You Never Had It So Good: A Review

Introduction

As a lover of retro music, I was excited to try out the album “You Never Had It So Good” by Lou Rawls. Upon listening to the album, I knew I had to write a review to let others know about my experience with this classic collection.

Expert Analysis

As a music enthusiast, I can confidently say that “You Never Had It So Good” is a true gem. This album showcases the talent of Lou Rawls and his unique style that is still relevant today. His smooth vocals and emotive delivery bring each song to life, making it a pleasure to listen to.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. You Never Had It So Good: The album’s title track is a soulful tune that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Rawls’ vocals are powerful and emotive, and the instrumentation is tight and groovy.
2. Fine Brown Frame: This track has a more upbeat tempo than the previous one, with a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time. Rawls’ vocals are smooth and velvety, making this song a standout on the album.
3. Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing: This song showcases Rawls’ ability to convey emotion through his vocals. The instrumentation is simple, allowing Rawls’ voice to take center stage.
4. Nobody But Me: This track has a more playful tone, with Rawls’ vocals complemented by a lively brass section. It’s a fun tune that will have you tapping your feet and swaying along to the beat.
5. Your Good Thing (Is About to End): This song is a ballad that showcases Rawls’ range and control as a vocalist. The instrumentation is subtle, allowing Rawls’ vocals to shine.
6. Blues for the Weepers: This instrumental track is a nice break from the vocal-heavy songs that precede it. The bluesy guitar and piano riffs are tastefully executed, making this track a standout on the album.
7. Walk On In: This track has a more upbeat tempo than the previous one, with fun lyrics and a catchy chorus. Rawls’ vocals are once again on point, making this song a joy to listen to.
8. I Just Want to Make Love to You: Rawls’ version of this blues classic is sultry and seductive, with a slow tempo that allows him to really dig into the lyrics.
9. Don’t Explain: This is another ballad that showcases Rawls’ ability to convey emotion through his vocals. The simple instrumentation allows Rawls’ voice to take center stage, making this a standout track on the album.
10. Sufferin’ Sugar: The album closes out with this fun, upbeat track that will have you dancing along to the lively horns and Rawls’ infectious vocals.

What Sets It Apart

What sets “You Never Had It So Good” apart from other albums in the genre is Rawls’ unique voice and emotive delivery. Each song is expertly crafted, with instrumentation that complements Rawls’ vocals perfectly. The album is a pitch-perfect representation of the soulful music of the era.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Lou Rawls’ vocals are top-notch, making each song a pleasure to listen to.
The instrumentation is tight and groovy, perfectly complementing Rawls’ voice.
The album is a great representation of the soulful music of the era.

Cons:

The album may be too old-fashioned for some listeners who prefer more contemporary music.
The track order can be a bit repetitive, with many ballads clustered together in the middle of the album.

Summary

Overall, “You Never Had It So Good” is a must-listen for fans of soulful music. Lou Rawls’ vocals are superb, and the instrumentation is perfectly executed to create a timeless collection of songs. While the album may not be for everyone, those who appreciate retro music will find a lot to love here.

You Never Had So Good