Sam Cooke: Portrait of a Legend (1951-1964)
Without a doubt, I missed Sam in his best days. Janell commented about his voice that some people make singing sound too easy. I must completely agree -- particularly Sam. Even when he was just “taking it easy,” he was a fabulous signer. And this is an easy-to-enjoy release of his best stuff.
I'm certainly no music critic so I won't try to comment on that aspect of this album. That said, the choice of songs, the remastering and the content of the booklet that accompanied the album all seem perfectly appropriate. My favorite tracks are, in no particular order: “Sugar Dumpling,” a song Sam really seemed to like, his Latin-driven “Cha Cha Cha” and the well know “Twist'n the night the Night Away.” There are also cuts from Sam's days with his days with the Soul Stirrers. Talk about variety!
If you like good, old-fashion rock and roll, this is likely to be one album you'd never get tired of.