Have a Little Faith

Mavis Staples

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 17, 2004)
• Original Release Date: August 17, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alligator Records
• ASIN: B0002A5R6A
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #72,081 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
As the lead female voice of family gospel band the Staple Singers, Mavis Staples has shown more than a little faith across four decades, using her voice as a powerful instrument in the battle for civil rights and the eternal struggle for salvation (as well as pop hits). Here, on her first CD of new material since 1993's Prince-produced The Voice, the 64-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer seems relaxed. That's why acoustic treatments of tunes like "Step Into the Light" and the Blind Lemon Jefferson tribute "A Dying Man's Plea" sound so good wrapped around her warm honey-and-grits tones, with slide guitars and fiddles following the easy flow of her melodies. Nonetheless, there's a simmering intensity to her performances, though she eases for sweet recollections in the uplifting biography of her late father Roebuck, "Pop's Recipe." Yet Staples always remains strong enough to render the disc's overabundance of lite-funk arrangements irrelevant. --Ted Drozdowski

Product Description
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH is a stirring collection of uplifting, gospel-rooted songs deeply-seated in Staples’faith and spirituality. Produced by Jim Tullio and Staples, the album features the strongest collection of material—both originals and interpretations—Mavis has ever assembled. With help from the Dixie Hummingbirds, HAVE A LITTLE FAITH takes listeners deep into the heart of the singer Vibe magazine called "one of pop’s most distinctive voices."

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mavis, Mavis, Mavis!, October 2, 2004

By	Eric Something (Seattle, Wa) - See all my reviews

This lastest offering from Mavis Staples almost
brings me to tears because it's so uplifting and
healing. There is not a song I do not like lyrical
or musically here. And her backing band is just
fabulous. This album has a rootsy r&b and folk feeling
to it that's hard to come by anywhere else. And lastly,
I love the messages in songs like "God Is Not Sleeping"
and "He Ain't No Better Than You." You don't need to
be religious to enjoy Mavis' offerings here. You just
need to have an open mind and open heart

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mavis takes you into a different sphere., June 28, 2005

By	"recicerone" (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This is the finest album I have heard in years. From track to track.

Mavis Staples' deep,lush, contralto voice, has only become richer with time.
Working not over the fantasic muscians on this album, but with them. Giving you the feeling that this is a true ensemble. The slide guitar, the hint of sax, the awsome percussion, the blues, mixed with rythem,funk and soul that so brilliantly seems to caress her voice.

'Keep The Faith' is an album for a person of any faith. Of any heart, of any life.
The songs chosen are of empowerment and strength. They ring true.

One can not help but feel the deep rooted passion of Mavis.
Her delivery of a lyric is something only a woman of her experience could do. Wether at full throttle, or whispering to get your attention. She has a divine and truly musical ability.
Each song is it's own unique treasure.

It is easy to understand why Prince chose this voice for his Graffiti Bridge album and movie. Why Bob Dylan, Aretha, Al Green and so many others fell in love with this talent.

After listening to this C.D., I listened to it again and again.
Later, I purchased a few copies for some friends that were not familiar with her.

THAT, is the gift of music. Mavis is a gift to us.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Staples is spiritually and musically convicted, April 1, 2006

By	Tim Holek - See all my reviews

Mavis Staples
Have A Little Faith Alligator

On her first album of new material since 1993, Mavis Staples proves to be, spiritually and musically, convicted. She still has her instantly recognizable and dynamic voice. It distinctively features throughout 12 songs on her Alligator debut. All are uplifting and contain encouraging messages about being the best you can be, equal rights, helping each other, spirituality in God, believing in your dreams, and keeping the faith. Her unheralded backing band, features her sister, Yvonne, on background vocals. The production is very polished.

"Pops Recipe" is rather funky and is an homage to Mavis' father. He had 13 siblings, dropped out of school to pick cotton yet became a gospel and soul legend. Pops taught his children to ("Accept responsibility / don't subscribe to bigotry, hypocrisy, duplicity.") "Ain't No Better Than You" contains equally strong lyrics such as ("Change will come but not overnight / it's the waiting / that's so frustrating.") The slow and deeply moving, "God Is Not Sleeping", is beautiful and brilliant. Several numbers mix gospel with R&B such as "I Still Believe In You" and "There's A Devil On The Loose". The latter describes the evil that is brought to individuals and society. The Chicago Music Community Choir's gospel backing vocals are astounding on "In Times Like These".

The meaningful lyrics to these inspirational songs are a stark reminder of the strife's and struggles that many have to endure. Yet, this is healing music -- designed to help our hurting and deeply suffering world. Like an open door, Staples' powerful voice and contemporary musical arrangements are welcoming so that you don't miss out on a lost opportunity. For 51 minutes, she instills faith in the deepest cynic and provides hope for the broken-hearted.

-- Tim Holek