Essential Solomon Burke recordings
Solomon Burke died Sunday at age 70. Here are some of his essential recordings:
“Home in Your Heart” (Rhino, 1992): A two-disc overview of a career lacking top-20 hits, but rich in hard-core soul with country inflections and gospel testifying. All the key early tracks are here, including “Cry to Me” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.”
“Soul Alive!” (Rounder, 2002): Burke was at his best in front of an audience, where he turned concerts into a celebratory church services. This 1983 performance is pure theater, moving from show-stopper to show-stopper, the fans pushed into an audible frenzy.
“Don’t Give Up on Me” (Anti, 2002): The soul great delivers the most nuanced singing of his career in this moving masterpiece, digging into contemporary material provided for him by a bevy of admirers, including Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.
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