Customer Reviews

Souled Out

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a long time (20 plus years) fan of Tower. I saw the original band (Lenny Williams, Brent Byers, Mic Gillette etc.) when I was in High School. I stopped listening after a few bad records like "Power" and the strange disco stuff. My copy of "Souled Out" would be worn out if were not digital! The new blood in the band keeps them fresh with ideas and a new interpretation of the Tower feel and trademark sound. I saw the band last year on the BB King tour and they were as tight as ever. My only question is: "Why is the lifespan of the Lead singers so short?"

Legendary in th 70s for its tight, funky grooves, unbeatable group of horn players, and having the great Lenny Williams as lead vocalist, some people might agree that 1995 was probably not the best year for TOP to be making an album, especially with all of the personnel changes up to that point. That being said, this may actually be one of the best funk albums not made during the genre's glory period. The horn section is as fierce as ever (especially on the gritty instrumental "Undercurrent"), and with his muscular yet smooth voice, Brent Carter makes a highly respectable substitute for Lenny Williams, and he shines brightly throughout, especially on the soothing ballad "Soothe You."

Hey, I've listened to all their CD's too and this one might just be the best. I'm looking from a different perspective, being a younger fan (18), and I think this CD's right up there with the old stuff. In fact, I like it a lot better than what some people are calling the "return to the TOP sound" recording, "Rhythm and Business."

I love TOP...but I don't love this CD. "Diggin' on James Brown" is an awesome song. But it's really the only good song on this CD. "Souled Out" is alright. But the rest of the songs aren't so good. I bought this CD and was disappointed.

Musical purity is just wonderful for those who are into that. There is only one question that really matters: does it make you want to tap your foot, to dance? Does this music make you FEEL something? YES!!

This is their best in a long time. It has a lot of the fun they deliver in a live concert. Glad to have you back guys! They are a great feel-good band with a lot of soul.

I love the way the sound is mixed on this recording. The bass is mixed out front, without being overwhelming. The horns are mixed more in the middle, yet still very clean and "present". But the tunes don't have that same "zowie" I'm accustomed to from my other TOP CDs. They usually exercise a bit of "humor" (like Monster on a Leash) in their tunes, not noticing that as much here either. Don't get me wrong, it's an "ok" listen, the last tune "Undercurrent" is fun, and the "James Brown" tune is good too. Just a little disappointed in the rest. Hopefully "Back to Oakland" will be better...

Although, I've heard some say they long for the old funk sound of Tower of Power, I say that everyone has to grow and it's still there in the music they write today. This band has grown both personally and musically. You can tell they've grown by the lyrics of songs like "Just Like You","Once You Get A Taste" and a song that will be a Tower of Power classic "Diggin' on James Brown". Their rythyms and syncopated writing of the ever famous horn unit, is, evidently new polished funk. Listen to the songs "Taxed To The Max" "Do You Wanna" and "Gotta Make A Change", to hear it. The beautiful lyrics, melodies and soulful voice of Brent Carter on songs like "Keep Comin' Back", "Soothe You",and "Lovin' You Forever" to name a few, are warm and romantic. And the band also included an instrumental written by two of the band's horn players with an up-beat funky rythym. Legendary bands like! T.O.P. have added to the stlye of their early music with concurrent albums by using the special talents they have. T.O.P.'s music is an evolution and without a doubt always will be.

I have listened to every TOP CD, and this by far is the best collection of tunes on one CD. Great funk, great ballads, and best of all ... a top notch production on the recording. Rocco is at his bass best .... check out "Taxed to the Max."

I would definately not rate this among one of T.O.P.'s towering accomplishments. The flavor of this CD seems to be slightly cheezy yet bland. Unfortunately it sounds like they have main streamed thier sound alot more, and have traded in some of thier funkier grooves for a more "commercial" and user friendly sound. Perhaps the most dissapointing aspect is the weakness of the Horn section. They have definately taken a blow from the personnel change in the trumpet section. The lines are not as tasty or arranged quite as well as they were under Greg Adams hands, and the lead trumpet sound is not as solid as it once was. In addition, I feel that the drummer was a poor choice for T.O.P. He playing is strait sounding and the electronic effects on his set gives the whole group a commercial 80's sound. Sorry, TOP I've been a fan for years, but this CD is a let down in the music selection and style. Hats off though to Rocco and "The Doc" for thier always stellar performances.