Solomon Burke - Nothing's Impossible

by Carl Bookstein

published: 4 / 9 / 2010

Label: Earmusic
Format: CD

Heartfelt and thought-provoking latest album released to coincide with his seventieth birthday from soul giant, Solomon Burke

Review

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 Feeling
2 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'