Otis Blue
Otis Redding
(1965) Atlantic Records
If I could recommend just one CD that all soul fans should have in their collection it would be Otis Blue. Otis Redding’s life was cut tragically short, but he left behind a legacy of amazing music, both originals and covers, that have stood the test of time. On Otis Blue Redding gives us “Ole Man Trouble” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” both of which will break your heart. Redding also had the same knack that Ray Charles had for taking any song he sang and making it completely his own, as he did with “My Girl,” “Wonderful World,” and “A Change is Gonna Come.” It’s the sound of Redding’s raw, soul-filled voice that pulls you in, but it’s the truth of the song that keeps you. If you love soul music then you must have Otis Blue. This is simply one of the greatest albums ever recorded.