Sam Cooke - The Rhythm and the Blues

From the title, you might infer that this 20-track compilation -- taken from early-'60s sessions, and principally composed of LP-only cuts -- aims to showcase Cooke's most soulful side. That's true to some degree, but this isn't his funkiest stuff; for that, look to Live At The Harlem Square Club 1963, or even his most up-tempo singles. Most of this is, in fact, suave pop/R&B, the emphasis sometimes falling on the pop, with lightly swinging, jazzy arrangements, and some orchestration. Read More