rawness I didn’t know was there. Quite illuminating!

What a voice and a great live album. Doesn't have his better known songs on it either. Worth a listen as it sounds like it was recorded in a tiny club with a great crowd.

Great stuff

Love this. Upbeat and fun. 8/10

It was okay. It was as the Wikipedia stated a bit raw and gritty. I did like that about though, in this day and age when everything is so polished.

Solid 4 again, enjoyable but not mind blowing

Sam Cooke is cool as hell and I am now cooler for having listened to this album.

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

my god it's so fun. i've loved some of his songs for a long time so i can't believe i've never listened to this before. as for the songs i was already familiar with they're even better here than the studio versions. sam cooke but raw like this is the best. gone too soon rip goat favorites: chain gang, cupid 9/10

oh my god what an album. the crowd really makes it and helps multiply sam's stage presence. best live album ever?

Love Sam Cooke. Don’t love the live sound in this recording, and all the jivey intros. 3.5

very fun listen! i wish i were there!

HOW YOU DOING OUT THERE?? DON'T FIGHT IT, WE GON' FEEL IT TONIGHT random note: his pace is pretty insane, no rest for that throat mister soul indeed....this might be the best live album I've ever heard Yeah, nonstop bangers, crowd work, hilarious asides, and so much energy in every word. this is the kind of album this list exists for

Great stuff! Return to it often.

неожиданно очень приятный альбом! зажигательно весело, очень музыкально и отлично звучит. класс

It’s wonderful. Full of energy, belting tunes, razor sharp performance - belting. But I’m still knocking points off for live albums that aren’t reimaginings of the songs cos it’s cheating if it’s basically a greatest hits set

more like sam cooked

Why live?

Dude had some pipes.

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.

I like Sam Cooke, I liked the songs, but I absolutely hate a live album.

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

I like Sam Cooke but live music to album never sounded great to me.

Would have loved to be there. Not the best album music and audio quality wise, but up there in terms of energy and fun. 3.5/5.

Very fun, amazing energy

Wow, see oli lahe

A great live album recording should make you feel like you’re there and Sam Cooke’s stage presence draws you right in. Beautiful throughout

Fun album. The crowd really showed the energy.

Fabulous early soul/rock n roll. I can hear how Sam's music influenced many others.

very good.

Some good tracks on here but I'm not a fan of live albums

Listenable but not my thing.

I’ve always loved this album. What always felt so fun about this is that I feel like these versions of these songs is how I often hear Cooke sing (with more grit and gospel) then how he was often recorded.

Great voice but live albums are pointless

Lot of soul here and I think I could listen to Sam all day.

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

One of the better live albums on this list so far.

Back to back live albums. Great performance from Sam Cooke

Not a fan of live albums. The sax solos are pretty tasty which saves it from a 1.

I enjoyed this. I think I’d listen to his studio albums over this but it’s still good.

Not for me

I have heard of Sam Cooke, particularly for the song a Change is Going to Come, but that’s the only Sam Cooke I know. Update: I still only prefer that song.

Im always complaining that live albums are not the best introduction to an artist. But when you know and love them then they can be absolutely top class. This is the pinnacle and showcases his voice, his energy, the showmanship and the brilliant band. The songs are obviously class as well.

What a voice.

Upbeat, soulful 50s style dance music. The kind where people put their hands together, press their cheeks together, and bounce side to side. It feels a bit too G rated, and the songs are all extremely similar. However, I like the snapshot into late 50s/early 60s culture and live music scene. Favorite song: Feel It (Don’t Fight It)

I really like this gent, his voice and his songs.

Amazing album, timeless classics. I've heard many but not all of these songs. Gotta remember this one.

Phenomenol. You can feel the energy jumping onto the tape and Sam has such an amazing powerful voice. One of the greatest Motown/Soul performers ever. Cupid is a favorite track of his for me, I honestly only wish this was longer like an hour and a half at least vs the brisk 38 minute run time.

This was fun to listen too - I especially enjoyed the live versions of familiar songs, like Chain Gang and Cupid but I can't get as excited about it all as Sam Cooke does. It captures these early soul/R&B club gigs very nicely but it feels like more of a historical document than a record I'd put on and listen to. And, dare I say it, it all sort of starts to sound the same after a while.

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.

Good for cooking and hanging out

Amazing energy, what an atmosphere. He just keeps going

maybe there is a life

My first real exposure to Sam Cooke and I am floored. The band is on point. The vocals at 100. Lyrics comforting but not ushy gushy. The crowd had a fantastic energy but wasn't intrusive to the recording. I am unsure if this is edited between songs but they hardly took more than 10 seconds between songs and kept the energy high. Finding out that Journey's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" is an interpolation of "Nothing Can Change this Love" had me floored. Just some fantastic stuff here Favorite Songs: Chain Gang, Medley: It's All Right/For Sentimental Reasons

Finished

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.

Really cool hearing Sam Cooke do these classics in a tight set with the energy of a live and intimate crowd. Lets you hear a side of him that doesn't come through in the studio recordings. Massive respect for him as a live performer, gone too soon.

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

Good. I'm not really a live album guy and this didn't do anything incredible for me. Solid voice but every song kinda sounds the same.

this was a great live listen-his voice is strong but still smooth, music great.

This album is full of passion and vigor, as soul should be. It may not be the most refined soul record, but it packs a punch. The voice is appropriately great, but the lyrics are standard soul fare. That doesn't matter, though, because this album is at least 7 years ahead of its time. A true soul classic.

Great to discover new music, but this one is not for me.

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.

De Sam Cooke isch ja ganz guet, aber viel wichtiger isch ja de Karin ihres Debut Album z rate wo hald noni da inne isch, also chund jetzt stellvertretend das: ahgfange mit where life begins natürli scho e banger, wo en grossartige uftakt ih das neue Album isch. Guete indie, alternative Rock / Folk wie mers sich wünscht. Die Lieder vo d big-star-karin singt gönd immer chli gschmeidiger übers trummelfell, aber au d lieder vom giel lönd sich lose. Alles ih allem hets wunderbar spass gmacht. + Stolz-Bonus git das feuf mal d Hand vode Karin gschüttlet

Hed mi nöd abgholt. Zu alt, aber gseh mi doch im hintergeund oke zu dem sound biz vibe. Darum gibi na 3 trompette

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

Beautiful album, I'm learning that I think I really like this genre.

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

6/10

Sam Cookes Live at the Harlem Square Club zeigt ihn ungewohnt roh und leidenschaftlich. Die Energie ist mitreißend, doch die Tonqualität und Kürze des Sets trüben das Erlebnis etwas. Ein spannender Blick auf seine Soul-Seite – aber nicht für jeden Geschmack.

Much imitated, for better or worse

Love

Amphetamines really were something else back then…

"Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963" is the second live album by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. Soul and R&B are the Wiki-listed genres. Well, he is the king of...The album was recorded at the Harlem Square Club which was in the historically African-American Overton neighborhood of Miami. The album was originally titled "One Night Stand", was viewed as too gritty and raw which could possibly damage his pop image and was not released at that time in 1963 but was released instead in 1985. Cooke had quite the backing band which included Clifton White (guitar), Cornell Dupree (guitar), Jimmy Lewis (bass), Albert "June" Gardner (drums), George Stubbs (piano), King Curtis (saxophone) and Tate Houston (saxophone). Critics consider this album among the best-ever live albums. A guy comes on stage to introduce Sam Cooke and Cooke gets it rolling in "Feel It." An already raucous crowd. Cook is playful and eggs on the crowd. Strained and raw vocals. A great sax. Cooke gets the crowd chanting " Ohh and Ahh" in "Chain Gang." A sultry sax and Cooke soulful vocals highlight "Cupid." Horns are front and center in "Twistin' the Night Away." A great recording with clear vocals. King Curtis on a stunning sax solo. Cooke takes his voice to another emotional level as he pleads to a woman in "Bring It On Home to Me." The album appropriately ends with "Having a Party." Cooke croons and then gets the whole audience to sing along. You know the great songs. You know the great voice. Cooke adds a playfulness getting the crowd going. And they do being raucous with multiple screams from women. Cooke also adds a sexual tension in specific spots emphasizing certain words in songs. He croons and is his own hype man. The band is great especially the sax players. Not much more to say other than this is great live album from an historic artist. A very high recommendation.

Sam Cooke simply has the best voice of all time. I can’t think of anyone else who matches that combination of power and smoothness. That bring it on home to me rendition was unbelievable.

Gas. Fuckin GAS.

Sam Cooke knows how to party and make the ladies swoon.

Bra trøkk. Ikke helt min sjanger.

The opening really draws you in to feel like you're part of it; more than other live albums do. Here for an evening of fun music to dance to.

Would be amazing to be there. Low 4/5

Atmospheric. A great showman.

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.

Impossible not to enjoy today’s I’d imagine, honestly jolly music, high 3 for me

An enjoyable listen. Very raw, emotional, and soulful. Sam Cooke talent shines through clearly, but I don't connect with this music. There is a simplicity to the instrumentals and the lyrics that doesn't warrant repeated listening for me. The track "Cupid" bumps the entire album up one point for me. The bass line and his vocals were simply beautiful.

A great voice, memorable songs. You know every one of them even if you aren't a huge music fan.

great voice, great lyrics, great to sing along

A very surface level fun album, but I don't think being a live album did this one any favours compared to other Sam Cooke releases I've heard. Not a huge variety across these.

This was a really great live performance - amazing energy from SC.

Great live album, full of energy, great songs. 4/5

Sam belts it out here for the Harlem Square Club, but too much of the crowd competes with him and the band, distracting from his performance. Awesome music, but I wish they'd turned down the crowd mic or filtered it out.

4 out of 5 So many classic songs

Bra liveuppträdande! Kändes som jag var i publiken. Svängigt!

This was such a sick trip. Old-school old old oldschool

Un álbum excelentemente interpretado. La voz de Cooke es perfecta para el estilo soul de la música, y la grabación en vivo, aunque no es de muy buena calidad, captura la energía del ambiente, lo cual es muy relevante para el estilo de música. Al mismo tiempo la música a nivel compositivo y temático es extremadamente trillada. Llena de clichés en sus letras, progresiones armónicas y rítmicas. Esto no le quita valor, pero claramente no es un álbum innovador o muy original. Es más bien un producto de la época. Además es interesante escuchar a un cantante como Sam Cooke, quien de manera trillada habla de amor en sus letras, siendo que al mismo tiempo a tenido acusaciones de violencia y abuso en el marco de su asesinato. Un hombre producto de su época también?

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

R&B from 1963 … Nostalgic - knew a lot of the songs, and can still do the twist!!!

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.

9/10

Sick

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.

Top track: Chain Gang / Twistin' The Night Away

This is what this list was made for.

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.

Charming. Less uptight than a lot of early 60s music

Very raw performance, surprised me.

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!

This is a decent album. Not my favorite Sam Cooke. 3 stars

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

What a strong-ass start!! I'm a sucker for a live album, and the energy captured in this one was remarkable

Great voice and the audience is loving it. Doesn't blow my mind or anything though, just sounds like a good time set to some fairly standard soul music.

Talk about high energy! That was non-stop!

Swingy

It's okay. I'm not usually a fan of live albums so it doesn't help the rating. I can be into R&B/soul but it has to be really good.

Such a soft spot for Sam Cooke and the live albums do help you vividly imagine how great it would be to see him.

I really wish it didn't have to be a live album. Songs are great but the sound is not Best Song: Feel it Rating: 7/10 Stars: 3

Exceptional! Amazing vibes, great performance and such a vibrant live production

What a concert that must have been. 62 years later and you can still feel the energy from the performers and the crowd.

8.75/10 favourite track - "Cupid" least favourite - none soul perfection, so much passion in his voice

Not many actual songs I loved off it but it’s got a consistently good sound

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

Respect how good they sound live

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!

Wish I could have been there to see it.

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.

There’s some muddy sound and audience distractions here, but “Cupid”—by itself—is enough to get the album to three stars. I’d give this 3.5 stars if I could.

This was awesome, a true time capsule indeed. Transports you in time and space almost to the point where you can smell the smoke filled room and feel the dim lit atmosphere of a club at the peak of the evening. I love “chaingang” as my standout, but the whole think plays through. A man who truly loved his job.

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.

Sam is among a small group of my all time faves, so I’m taking the chance to go full points for him. Also one of those artists that somehow comes off as even more talented live, which is a true skill. Cool nod to this album at the beginning of the movie Ali, also.

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

Good album

Excellent! Great to hear that oldies singers were much more entertaining and real when live. Hard to believe this recording showed Sam Cooke as too gritty to release at the time.

Was a dancing good there that night I bet

I already like Sam Cooke’s studio stuff, but live is just that with the energy turned up to 11. Amazing

This was unexpectedly good. Its rare I really get into a live album, or a soul album for that matter. But this was infectious. Lucky folks who got to be there.

Smooth jazz vibes, great live sound. Classic soul vibes, great percussion and saxophone

The king of Soul. Fedt live album med masser af god energi og god lyd hele vejen igennem. Virkelig fedt

Just hit after hit and a great live performance. Twist the night away...

Loved it, great energy and what a voice.

Amazing energy and soul

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

Imagine thinking anything by Sam Cooke is less than a 5?!

Un classi5

A classic live recording from 1963. His vocals are exquisite.

Enjoyed this a lot. Found the whole thing very charming and really felt the vibe of the club

I enjoyed this! I think minus a few stars because uh oh some pretty yikes-y lyrcis

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’

What a legend. Hard to overstate how much I love this. Hits so much harder than his more polished, radio friendly stuff…as good as that is. 5/5 Highlights: Feel It (Don’t Fight It) Chain Gang Cupid Medley: It’s All Right / For Sentimental Reasons Twistin’ The Night Away Somebody Have Mercy Bring It On Home to Me Nothing Can Change This Love

Not much to say here, it's a great artist.Performing great songs live.I mean, it's just not special, though.Maybe it was a long time ago.It just isn't now. You don't get me wrong.I grew up on these songs.My parents, you know, listen to motown, but yeah, I just this isn't.This isn't great to me

Am leaving but Keep the party going..

Lowkey harsh.

Sam Cooke gave a live performance on January 12th.

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

I’ve owned this one for a long time. Captures lightning in a bottle: both the crowd and the performers.

Sam Cooke is great

It’s live sam Cooke, perfect

Great live sound. A time capsule of the 60s. "Don't beat your woman"

The best Soul

I like Sam Cooke - I have the same issues with this live album as I did James Brown. Music is good, but so much is crowd interaction and it's only half an hour long. Would have preferred listening to the studio versions

nice old school Great as a live album

What a voice!

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.

A low score for this, which is in quite large part because you think of the raw power of his version of A Change Is Gonna Come, and then you hear this, and it's mostly him whooping and having a laugh with the crowd. And that's fine, of course it is. I'm not anti-fun per se. I just wanted a little bit more of the voice and little less of the party.

This sounds exactly what you’d think it sounds like. He sounds great, but it does sound old and a it repetitive. Could be nice in the background but doesn’t really do it for me

good stuff

He’s always turning it up a notch. How does he even breath?

Exquisite pipes, this guy, and a big band sound to boot. However, I don’t find myself getting lost in it like I would like.

It was good but i dont like live albums that much

I really need to re-learn how to have fun. There's so much going on in this album and it sounds like such a good time, but the energy of the album just isn't hitting me the same way it is everyone in the crowd. Sam Cooke seems like the kind of person to have every single woman in a 150 meter radius screeching like they just watched Jesus come down from heaven for the first time in thousands of years, and you can hear that at some points in the record. For me, It's way too bubblegum. It's a great album, and I wish I could feel it more, but it just isn't my kind of fun music.

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

I really enjoyed this. Similar to James Brown Live at the Apollo. This is music you could put on for almost anyone and they’d likely enjoy it.

Fantastic album. It is nice hearing a grittier, more energetic version of his studio songs. Favorite songs: Cupid, Chain Gang, It’s All Right

Great songs, but not the best version of them.

First listen

Good vocals nice vibe very produced tho

i wish there were more live albums on this list. to me it counts more than B-side comps would count. you get this version of a song that can only happen once, string enough of those together and its sometimes better than the recorded compositions. i like sam cooke, some of these are classics and this is prob the best he's ever sounded. its got that great feel of a small place that would be insane to see him at. great energy all the way through. the whole band sounds awesome. the life this breathes into these tracks is amazing. 3/5, but damn close.

Beautiful vocals and instrumental. But it's not my style at all. I don't think I'll relisten to any of these songs. Favorite song: For sentimeltal reasons

Awesome. Goes into the rotation and the favorites list

Now this is music.

3. Not a big fan of live albums.

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

I loved everything about this. Transports you to a different place and time.

Gillade verkligen rösten, kanske en 4:a t.om.

90% Best: Feel It (Don't Fight It); Medley: It's All Right/Sentimental Reasons; Twistin' The Night Away; Nothing Can Change This Love Must-Hear? Yes

Sam Cooke’s 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘶𝘣 captures him in raw, fiery form, but the recording quality leaves a lot to be desired — understandable given the limited means of taping a club show in 1963. Had he performed this same set a decade later, it might have sounded entirely different, but history didn’t allow for that. What remains is a fascinating glimpse of Cooke’s power on stage, even if the sound doesn’t do him full justice.

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.

Great vocals, but other than that not very interesting.

These sorts of albums always get a high rating from me because the artists are genuinely enjoying what they are doing. No tortured cynical takes, no postmodern melancholy, just music made to be enjoyed.

Is this what smoking does to a person

WILDFIRE

Pretty cool little live album, was a nice listen. 3 stars

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

Of course Sam Cooke is one of the great immortal soul singers of all time, if not the very greatest, but honestly for all the excitement of this live set I've heard other versions of all these songs I just like better, and I'd rather listen to those.

great album, awesome energy

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

I really liked the first song, and then I felt like he kept playing it again and again, would have liked a bit more variety. Was fun to hear him interacting with the audience. Favourite song: Feel It (Don't Fight it) Least: Bring It on Home to Me

Sam Cooke has always been one of my favorites of the 50s and 60s crooners. This live album just takes me to a performance I never could’ve seen and I love it. He’s such a legend and so captivating on stage

I love everything about this album. The fact that it was a live show, gives us an opportunity to experience it as though we were actually there!

Great live energy Dated ('63 Obvio) but well done, quality music. Fun record 3 outta 5

3. Like in the intro, it's no secret that Sam Cooke is "Mr. Soul." This live performance had smooth transitions between songs and an overall good vibe but it didn't really work for me as an album. This was a recording of a live performance, and the pacing/order of songs doesn't really make sense as an album. Many of the songs sound very similar.

Das Konzert wurde im Januar 1963 im Harlem Square Club in Miami aufgenommen, blieb aber über zwei Jahrzehnte unveröffentlicht. Erst 1985 erschien es, und zeigte Sam Cooke von einer Seite, die sein Image als glatter Pop-Entertainer deutlich erweiterte. Der in den USA geborene Sänger, der zuvor mit Hits wie „Cupid“ oder „Chain Gang“ bekannt geworden war, präsentiert sich hier rau, leidenschaftlich und unmittelbar. Die Aufnahmen vermitteln Club-Atmosphäre: man hört das Publikum jubeln, Cooke feuert es an, die Band treibt ihn unermüdlich voran. Besonders die Versionen von „Bring It On Home to Me“, „Twistin’ the Night Away“ und „Having a Party“ zeigen seine Fähigkeit, Soul und Rhythm & Blues mit packender Bühnenpräsenz zu verbinden. Der Mitschnitt unterscheidet sich stark von seinen Studioalben – weniger poliert, dafür voller Energie und Nähe. Gerade das macht den Reiz aus: Man spürt, warum Cooke als einer der Väter des Soul gilt, der die Brücke zwischen Gospel, Pop und R&B geschlagen hat. Unterm Strich ist es ein intensives Live-Dokument, das sowohl musikalisch überzeugt als auch historisch bedeutsam ist.

Great, energetic, and makes me wish I was there.

Relentless fun, and it’s wild to me that it was only published over two decades afterwards. Maybe the best and most energetic live album I’ve ever listened to. Don’t look up what happened to Sam Cooke afterwards if you want to keep a good mood though - what a clusterf*ck

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.

Soy una persona de Argentina, descendiente de europeos, nacido en la segunda mitad de los 80s. Hay pocas cosas que me puedan ser tan ajenas como un disco en vivo de soul o proto soul grabado en los primeros años de los 60s en EEUU, y sin embargo este disco me lleva ahí y me siento parte de una fiesta. Me parece rarísimo que exista esto, es una anomalía. ¿Cuántos discos hay anteriores al 67 o al 68 que suenen ASÍ DE BIEN y que no sean de jazz? No se me ocurre ninguno. La selección de canciones es perfecta (solo falta el mejor tema de Sam Cooke, que iba a aparecer en el siguiente disco en 1964), los músicos están afiladísimos (amo la batería del disco) y se nota que la gente está pasándola genial. Otra cosa que creo que hace este a este disco buenísimo es que Cooke parece estar con toda la frula encima, hablando todo el tiempo. Introduce canciones, le habla a la banda, canta, intercambia con el público... todo de una manera fluida y super natural. Y no tengo mucho más para decir al respecto. Es un disco cortito, en vivo, que suena muy bien, con un banger atrás del otro. Mi tema favorito es Chain Gang, pero todo el disco es realmente muy bueno. Nunca me pude enganchar con ningún disco de Sam Cooke. Murió demasiado joven y en su época los álbums tenían demasiado relleno y estaban muy orquestados. Este es el disco de él que hay que escuchar. Y en mi humilde opinión es uno de los mejores vivos de todos los tiempos. Increíble que la discográfica haya decidido esperar 20 años para publicarlo. Cinco estrellas.

Full of energy and makes me want to get up and dance!

Iconic voice, some great tunes, but the live version just feels like it’s the same song the whole time continuously. It takes away the character and clarity that the studio versions have. Good, but will never listen to it again.

Really cool, soulful. Loved it

Rating: 3.1 Live albums do not sway me. There is nothing on a live album that is better than anything that’s been put to record in a studio. Except for that one album. You’ll know when I get to it. Sam Cooke is good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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

I love Sam Cooke. Thank you Amy Schumer for introducing me to him. This I would listen to on repeat, no notes.

It’s been a long day, but I have now eaten lunch. A fake donair was the dish du jour. Still tasty but can’t hold a candle to a real Halifax donair. If only I could live there. God. I will never forgive the system that turned my childhood haven from afterthought to sought after gentrification magnet for insufferable Ontario socialites to flock to like maggots to a corpse. Ah well. I’m stuck renting in this prairie wasteland while dickweeds who can’t pronounce Tatamagouche soak up the shores my ancestors landed on centuries ago. Anyway. What are we talking about? A live album that everyone on the internet describes as happy. I’m reinvigorated, albeit a little mournful about Nova Scotia. Try to lift my spirits fellas. Soul Twist/Introduction - That saxophone is doing exactly what I would imagine a “soul twist” sounds like. Hell of a welcome for the young man. Feel It (Don’t Fight It) - Oof a little sloppy off the start there. Don’t fight it, gents. Alright, we’re in the pocket. A small pocket where your keys fall out. This song is kind of like that. Disappointing. He kind of won me over with the performances. Chain Gang - This was a favourite when I was young. First exposure that I had to Sam Cooke. This is a more raw performance obviously, and creates a different level of enjoyment. Very good song. Cupid - What a natural voice. This is another absolute classic chorus. The live music is really impacting me here. Medley: It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons - Yes, wake up your significant other out of a dead sleep and look at them (unblinking) and say “It’s All Right.” Just say it again if they’re confused. Oh, and I hate medleys at concerts. I saw Carcass in 2013 and really wanted to hear Reek of Putrefaction. I mean, who doesn’t? They put it as part of a medley where they only played the opening strains. I mean that is the most sickening part, but still. Anyway. “Carcass” probably isn’t a word that appears frequently in reviews of this record. Twistin’ the Night Away - Song that is very “of the time.” Enjoyable. Cute. Somebody Have Mercy - Somebody. Anybody. Buddy is going to the bus station. If anybody needs the gentle hand of mercy, it’s a public transit commuter. Greyhound?? Oh no. Bless this man. The only people riding Greyhound buses are serial killers and potential victims. Bring It On Home to Me - This thing brings the fucking house down. What an amazing song and it’s just delivered in such an electrifying fashion. Incredible. Nothing Can Change This Love - Can’t fully say anything different about this track. It’s a comedown from the previous song Having a Party - Sounding like a party and a raucous way to end off this very strong performance. This isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse, but I got a lot of the energy that was put into this record. The live recording in 1963 is what really grabbed me. It felt like you were there, and you really just got swept up in the moment. When attendinggn a good concert in real life, decent songs are fantastic and fantastic songs, shake you to your very core. I won’t say this album shook me to my core, but there was a lot to like here and I feel as exhausted as if I was there that night. I assume I’d stick out in 1963 Harlem, but much like my beloved Nova Scotia, Harlem in 2025 is probably one of the most gentrified places in North America. Don’t we love progress?? See ya energy and passion, we need microbreweries and chain brunch spots. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Chain Gang, Cupid, Somebody Have Mercy, Bring It On Home to Me

This was SHOCKING. I loved listening to this right after flying back from Italy, cleaning up my room at 5:30am.

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.

The amount of energy sustained in this performance is wild.

they just don't make em like they used to.

5 stars

not my kind of cookie

The standard to which live albums should be held. Manages to capture the excitement of the moment in all its glorious imperfections. Sam Cooke is a legend and this album shows that in its purest form.

So Sam Cooke is regarded the Father of Soul whilst James Brown is the Godfather of Soul. So who is the most important? Something to mull over whilst listening to this. But not me as I am definitely an anti soul boy. Hated it when I was young and unlike other forms of music which I once hated but now appreciate, I hate it still. That’s not to say that I don’t understand why Mr Cooke and Brown etc have a place in musical heritage because they do. Best thing about this album is that it is a continuous mash up of all those great soul classics and would be ideal at a BBQ party to get the guests moving. Meanwhile I would quite happily stand cooking with my AirPods in gently smiling whist I listen to ELP’s Brain Salad Surgery. 2/5 19/8/25

#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.

Recorded in 1963 in a small club in Miami, this album is so different from Sam Cooke's studio output. On record, Cooke is a smooth, velvet voiced pop star. Here he is a gritty soul singer, much closer to those who followed idolised him - Bobby Womack, Otis Redding, Sam Moore, Al Green. The listener is in that club, raw, sweaty, buzzing. The band, with King Curtis on sax, is on fire throughout. You can smell the alcohol and perspiration. And Sam is in charge, he works the crowd. It is stunning and it never lets up. Some of the best moments, among great moments, are the adlibs, the almost songs, the "You Send Me" gospel preacher-style introduction to/segue into "Bring It On Home" (of course, despite his gospel roots, Cooke was preaching about sex). Much as I love Sam Cooke records, this album documents exactly why so many greats looked up to him and why he was such a loss to '60s soul and music in general.

The crowd noise really adds to the energy of the performance. 3.5

Not a huge fan of live albums but this one was pretty good. Reminded me a bit of the James Brown Live at The Apollo record also on this list. RCA being worried about releasing it and hurting his image seems so paranoid compared to what is released nowadays.

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

I only know 2 or 3 of Sam Cooke’s hits which are kind of basic and radio-friendly. But in this live show, he’s on a whole different level. Soul back then had so much class: raw, stylish, and Cooke’s voice is just insane. “I don’t want you operator! I want my babyyyy!!!” Then I found out he died in shady circumstances, with a story about kidnapping and an attempted assault… well, this record still rules, but all these romantic lyrics suddenly sound very fake.

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

i adore this album , i’m currently planning a retro wedding and half this album is on my wedding playlist

Proper music

A great time! Never thought I would enjoy a live soul album, but Sam Cooke's energy was infectious. 4/5!

Going into this album, I was a bit intimidated - I was told it was one of the greatest live soul records of all time, and it was guaranteed to put a smile on your face no matter what. But I'd almost accepted the fact that that wouldn't happen since I "had" to listen to this after a shit day at work - and it felt like nothing could turn my mood around. But no, this was gorgeous, and I'm happier now just knowing this exists and I'll get to keep listening to it for the days to come. Won't dwell on the "Live" aspect of this much, but know it sounds great, the crowd just sounds so happy, Cooke himself sounds happy, and the bass pops out and is infectiously playful in so many of these songs. I love how fuzzy the crowd singing along sounds, it's almost intangible, but you can just barely make out the melodies, especially on 'For Sentimental Reasons', where the crowd participation is damn near magical. The Cooke songs I was most familiar with beforehand, 'Wonderful World' and 'A Change is Gonna Come', aren't on here, but I didn't mind because I was introduced to a batch of songs that I love even more than those. 'Chain Gang' and 'Cupid' had such incredible renditions here, especially 'Chain Gang' with all its interjections, subtle yet effective backing vocals, and a more expressive take on the chorus. I love the slow build of 'Bring It on Home to Me', especially the line "This is the operator, I don't want the operator", and how the crowd roars with every dramatic drumroll - another masterpiece of a live performance. Despite Cooke being at the core of the formation of Soul as a genre, there is something so undeniably poppy and accessible about the backing music here (mainly seen in the basslines), but Cooke himself has an undeniable soul touch to him. He's just such a perfect live vocalist, so much talent beaming from him, and he knows how to spice up the melodies, breaking them up with these "One More Time!" or "Oh Yeah!" interjections without ever disrupting the pace of the song. And he sounds even better live than in the studio, which is always such a feat. So yeah, I'm really happy now, every song here was performed with so much care and passion. But I guess most of all it makes me happy to know that there'll always be music out there that I have yet to hear and that is destined to have such an impact on me - this was one of those albums.

Toe tapping live soul album and a really tight set with very little nonsense. Not my usual genre but this felt like an excellent time capsule. Probably more open to this following heavy listening of the Sinners soundtrack

This was fun

Good

Good live album, seemed like a legendary high energy set.

classic

Le live ne m’a pas emporté… peut être de mauvaises co dictions d’écoute après une garde + canicule mal tolérée… Il faudra découvrir l’album studio mais le jazz est connu pour être bon en live

"cupid" von amy winehouse gecovert

Charming, lively, fun. Its all right Medley is a banger. Having a Party makes me feel alive.

One good song. Better for background vibes