Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If there's a downside to the proliferation of box sets and greatest-hits packages, it's that artists are often reduced to little more than their smash singles and memorable B-sides. As a chance to hear James Brown as a full-album artist, Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud is well worth owning. Recorded in 1969, at the height of Brown's powers, this does contain several known songs, chief among them the fierce title track and the sexy "Licking Stick." But listen to Brown tear into the mournful "I Guess I'll Have to Cry, Cry, Cry" or the bluesy "Let Them Talk" and you will get a true sense of the breadth of Brown's many talents. --Amy Linden

Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud,James Brown,Polygram Records,Funk,Pop,R&B,Soul,Soul/R & B,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

Tracks:

Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud), Pts. 1 & 2
I Guess I'll Have to Cry, Cry, Cry
Goodbye My Love, Pts. 1 & 2
Shades of Brown
Licking Stick-Licking Stick
I Love You
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Let Them Talk
Maybe I'll Understand
I'll Lose My Mind

Album Description

Full title - Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud. Japanese reissue of 1969 album, that's unavailable domestically, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP gatefold sleeve. Polydor. 2003.

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic.......2006-06-24

A fully contemporary set for James Brown, as many of his previous albums were essentially two hit singles, A and B sides, and material from as far back as the '50s. This album has a title tune of tremendous distinction, musical value, and historical importance. It's been said that "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" actually started out as a live instrumental piece; when it arrived as a 45rpm it changed the musical landscape and had deep societal significance. It's interesting that a few lines from the '56 "I Feel That Feeling Coming On" are incorporated - the only "look back", if you will. Other included numbers from 1968 are the Little Willie John-related hit "Let Them Talk", recorded apparently for the JB tribute l.p., but making its' debut right here. The same Musical Director of "It's a Man's...World" and so many others, Sammy Lowe, worked on this gem, which also featured the great drummer Bernard Purdie. Once again, Lowe-Brown worked some magic - you have to hear this one. James Brown does a totally incredible job on this item which was referenced on Live at the Apollo, Vol. 2 set. Surely one of the most intense, heartfelt performances of his amazing career. The song builds and builds...I'd love to hear the full-length version, if it's waiting in the wings.
"Goodbye My Love" is here, another great effort, a ballad with a connecting monologue. James' take on "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" is equally compelling in a simpler arrangement, somewhat reminiscent of Toussaint McCall's approach to "Nothing Takes The Place Of You". Not really single material, but something for the after-hours dance floor. "Lickin' Stick, Lickin' Stick" is the uptempo masterpiece, with Maceo and St. Clair. An early appearance for trombonist Fred Wesley is on the standout instrumental "I'll Lose My Mind".
An unusual beat is "I Love You" - the time signature is beyond my grasp, but this cut is infectious - with an excellent lead vocal.
[Historians and fans check out live versions of *three* of these tracks on the live (partial) namesake "Say It Loud And Live"].

Average customer rating:

JB in Prime Peak
All Killer No Filler from Mr. James Brown
WE DIDN'T BELIEVE IT 'TILL JAMES TOLD US SO...

Say It Loud: I'm Black And I'm Proud
James Brown
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002G8T
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Say It Loud-I'm Black And I'm Proud, Pts. 1 & 2
I Guess I'll Have To Cry, Cry, Cry
Goodbye My Love, Pts. 1 & 2
Shades Of Brown
Licking Stick
I Love You
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Let Them Talk
Maybe I'll Understand
I'll Lose My Mind

Amazon.com

If there's a downside to the proliferation of box sets and greatest-hits packages, it's that artists are often reduced to little more than their smash singles and memorable B-sides. As a chance to hear James Brown as a full-album artist, Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud is well worth owning. Recorded in 1969, at the height of Brown's powers, this does contain several known songs, chief among them the fierce title track and the sexy "Licking Stick." But listen to Brown tear into the mournful "I Guess I'll Have to Cry, Cry, Cry" or the bluesy "Let Them Talk" and you will get a true sense of the breadth of Brown's many talents. --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews:

JB in Prime Peak.......2002-01-22

you get the Power&Soul of JB here.the arrangements,Grooves&Vibe are all on the one here.the title Jam alone is timeless.you can still feel the Depth in the Songs to this Day.Soulful&Blues Felt.another solid Offering from JB.

All Killer No Filler from Mr. James Brown.......2001-06-05

Not an album of Black Power manifestos, as the title would indicate (The Last Poets took care of that). This is a straight-up wonderful compilation of JB's best b-sides and singles from late 1967-68. Pts. 1 and 2 of the title cut (although somewhat poorly recorded) top it off. A smoking instrumental "Shades of Brown," a short version of the down home soul of "Licking Stick," The fine remake of "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," and another instrumental "Maybe I'll Understand" make this a CD you can listen all the way thru without skipping a song. Good old down-home unadulterated soul at it's best!

WE DIDN'T BELIEVE IT 'TILL JAMES TOLD US SO..........1999-01-15

I must of been nearly twelve years old when Say It Loud hit the air waves of New York. For the years preceding that I was caught between my older parents who were leery of the black power movement and the younger generation who embraced the idea of self empowering Black People everywhere. It wasn't until James Brown came out with SAY IT LOUD, did I take a stand, emotionally, spiritually and physically. After a bitter history of being labled as less than, ugly, ignorant, etc., James Brown bought to the nation and the world the real truth. We were Black, we were beautiful and we should be proud of that fact.