Sam Cooke - Mr. Soul - Limited 180 (Orange Vinyl)

Limited to 1000 Copies on Orange Colored Vinyl. Sam Cooke, inventor and true King of Soul, recorded Mr. Soul in the same year as Night Beat, and seems to be it's more adult counterpart, with soulful ballads taking up most of the album. A laidback tempo and rich arrangements lay the foundation for Sam's somewhat melancholy voice floats, creating an uplifting spirit that can mend anyone's broken heart. With standards such as Willow Weep For Me, I Wish You Love, and For Sentimental Reasons, Cooke shows a quiet emotive side of himself without losing his keen sense of melody, using the strength of his voice without overpowering the listener. Had Sam Cooke lived longer, we might have had more music of this rare quality. As it stands, we must make do with the treasures he left behind.