Customer Reviews

Is It Because I'm Black

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There was so much great soul music coming out of Motown, Stax and countless other labels and places in the late '60's-early '70's that many artists got lost in the shuffle. Syl Johnson was one of these artists. His signing with Hi Records and Willie Mitchell elevated his profile a bit but he is largely unknown today. That does not mean he does not have the chops that many of his contemporaries had. Listen to "Is It Because I'm Black?", his take on Joe South's "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" or "I'm Talking About Freedom" and you'll wonder how it is that time (and too many soul aficianados) have overlooked this man.
Take a chance and don't make the same mistake. You will discover Syl was one of the many well kept secrets of soul music's greatest era.

This CD is just good. If you're not into Syl Johnson you will only like two jams off this CD. "Different Strokes" (yeah, Hip Hop headzzz) and "Is It Because I'm Black" (anotha yeah, Hip Hop headzzz) are the two most outstanding tracks on this. The first mentioned title is classic soul but kickin' in different ways. "Is It..." is a very superb black-conscious jam, slow and moody and true. Don't make it that heavy for Mr. Johnson and try him while he works in his own record shop today.