Overnight Sensational

Sam Moore

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 29, 2006)
• Original Release Date: August 29, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B000FIMG86
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #63,456 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The lead voice of Stax Records' powerhouse soul duo Sam and Dave returns to reclaim his legacy here with a collection of familiar r&b catalog choices framed by slick, decidedly contemporary productions. If the project's crowded supporting cast -- Springsteen, Clapton, Wynonna, Sting, Bon Jovi, Winwood, Paul Rodgers, Mariah Carey, Vince Gill and Billy Gibbons among the most notable -- sometimes makes Moore seem like a guest on his own album, their admittedly marketing-driven presence nonetheless helps showcase a seminal soul artist for an American Idol-smitten generation that seems to have taken him for granted (hardly a surprise that project producer Randy Jackson is best known as an AI judge). Yet Moore's gritty, expressive voice can't be denied on the best of it, whether on the simmering gospel fervor of the Wynonna/Bekka Bramlett/Bebe Winans-seasoned "I Can't Stand the Rain," the bluesy shuffle of "Better To Have and Not Need" with Springsteen joining in the chorus or a soulful "None of Us Are Free" featuring Sting. But, as Fantasia's turn on the unfortunate "Blame It On the Rain" argues, it's also an album whose tracks often frustratingly rise or fall in proportion to the contributions of its guests; less would definitely mean Moore here. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

Sam Moore's astonishing solo album that showcases his timeless talent and versatility.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD's Got Me Hummin'!!!!!, August 30, 2006

By	Ross M. Murray (Oberlin, LA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Man! I saw Sam at this year's Jazz Fest and when he said he had a new CD coming out, I knew it would be hot! This CD is what I expected plus more!

From the opening number "I Can't Stand the Rain" to the closer "You Are So Beautiful", this CD has all of your soul needs. When you hear Sam and Travis Tritt tear it up on "Riding Thumb", you can't help but to start moving. And when you hear his stirring tribute to Conway Twitty on "It's Only Make Believe" - featuring background vocals by Vince Gill and Mariah Carey - you can't help but be moved.

Don't let this gem pass you by. If you like Taylor Hicks, then you probably won't like this. This is REAL soul; plus Sam Moore can actually dance! Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You'll be glad you did!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NY Times rave review of Overnight Sensational, September 3, 2006

By	walter curtin "wc" (ny ny) - See all my reviews

"Overnight Sensational" is only the second solo album in the career of Sam Moore, who sang indelible 1960's Memphis soul hits as half of Sam and Dave. (Dave Prater died in an auto accident in 1988.) There's a formula for albums like this, with big-name admirers surrounding an elder musician, but on "Overnight Sensation" the formula works.

At 70 Mr. Moore has held on to the gospel-charged exhortations and leaping phrases he used in songs like "Hold On, I'm Comin' " and "Soul Man." He attracted star guests and a well-connected producer, Randy Jackson; he also overshadows them.

"Overnight Sensational" picks up familiar oldies and newer songs, like Garth Brooks's "None of Us Are Free," that are suited to a straightforward soul treatment. Mr. Jackson didn't force Mr. Moore toward current R&B; the tracks hark back to 1960's and 1970's soul, with horn sections, churchy backup singers and Hammond organs (played by Steve Winwood and Billy Preston, among others). The big names let loose their heartiest growls and yowls -- Bruce Springsteen in "Better to Have and Not Need," Wynonna in "I Can't Stand the Rain," Fantasia in "Blame It on the Rain," Travis Tritt in "Ridin' Thumb" -- and Mariah Carey hovers high above "It's Only Make Believe."

But Mr. Moore's voice sounds more natural than any of their's. There has always been a resolute optimism in the way his voice rises to sustained, quivering, honey-cured high notes; now there's also a survivor's pride. JON PARELES

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! BETTER THAN EVER!, August 30, 2006

By	S. Hampton (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sam can not only sing ...he can SANG! The strength of his voice is amazing! The collaborations and song selections are fantastic partnerships. Every track is outstanding. Be sure you have plenty of room when you hit play because you will not be able to stay in your seat!