Comments
Soloman Burke
Like A Fire
It would seem as if Rev. Burke's masculinity soulful and oversized voice begs for songs with sufficient tension and songs of commensurate heft to support it. Not here in this thrid in the recently rejuvenated '60s r&b royal's long players in the '00s. With songwriting and musical assistance from such luminaries as Eric Clapton, Keb' Mo' and Ben Harpe, Like a Fire finds the peculiar point where Southern soul and adult alt meet. And the results work more often than not in King Solomon's favor. Especially gratifying are an urgent, Neville brothers-esque rural funk workout with Harper and a closing stab at piano bar crooning. One number about a family hit on hard times and a what's-with-this-world paean recalling The Staple Singers at the top of their folk/soul powers could give sould gospel radio some grist, too. Much of this may sound like what we've come to know from him, but he sounds pretty comfortable here. [Shout] Jamie Lee Rake
This album review was not printed in the November/December issue (#134) of HM Magazine, and thus is an online exclusive. Order the print version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. If you're a subscriber, you get a free online/digital subscription with your print subscription. You can purchase a single online/digital edition (which includes access to back issues) for only $1.99. A one-year digital-only subscription can be had for only $6.
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