Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Obligatory "I don't usually like live albums" statement goes here. Sam Cooke is great. This album is great. It sounds like it was a blast to record. Lots of crowd interaction which would generally be a negative for me, but this is so much fun that it's ultimately a positive. 4 Stars.
Review - wow this album is great. Never really listened to Sam Cooke, and at first was like wow this is punky for being from the 60s, was this really popular back then? Then saw it hadn't been released for 20 years for being too "raw". Also interesting reading about how his music was marketed to "pop" audiences. The language used then, in the '80s, and even now, is just code for talking about race. His music was targeted at white audiences, and execs decided that this album wouldn't be bought by them, so it was shelves for 20 years despite being great. Will be looking into more of his work. Rating - 9/10 Need to hear? YES
omg vilket ös
3.5 stars I’m typically not a fan of live albums. My average for them on here is probably 2 stars. The sound quality of this feels a lot better than others of the era like the James Brown one. I also feel a little more part of the show, where as the James Brown one feels like a documentary with the crowd disrupting over his grunts and such. Cooke is connected with the audience in a way that feels more intimate. His singing is captured well and the tunes are good. It is great to have this document not too long before he died to hear how he was when in his element. I still prefer hearing studio versions, but this was relatively short and I didn’t mind the live elements.
7.5/10 - Sam has a great voice but what sets this album apart is his presence. He is so dynamic, he works the crowd, he adds with the ad libs. This is one of the best live albums I’ve ever heard.
Another live album that must have been awesome to have been there but works less well as standalone record due to wonky recording / mix. He has an awesome voice that can convey a lot of emotion and the band its tight and the songs are mostly classics.
Not what I'm used to listening to being a rock and electronic guy. But it was very enjoyable and a smooth and easy listening experience. I have the urge to explore more of his discography. Highlights: Every track is good but Twistin' the night away and Nothing can change this love were highlights for me.
I'd prefer a studio album, but there are so many great tracks.
🆒
Good album, Sam Cooke sure knew how to groove.
What an energy packed album. While most live records capture the spontaneity of improvisation, One Night Stand documents the pure power of soul going through the venue. It's heard in the band, the crowd, and most importantly, the legendary Sam Cooke. Never has a live album been recorded to sound like I'm in the venue and the music is being shot at me like this record. It's got emotion, it's got hard thumping blues, and it's got soul.
love this record, a consummate performer at the peak of his vocal power. the version of Bring It On Home had me fully in tears at like 11am
4/5. More like Sam Cooked with this live performance. Because he gives a fantastic studio-quality live performance here, extremely expressive with an infectious energy which is helped by the backing band. you get a mix of blues and soul here and in theory it’s quite a basic album but Sam just absolutely sells it and elevates it to something great.
Fun album. Lots of classics.
Cool to hear the audience, a different time!
This was fantastic to get the day after Moby. I've always loved Sam Cooke and as far as live albums go this was a great one. Bring It On Home To Me is the high point for me, but I loved the album overall.
peak
I loved this album! The pace of it, the songs (so many of which I knew), the energy and sheer joy of live music. I have never heard of Sam Cooke before today, but I am so pleased I have now.
This was a good album but at times it felt like SC was playing at a small club. You could hear people talking in the background.
This was pretty good - I could swear at one point he said "It's not that leukemia", but I could be wrong.
4.8
4/8
8/10 A great laugh ve album that captures some of the excitement and sheer joy of what must have been an awesome show. The best of Sam Cooke is amongst the very best, but a couple of the songs don't quite hit for me.
I prefer the single versions of these songs but most are still great.
Когда я увидел что мне попался очередной лайв-альбом, я чуть раздразился "снова лайв.." подумал я. Не подумайте неправильно, я не против лайв-альбомов как таковых, но всё же, просто не в моей привычке слушать подобное. Обычно мне думалось, что хочется слышать и чувствовать эту самую энергетику, непосредственно перед сценой, а не в записи, но к сожалению, Машину Времени ещё не изобрели, иначе я бы уже давным давно был не здесь, а летел напрямую в 65 год, прямиком на Shea Stadium. Ну тк вот.. по поводу One Night Stand. Мой настрой чуть изменился когда я услышал Feel It из этого альбома. Невероятная энергетика, замечательное звучание. Это отличный лайв альбом.
Sál í þessu
Ég er meiri töffari eftir að hafa hlustað á þetta 😎
Strong live set. Edgier than his studio cuts. Really great
Fuck we really had it all back then
awesome energy! solid 4 favorites: bring it home to me, medley: it’s all right / for sentimental reading
unexpected banger. live stuff really adds to it and his voice is unreal
This is produced better than most 50s and 60s live albums I've heard, which on its own doesn't say much, but this is well made for what it is. Sounds like they're having a good time. It's a nice time capsule, must have been a good show. 3.8/5
Top Songs: Feel It Chain Gang Cupid Somebody Have Mercy
This album should have been called ‘One Night Stand with Sam Cooke’
Amazing voice, amazing vibes. Nothing to add, just all in all a great performance.
Fun, energetic, raw and fantastic!
finally, some good jazz lol! love that this is live, its great!
*Highly regarded live album, soulful Chain gang Cupid Twistin' the night away Having a party
Can't go wrong with Sam Cooke; he's great! Audio quality could be better though.
My 14 year old’s new favorite singer apparently? She got really into it when i had it on in the car
Highly enjoyable. Sam Cooke had a lot of good years left that we didn't get to experience.
I can't speak to the technical aspects of this album the way some other reviewers have. I'm not familiar enough with his work to call out why the live album is inferior or rebut those statements. I do know I really enjoyed listening to this record and added it to my library. It was a mood boost on needed on a Monday morning.
Sam Cooke is one of many soul singers who died too early. This live album show the power of his voice with great arrangements. I would've chosen a different track order here and there, but that's my online issue.
I like this. He has a great voice and some classic songs
Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963 (1985) is a live album by Sam Cooke. It was recorded on January 12, 1963, but deemed to raw to fit in with the singers smooth image, it was eventually released posthumously in 1985. This may be ‘raw’ but there is nothing rough about Sam Cooke’s vocals, which are flawless. It’s no wonder he earned the title ‘King of Soul’. Cooke’s roots were in gospel but this live performance sees him also leaning into R&B, which is perhaps what his label were nervous about. My favourite tracks were ‘Chain Gang’ and ‘Bring It On Home To Me’. There are no bad tracks but the Medley does go on a bit. Of course, whilst listening to the album I went down a bit of a rabbit hole reading about his tragic death. He was shot and killed by a motel manager only one year after this performance. The circumstances are sketchy and don’t paint Cooke in a good light but the investigation into the shooting was conducted so quickly and left enough unanswered questions that conspiracy theories abound. Whatever happened, the result was that the world lost a great talent much too soon. [Note - there are three versions of this album - the original 1985 release, a version released in 2000, and a 2005 version which is the one I listened to on Spotify. Apparently the crowd is louder in the 1985 mix, quieter in the 2000 mix, and somewhere in the middle in the 2005 one.] Side A: 1. Soul Twist/Introduction 2. Feel It (Don’t Fight It) - 4/5 3. Chain Gang - 5/5 4. Cupid - 5/5 5. Medley: It’s All Right/For Sentimental Reasons - 3/5 6. Twistin’ The Night Away - 4/5 Side B: 1. Somebody Have Mercy - 4/5 2. Bring It On Home To Me - 5/5 3. Nothing Can Change This Love - 4/5 4. Having A Party - 4/5
4.25 - Who doesn’t like Sam Cooke??
It turns out Sam Cooke can really sing - this is great. Will listen again.
Excellent live performance great listen
This album list has its flaws, but it is developing an appreciation in me for older live albums. Each time they've been a party. (This album was unreleased for 22 years for being "too gritty"?!) This album is a party, and it also reinforces the fact that American music would be nothing without Black musicians.
A great best of compilation, that also happens to be a great live album. Gives you a sense of what it was like to be there. I could easily see me putting this on again.
On one hand, I don't particularly like live albums. On the other hand, this is a great album and it likely wouldn't have quite the impact without the crowd noise. You can't help wanting to move to this music. But there is a bit too much of the crowd noise and Sam interacting with the crowd to give this a 5.
This sounds like such a fun live show. Besides being a phenomenal singer, Sam Cooke has a talent for interacting with the crowd and making them feel included in the performance. Unbelievable stage presence. Encountering live albums like this make me really happy. I'm rating it 4.5/5, although giving a 4/5 feels a bit low. At least that gives me a reason to revisit this and consider bumping it up to a 5/5.
7/10
Pure SOUL. Great energy, great vocals, and a killer lineup of songs make for a pretty great live album!!
This is my favorite live album ever. The energy is so relentless and I love how he's almost playing one continuous song that incorporates crowd work and spoken word as well. Can't imagine what it would've would've like to be there.
Really enjoyed
Reading the Wikipedia article and trying to rationalize how this could be maybe the best live album of all time when I could blurt out 10 candidates off the top of my head, slowly understanding why as I listen. Sam Cooke has such a wonderful voice, amazing energy, and can absolutely lead a crowd wherever he wants them. I get it. I'm not sure it's MY favorite live album, but it is EXCELLENT ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I'm not generally a fan of live albums, but this was a blinder. Some classics, belted out with 100% commitment and great musicians in support. You can tell the atmosphere was electric.
This is my first time listening to Sam soul isn't a genre I listen to much but I was happy to hear this recommendation His voice is fantastic live and his enthusiasm for engaging the audience definitely adds a special touch
It's such a shame they don't make them like this any more. Great performances all round, great energy, great tunes.
Another live album. Gosh almighty. Rule #1, there better be crowd interaction. Rule #2 there better be something jammy and extraordinary Rule #3 the sound quality better be great. There are more rules but I’ll have to make them up on the spot as needed. So, where there may be some interaction with the crowd, Sam Cooke really kind of whips through the songs. I’m ok with it so far. The tides could be a changin’ . Maybe not. So far, all 3 initial rules have been hit. The vocals sound raw but still have that sweet sweet harmony. The band seem to take a backseat of Sam’s vocals and delivery, which work. The crowd seems to be into it. Can’t deny that. You can easily forget that this is a live album. I’m ok with that as well. Oh and a coached sing a long. Nice play. Ok, ok I take back any disdain I had for listening to this album. I will admit, Chubby Checker did this to me as well. There is just something special listening to a live soul time album. There’s no way a studio album could sound this good as a whole. I’m sold. My only gripe is guess is that the album just ends. If you’re going to present a live album, you need to make me feel like I’m there from start to finish. That was a let down. Do I dare let it affect my rating? Hmmmm Choice cut: It’s Alright Medley
so cool, literally it is just pure good vibes and such fun music
This was a very fun listen, sent it to my girlfriend.
más allá de los ritmos, que me han gustado bastante, el hecho de que sea en vivo me hace sentirlo más
кул
Wonderful voice...smooth but gritty
really infectious energy, liked it a lot.
Good old Motown
At first I was unimpressed by this album, due in whole part to my own ignorance. After a little educating, I was reminded of when a colleague blurted out one day, “I don’t think much to the beetles. Their music sounds like everyone else’s”. No, I pointed out kindly, everyone else’s music sounds like the beetles.” … sort of. Because the beetles, like so many in the ensuing decade, and the roots of whole genres we now call friends, sound like Sam Cooke. Thank you, Sam. I’m a little bit better a person than I was before I started listened to this album. Oh, and it’s a blast.
4.1
It was good, his live voice is excellent but the songs are the exact same style it needs some variety
This must have been one hell of a show! I admit that I don’t know much about Sam Cooke except that he was a (the) legendary soul man whose life was tragically cut short soon after this recording was made. I was amazed to hear the melodies that evoked so many rock and pop songs that were chart makers. I gotta dive into his stuff more!
Starts off kinda awk but pick up in next song I wish I could hear the other stuff other than just drums and voice but very smooth voice very upbeat? cute?? peppy sounding??? Omg I luv cupid sad and cute!!! <-(from what i can tell) his voice adds on so well and backing is just perfect 100/100. Ok im warming up 2 it... TWISTING HAS REDEEMED THE BACKROUND OMS. fin with album hmmm i say its likeee 4/5 2/16/2026
Generally, I do not enjoy live albums (at least compared to studio albums). This doesn't really change that, though it is better than most live albums. There is a good energy and the crowd work does add a fun element. But I can't see myself ever going back to this album over the studio versions of his songs. 3.5 rounded up for Sam Cooke
Really good stuff.
Lindo álbum, divertido!
Amazing crowd work. Would have been an amazing night to be there
This is one of those albums where the underlying music/style isn’t my favorite, but the way everything is packaged and presented elevates it to extraordinary levels. Sam Cooke was a master of crowd control and it really shows here – definitely one of the most fun live albums I’ve listened to for this challenge! Highlights: Feel It (Don’t Fight It), Chain Gang, Medley: It’s Alright / For Sentimental Reasons, Twistin’ the Night Away, Somebody Have Mercy, Having a Party
Feel It - 4/5 Chain Gang - 5/5 Cupid - 4/5 Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons - 3/5 Twistin' the Night Away - 4/5 Somebody Have Mercy - 4/5 Bring It On Home to Me - 5/5 Nothing Can Change This Love - 5/5 Having a Party - 3/5 Average score: 4.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As per my own personal policy, all live albums shall lose one star immediately.
Based on my Last.fm statistics I've only listened to couple of Sam Cooke songs before this. Not the biggest fan of live albums but I did enjoy listening to this.
Soul and Rock&Roll - quite nice
I love sam cooke and I think this has awesome energy.!!
A happy 60s album. He can sing. Good vibe. The album aged fine, but it won’t get as much attention if I was released today. Historically important +1 star, so it’s a four overall.
Sam Cooke can sing man. what a fun album to listen to. this dude had the whole crowd having an absolute blast. stellar voice and cool to listen to him in his live setting
Fast-paced, fun, and Sam Cooke’s amazing vocal talent make for a great album. It’s a shame his life was cut short and the world missed out on his artistry. Live performance recordings aren’t always my favorite, but this is one of the better ones.
A really fun live album that had me singing back the call and response to Sam Cooke while I was driving in the car.
holy good vibes. some of the song transitions can be long but i dont even care his voice is so good fav song: Feel It (Don't Fight It)
Don't usually care for live albums, but everyone in this seemed like they were having a great time and it put me in a good mood.
Felt like an exciting party, the crowd interactions were great and I mostly dislike live albums.
I liked it 😋
8/10
Fabulous atmosphere captured in the live recording that I just feel like you don’t get anymore?? I just love hearing the crowd scream like omg the girls really loved Sam hahahaha. You can hear them like dancing and having fun and catching a vibe insane insane energy. He sounds incredible?! Him embedding the call and response in the song, like feeding the crowd their lines and still keeping time and still performing the songs nuts nuts nuts. Giving this one a solid 8/10
A perfect voice, top 5 all time fave. Great to hear in a different context, more upbeat and looser. Reminded me of the James Brown live album.
To my shame I'd not heard of Sam Cooke before. But I absolutely adored this recording. The energy. It's like being in that room. Then to read about what happened to him not that long afterwards.
A good one today. Of course I love Sam. He’s one of the all time great voices and one that was cut too short. I know the studio recordings, but never heard the live stuff, but this is excellent too.
Ooo live music! I stand by the argument that a recording of a live set can make a great album. This was a string of good vibes put into a 36 minute set. i liked Feel It (Don't Fight It) and Bring It on Home to Me. I forsee myself listening to this as a working album
4- Stars (10/15)
Listening to the 1001 is slowly changing my opinion on live albums for the better
7/10 I did enjoy it. I have never listened to Jess before but I’m going to listen to some more.
I never really heard this properly..mostly the studio recordings and this is beautiful. Cupid always chokes me up for some reason
Прикольный джаз. Можно иногда послушать
- Jeg er ikke generelt fan af live album eller generelt at høre live musik, udover når jeg ser det live, men jeg synes det her er godt, jeg tænkte ikke over de dårlige ting ved, at det er live, derimod forstærker det bare den glade og livlige stemning, at man kan høre publikum - Sam Cooke er virkelig dygtig og man bliver glad af, at høre det her album - Selvom jeg synes det fungerer med et live album på den her måde, er der stadig bare nogle musikalske mangler og lidt mangel på variation, for at det skal være et 5/5 album for mig
A helluva vibe.
first listen. divertido.
I’m not typically a fan of live albums but for this one I’ll make an exception. The banter between songs was almost as good as the tracks themselves! The track ‘chain gang’ made me realise where Fleetwood Mac ‘big love’ got their inspiration from! lol Awesome album!
Not usually a fan of live albums, but like my album-challenge-mate, I really enjoyed the banter! Great showmanship, good vibes
Somewhat bluesy. Sounds like many of the artists of this era. Definitely one of the best Sam Cooke albums. I particularly enjoyed this one.
Man what a vibe! Standouts: Feel It (Don't Fight It), Medley, Somebody Have Mercy 4.5/5, really suprised me
MW: 7.4 Fav: Feel It Least Fav: Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons
Mr. Soul. Smooth and raspy voice. Great tunes. Great album.
Really good energetic album and showing by Sam Cooke. All the songs are great, as I forgot how many classics are in his catalog. It is a shame he died so young, he could have been at the top with singers like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. High 4/5
Feels like cutting edge for 1963, love the energy. Sam Cooke really has a fun voice, makes you want to dance.
Soms good stuff for a Monday morning this. Great voice, great energy, it’s got everything you want from a live album. 4.0/5.0 Best Song: Chain Gang(?)
60’s Soul ⭐️Bring It On Home to Me
Well this was an unexpected delight. Some great songs in here and just a general feel good vibe all round. Liked a lot of this one.
A really fun listen from a clearly talented performer.
This is a great live album. Feels like you're right there in the club with him. Quality is mediocre but that's because of technology of the times. Short set but full of soul and energy.
Sam Cooke and a lot of 50s/60s R & B singers came up in clubs with demanding, working class audiences who wanted their hard-earned money to buy them as exciting and high-quality a show as possible. This live album is proof of that pedigree, from the impeccable vocals to the raucous energy to the charismatic banter. No dead air, just R & B and soul mastery.
The singing was very good, I wish there wasn't crazy long talking parts in between each of the songs or else I could give it a 5 /5
Very good live record
całkiem ciekawe, podoba mi się vibe nagrania LIVE. Ogólnie ujmując relaksujące, przyjemnie się słucha, a jednocześnie nie nudzi. Mocna pozycja
High energy 4 - great even among this list
Really fantastic soul singing, good band. I can picture myself there back in the 60s partying it up. Sam Cooke really knew how to command the stage by the sound of the crowd here. Would listen again for sure.
Weiterhin schwierig, hier Live-Alben zu bewerten...das Album kenne ich tatsächlich, weil ich mal einen Podcast zu ihm gehört habe. Von der Performance her 5 Sterne.
Raspy and soulful. Pretty freaking great.
Religious experience, never heard a voice say so much and take a performance over in such a way.
Really good live jazz session.
A monster of a voice on this guy. He knows how to entertain a crowd. A rather pleasant listen.
Bom álbum. Dançante, animado, voz inconfundível. Álbum ao vivo, mostra domínio e interação com o público.
Damn good. I liked when he asked the fellas not to hit their ladies due to rumors.
Very much enjoyed. Solid throughout.
This was fun
Sam Cooke has always seemed a bit tame to me, but this performance brings a raw, rebellious energy. I wish I was there. Loved “Feel it (Don’t Fight it)”.
The man doesn't stop
Actually benefits from rhe Live element. Personality and fan interactions add to the feel of the album I gave Little Richard 3, who i think may have benefitted from Live format too. Nice afternoon cheer up boogie album
Enjoyed this. Lots of songs I knew and liked
This is what live albums should be about. Puts you right there in the room with him. If I could give it 4.5 I would.
He really knew how to work the crowd up, top notch soul singing and recording for its time
a great quick album 4/5
No skips. Good vibe. Favourite was 'Cupid'.
I am getting a little tired of seeing “hailed as one of the greatest live albums of all time” on every live offering on the list, but I’m here for this one and imagining it’ll hit the spot. Let’s go! “Don’t fight it, we gonna feel it.” Let’s go, Sammy boy. Like the flow of the songs into each other, the energy, the spirit. Just an energy and natural flow that rarely exists in live performances these days.
I've listened to this album before but on re-listen have similar thoughts. Sam and the band do a great job with some great songs but the live setting of the album detracts from my ability to enjoy it.
Very nice sound, do appreciate it. Should listen to more of Sam Cooke.
Strong 4
First listen and it wasn’t super special. But listen 3 I was boppin’ and groovin’.
Exceptional live album. Party vibes all the way.
Terrific energy throughout, doesn't overstay its welcome, and breezes through. One of the better live albums I've heard. Not a full 5 star rating though - but I think it's just an age of the genre thing. Most songs are fairly same-y, with few deviations in sound, progressions, etc.
So soulful. It makes me yearn for this type of music to come back to the zeitgeist
A great listen! Makes you wish you could have been there
Transported back
The great Sam Cooke one of the best voices in soul music
It’s a romantic jazzy song that kinda of Jonny be good
Fun and catchy! This is a great live performance and definitely worth a listen!
Nice listen. Good energy. Songs all sound pretty similar in a good way. Live recording made it more fun to listen to.
The album is as expected: Top Quality. Obviously a vintage live recording and the sound accordingly but being present at a great moment in time is very special. What an artist, I can't imagine anyone disliking this.
Really liked the energy from this - loved Its All Right and Bring It On Home to Me
Enjoyable but also raw and audience fueled, so I wouldn't say it is THE Cooke must listen. It loses a lot of his incredible finesse, even though the band was cooking and it would have been incredible to be there. 3.5 but I can't quite bring myself to round that to a 3 so...
Cool album jam-packed with some awesome soul bangers.
idk a lot about soul but sam cookie’s a really good singer and he’s got a strong live presence with his little interjections. you can really feel the energy when this is recorded live and it sounds even better than if it was recorded in a studio
A performance powerful enough for an arena, but then you hear the crowd chatter and it sounds like an intimate venue. It must have been awe-inspiring to be in that room. My favorite parts were when the audience joined in, like the chorus to “Bring It On Home to Me.”
It was great to hear Sam Cooke live. I absolutely love this singer and his poppy, soulful style. Chain Gang is and all-time favorite for me, I think my Grandmother showed me the song. Anyway, it was as if Cooke had an overdrive effect on his microphone. I was enamored from start to finish by the emotion he put into his live shows. There are so many artists from this era that were "only in it for the money". Not Mr. Cooke. He's in it for the soul!! I've listened to another live album of this genre from the same year (give or take a few months) and rated it 5 stars. I don't think this album is of the same caliber musically or emotionally, but it's pretty damn close. I believe this album is a 4.5..not quite a 5.
Good for what it is.
Really, really brilliant I will be playing this for my grandma next time I visit
I really enjoyed this one and have to mention this is one of the great albums on the list so far for me that had me dancing. Great album. Sam Cooke is a classic.
I can't imagine seeing Sam Cooke in a club. Good stuff
Sam Cooke is great. It feel dated but still holds up. I just love his voice and hearing him live you get a good feel for his energy. He had to have been fun to see live. His voice comes through great in it. I would have liked the band to be a bit more in the mix. They come across but it's muted compared to his voice. This album is getting added to the library. Great album.
Heerlijk jazz album voor de achtergrond tijdens een diner. Er zit veel lol en vrolijkheid in hem en dit album.
One of the better live albums I've heard recently. A lot of them tend to be fixed in studio, this here by Sam Cooke is so raw you could imagine being there.
- impossible not to dance along to this - makes you feel jolly immediately - beautiful beautiful
Great!
Patiko, kaip gražiai su auditorija dirbo, geras balsas ir tikrai užveda.
Kind of a rip off of the Make Up but otherwise really good.
Classic. Not much to say.
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.