Customer Reviews

Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud

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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.

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"].

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!

This vinyl disc by James Brown has not only his Top 10 hit, but several other sides that are among his best songs, such as "I Guess I'll Have to Cry, Cry Cry", "Goodbye My Love", "Licking Stick", #14 on the Top 40 charts, and "Let Them Talk". Brown also plays the organ on this record and shows a nice touch at the keyboard on "Shades of Brown". The album was released during the late '60s when turmoil and protests were the order of the day on college campuses and black pride, with the help of Brown's hit song, was a rallying cry across the country.

you get the Power&Soul of JB here.the arrangements,Grooves&Vibe are all on the one here.the title Jam alone is timeless.you can still feel the Depth in the Songs to this Day.Soulful&Blues Felt.another solid Offering from JB.