Solomon Burke - Nothing's Impossible
by Carl Bookstein
published: 4 / 9 / 2010
Label:
Earmusic
Format: CD
intro
Heartfelt and thought-provoking latest album released to coincide with his seventieth birthday from soul giant, Solomon Burke
Solomon Burke is the nobly titled “King of Rock & Soul”. Seeing him in concert, Burke appears belting out his songs from a red velvet throne- quite the spectacle. 'Nothing’s Impossible' marks the milestone 70th birthday release for the soul singer who is still going strong. An inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Burke’s powerful voice remains distinctive. The inspirational title track 'Nothing’s Impossible' evokes rich dreams of the possibilities that life holds. The entire album, filled with a repertoire of love songs, likewise delivers. The opener 'Oh What A Feeling' includes stinging guitar, soothing organ and easy drumming. Solomon Burke’s vocals take over the territory, evidencing the work of truly one of the great soul singers of all time. The lyrics also ring true: “Early in the morning, I’m thinking of you/If it’s raining, if it’s storming, even if the skies are blue.” 'Everything About You' features resonant pulsating saxophone as we hear Burke sing classic soul music in the leagues of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Al Green. On 'Dreams' Burke sings about true love. His voice is welcoming, poignant and always on the money. The title track 'Nothing’s Impossible' is absolutely inspiring and one of the album’s high points, possessing hope and wisdom that can be used in life: “The way I see things today/No giving, no loving, no flowers in May/I can’t wait for people in this world to see what this world can truly be/ You got to choose your dreams and make them come true/Nothing’s impossible.” While the new album may not be quite as strong as Solomon Burke’s 2002 Grammy Award winning album 'Don’t Give Up On Me', it is nevertheless of a similarly high calibre. On 'You Needed Me' we see that Burke positively rocks these heartfelt love songs and they hit home: “I sold my soul/You brought it back to me and helped me up and gave me dignity.” This music is evocative and Burke’s vocals are soul stirring. The backing instrumentals are likewise impressive, featuring excellent work by the Royal Horns. On 'The Error of My Ways' we see that Burke is a masterful storyteller, commanding attention, reeling the audience in and holding them there. While 'The Error of My Ways' is hopeful, the finale 'I’m Leaving' tells a story of lost love, as we see Burke’s songs run the gamut of emotions. All in all, 'Nothing’s Impossible' is an inspired album, finding Burke, “The King of Rock & Soul” once again in fine form.
Track Listing:-
1 Oh What a Feeling2 Everything About You
3 Dreams
4 Nothing's Impossible
5 It Must Be Love
6 You Needed Me
7 Say You Love Me Too
8 You're Not Alone
9 New Company
10 When You're Not Here
11 The Error Of My Ways
12 I'm Leavin'
Band Links:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Burkehttps://www.facebook.com/Solomon-Burke-148499381880088/
reviews |
The Last Great Concert (2012) |
Enthralling live album recorded in 2008 towards the end of his career from late soul giant, Solomon Burke |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesPhilip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Jules Winchester - The Journey
Deep Purple - =1
Bill Wyman - Drive My Car
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Popstar - Obscene
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart