Second Vinyl & CDs

Review: This reissued gem from Sam Cooke stands as his most intimate, soulful and authentic recording. Captured in February 1963 with a small group of studio veterans, it was a low-key session that spotlights Cooke's transcendent voice in a setting free from the heavy orchestration of his other solo material. The album features spirituals, bluesy ballads and gospel classics, all imbued with the legendary singer's unique interpretations and buttery smooth vocal deliveries. Tracks like 'Lost and Lookin' highlight his breathtaking vocals with minimal accompaniment, while 'Mean Old World' and his reimagined 'Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen' reveal his rare songwriting prowess. This is a treasure that is warm and deeply moving and it remains a pinnacle in Cooke's career.