Listed below are the best albums of 1966 as calculated from their overall rankings in over 59,000 greatest album charts. (Chart last updated: 3 hours ago).
"It is probably fair to describe Otis Reddings fourth studio album, "The Soul Album" as one of his lesser known, perhaps largely because the album does not contain any of his greatest classics or hits. Only single was taken from the album, his and Steve Cropper's own "Just One More Day", which in ...""It is probably fair to describe Otis Reddings fourth studio album, "The Soul Album" as one of his lesser known, perhaps largely because the album does not contain any of his greatest classics or hits. Only single was taken from the album, his and Steve Cropper's own "Just One More Day", which in many ways is akin to "I've Been Loving You Too Long" from the previous album "Otis Blue"
This does not in any way make it a weaker album than Redding's other. His vocals are always top notch, and the songs fit in most cases his voice perfectly.
The musicians are the famous Stax people, with Steve Cropper and Booker T Jones as some of the best known.
Only three of the songs have Redding credited as a songwriter. In addition to the single "Just One More Day" they are the slow ballad "Good to Me" and the more optimistic "Any Ole Way", which could have been written by Sam Cooke. A great Sam Cooke song is "Chain Gang", which is also one of the album's highlights. Redding actually makes this song into something completely different, new and more exciting than Cooke's otherwise fine original.
Classic R & B ballads are "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" and less "Cigarettes and Coffee" - both convincingly interpreted by Redding.
"Scratch My Back" and "Treat You Right" are two "good time" numbers and well-known live favorites recorded in countless versions over time.
The final number "634-5789 (Soulsville, USA)" is another higlight, at least as strong as Wilson Pickett's more famous version."[+]Reply
"I first came upon Larry Young by way of Charlie Hunter, the virtuoso guitarist with a very organ-like sound; there was an interview in Guitar Player or somewhere, Hunter sounded like he worshiped at Young's feet. At one point, talking about quartal harmony or something, he said something like "If...""I first came upon Larry Young by way of Charlie Hunter, the virtuoso guitarist with a very organ-like sound; there was an interview in Guitar Player or somewhere, Hunter sounded like he worshiped at Young's feet. At one point, talking about quartal harmony or something, he said something like "If it's good enough for Larry Young, it's good enough for me."
This is certainly one of the great jazz organ albums of all time, you can't even argue that. Woody Shaw and Joe Henderson are obviously great players, but one of the highlights of this album is the second tune, where they lay out and it's just a Larry Young and Elvin Jones duet. Young is such an incredible player, spraying melodies everywhere. White water rafting in the form of music.
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"This sophomore album features some classic songs from the Mamas and the Papas, and the chamber-like vocals and arrangements complement the group's style. On the downside, many of the filler tracks are bland and forgettable pop pieces - perhaps they felt rushed, given that this came out so soon af...""This sophomore album features some classic songs from the Mamas and the Papas, and the chamber-like vocals and arrangements complement the group's style. On the downside, many of the filler tracks are bland and forgettable pop pieces - perhaps they felt rushed, given that this came out so soon after their classic debut.
The highlights are Dancing Bear, I Saw Her Again, and Words of Love. Overall, it sounds a bit too obvious that M&Ps are a vocal group and not a band, and that takes away from the experience. "[+]Reply
"One of the best albums of the era and the best the genre has to offer. A more focused and consistent effort than their debut with even more risks, experimentation and psychedelia. Sky Saxon's vocals are fantastic and his writing is noticeably improved. The extended instrumentals are creative and ...""One of the best albums of the era and the best the genre has to offer. A more focused and consistent effort than their debut with even more risks, experimentation and psychedelia. Sky Saxon's vocals are fantastic and his writing is noticeably improved. The extended instrumentals are creative and entertaining. The music, along with that of The Monks, is the hardest that there had ever been at that point in time."[+]Reply
"A very good debut album by the most famous Californian psych rock band. Although it is the only one without Grace Slick, Signe Anderson had a very similar voice to hers. Marty Balin did a great job on this album, both as a songwriter and as a singer, his voice is full of 'heart and soul'. Great b...""A very good debut album by the most famous Californian psych rock band. Although it is the only one without Grace Slick, Signe Anderson had a very similar voice to hers. Marty Balin did a great job on this album, both as a songwriter and as a singer, his voice is full of 'heart and soul'. Great bass work by Casady too."[+]Reply
"Another excellent Frank Sinatra album. Strangers in the night, off course includes the hit single title track, but there is plenty of other great material. There is the lovely, summer wind, a superb version of, all or nothing at all, and an odd take on, downtown. I don't know if Frank doesn't lik...""Another excellent Frank Sinatra album. Strangers in the night, off course includes the hit single title track, but there is plenty of other great material. There is the lovely, summer wind, a superb version of, all or nothing at all, and an odd take on, downtown. I don't know if Frank doesn't like the song, but he doesn't seem to be taking it particular seriously. Still, it's a very good album ending with a breathless version of, the most beautiful girl in the world. Good stuff. "[+]Reply
""Supremes A Go Go" is classical Tamla-Motown featuring the great hits "Love is Like an Itching in My Heart" and "You Can't Hurry Love". Moreover the Supremes give versions of acts like Four Tops and Temptations hits with "I Can't Help Myself" as the most successful, without reaching the high stan..."""Supremes A Go Go" is classical Tamla-Motown featuring the great hits "Love is Like an Itching in My Heart" and "You Can't Hurry Love". Moreover the Supremes give versions of acts like Four Tops and Temptations hits with "I Can't Help Myself" as the most successful, without reaching the high standards of the Four Tops version. Another interesting track is "Come and Get These Memories" where Diana Ross leaves the lead-vocals with Mary Wilson. "[+]Reply