Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud [Original recording remastered]

James Brown | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 23, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1969
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B000002G8T
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398,418 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WE DIDN'T BELIEVE IT 'TILL JAMES TOLD US SO..., January 15, 1999

By 

A reader (East Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud (Audio CD)

I must of been nearly twelve years old when Say It Loud hit the air waves of New York. For the years preceding that I was caught between my older parents who were leery of the black power movement and the younger generation who embraced the idea of self empowering Black People everywhere. It wasn't until James Brown came out with SAY IT LOUD, did I take a stand, emotionally, spiritually and physically. After a bitter history of being labled as less than, ugly, ignorant, etc., James Brown bought to the nation and the world the real truth. We were Black, we were beautiful and we should be proud of that fact.

I am forever in Mr. Brown's debt for giving Black People everywhere a real national anthem, a song we danced to, sang to, got empowered and believed in. There were others out there telling us we should beleive in our greatness, but only James Brown could get us to really do it. Thank you Mr Brown for the powerful life long gift.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic, June 23, 2006

By 

Phil S. (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Say It Loud I'm Black & I'm Proud (Audio CD)

A fully contemporary set for James Brown, as many of his previous albums were essentially two hit singles, A and B sides, and material from as far back as the '50s. This album has a title tune of tremendous distinction, musical value, and historical importance. It's been said that "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" actually started out as a live instrumental piece; when it arrived as a 45rpm it changed the musical landscape and had deep societal significance. It's interesting that a few lines from the '56 "I Feel That Feeling Coming On" are incorporated - the only "look back", if you will. Other included numbers from 1968 are the Little Willie John-related hit "Let Them Talk", recorded apparently for the JB tribute l.p., but making its' debut right here. The same Musical Director of "It's a Man's...World" and so many others, Sammy Lowe, worked on this gem, which also featured the great drummer Bernard Purdie. Once again, Lowe-Brown worked some magic - you have to hear this one. James Brown does a totally incredible job on this item which was referenced on Live at the Apollo, Vol. 2 set. Surely one of the most intense, heartfelt performances of his amazing career. The song builds and builds...I'd love to hear the full-length version, if it's waiting in the wings.
"Goodbye My Love" is here, another great effort, a ballad with a connecting monologue. James' take on "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" is equally compelling in a simpler arrangement, somewhat reminiscent of Toussaint McCall's approach to "Nothing Takes The Place Of You". Not really single material, but something for the after-hours dance floor. "Lickin' Stick, Lickin' Stick" is the uptempo masterpiece, with Maceo and St. Clair. An early appearance for trombonist Fred Wesley is on the standout instrumental "I'll Lose My Mind".
An unusual beat is "I Love You" - the time signature is beyond my grasp, but this cut is infectious - with an excellent lead vocal.
[Historians and fans check out live versions of *three* of these tracks on the live (partial) namesake "Say It Loud And Live"].

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Killer No Filler from Mr. James Brown, June 4, 2001

By 

Andre M. "brnn64" (Mt. Pleasant, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud (Audio CD)

Not an album of Black Power manifestos, as the title would indicate (The Last Poets took care of that). This is a straight-up wonderful compilation of JB's best b-sides and singles from late 1967-68. Pts. 1 and 2 of the title cut (although somewhat poorly recorded) top it off. A smoking instrumental "Shades of Brown," a short version of the down home soul of "Licking Stick," The fine remake of "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," and another instrumental "Maybe I'll Understand" make this a CD you can listen all the way thru without skipping a song. Good old down-home unadulterated soul at it's best!