Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 3 Rat

Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 3 Rat Rating: 5,5/10 26 reviews
  1. Modern Soul Clothing Line

It is always fun at the end of each year to celebrate the best of that year. And 2010 had a lot of great music.

Modern Soul Clothing Line

Greatest Soul on Earth: James Brown: Composer: 2003: It's Too Funky in Here: James Brown: Composer: 2003: Keep on Moving: De Luxe Remix: Funkstar De Luxe: Composer: 2003: Masterpieces of Modern Soul.

And so we've lassoed our music critics to each pick their favorites, which we've assembled below in alphabetical order (by artist name). These are uniformly releases with which you can't go wrong -- or so our critics say. Looking for a Christmas gift for a music lover? Then spend some time with these winners.

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The toughest part of this is limiting the choices, but, imperfect as they are, here are the selections from Peggy Oliver (PO), Detrel Howell (DH), Reg Jones (RJ), Chris Rizik (CR), L. Michael Gipson (LMG), Melody Charles (MC), J Matthew Cobb (JMC) and Howard Dukes (HD). Also, each album cover is a link to either CD Baby or Amazon, where you can generally listen to clips from the disc or where you can purchase it.

It is always fun at the end of each year to celebrate the best of that year. And 2010 had a lot of great music.

And so we've lassoed our music critics to each pick their favorites, which we've assembled below in alphabetical order (by artist name). These are uniformly releases with which you can't go wrong -- or so our critics say. Looking for a Christmas gift for a music lover? Then spend some time with these winners.

The toughest part of this is limiting the choices, but, imperfect as they are, here are the selections from Peggy Oliver (PO), Detrel Howell (DH), Reg Jones (RJ), Chris Rizik (CR), L. Michael Gipson (LMG), Melody Charles (MC), J Matthew Cobb (JMC) and Howard Dukes (HD). Also, each album cover is a link to either CD Baby or Amazon, where you can generally listen to clips from the disc or where you can purchase it.

We know these picks will have SoulTrackers talking. So be sure to comment below to let us know what we did right and what we missed!

Bilal: Airtight's Revenge. A more subdued Bilal opts to go deep, mining melancholic and thought-provoking feelings about his son, politics, and the streets in a more funk and rock-oriented style, harkening back to an era where electric guitar and rock chords were considered soulful too. (LMG)

BSlade: Brilliant Catastrophe(alpha) and (beta). Tonex's feeling 'Mighty Real' on his 'coming out' double-album alter ego debut where the dancefloor gets as much heat as the pulpit. Continuing to bridge the traditional and the avant garde, the streets and the steeple, and secular soul with spiritual gospel, this five-octave siren raises all kinds of roofs in blissful tune. (LMG)

Alain Clark - Colorblind. With this, his third pop/soul masterpiece, Dutch soul man Alain Clark continues to be the greatest singer American audiences have never heard of. Don't sit this one out. (CR)
El Debarge: Second Chance. In the comeback of the year, Mr. DeBarge combined his traditional lyrical prowess and sense of melody with modern touches that enhanced his style without overwhelming his uniqueness in the process. (MC)
Dwele:W.ants. W.orld W.omen. With thoughtful narratives about love and life coupled with clean production and confident vocals, Dwele bravely stretched his artistic boundaries and fans couldn't help but groove off the results. (MC)
Fantasia:Back To Me. Despite (or perhaps as a direct result of) the emotional tempest engulfing her life as of late, Ms. Barrino created a soulful and sassy blend of pop, funk and R&B that emphasized what truly matters---her intuitive gift of song. (MC)

Foreign Exchange: Authenticity - Crisp, cool, and yet darkly emotional, this stellar electro-soul project explores the brisk winters of love, hope, and heartache. Lyrically wiser than its writer/producer duo's numerical years, this contemplative work inspires with bare-knuckled honesty (LMG).

Cee Lo Green: The Ladykiller. He gets our attention with 2010's hottest viral jam ('F** You') but seizes our interest using a delicious, throwback cuisine filled with smoky swagger, slamming songwriting and - the greatest element of all - his unique voice. (JMC)
Jaheim: Another Round. Hailed as the heir to Luther and Teddy, his music only occasionally realized his promise - until now. The most complete Jaheim album ever, unlike Samson this romantic he-man grew stronger with the chop of his locks. Keep cutting. (LMG)
Jose James: BlackMagic. Thankful he slummed with the commoners enough to get this mainstream one out there before 'the establishment' usurped his very necessary energy. (RJ)
Angela Johnson: It's Personal. SoulTrackers voted this as the album of the year for good reason. Angie is a triple threat: singer, songwriter and producer, and she continues to grow on this very personal album. (CR)
Sean C. Johnson: Simply A Vessel, Vol. II: Faithful -- Contemporary gospel never sounded so great as Sean's neo-soul, hip-hop flavored celebration of his undeniable love for Jesus. (PO)
Jackiem Joyner - Jackiem Joyner. This album was an introduction of the musician to me, and held my ears in a wonderful vice grip! (DH)
Kem - Intimacy. A fabulously solid album that transformed on stage in the same way as on disc; all hits, no misses. (DH)

Bettye LaVette: Interpretations - Raw power, stripped to the gristle emotionalism and distinctive phrasing, LaVette comes fully, dynamically into her own-again-on this album of British rock covers. LaVette excavates the blues in songs written by rockers originally inspired by the blues, ensuring that these faves and obscure hits come full circle. (LMG)

John Legend & the Roots: Wake Up!One of the year's most surprising collaborative efforts helps usher in the Second Coming of soulful R&B and funk using timely socio-political angst and obscure ‘70s gems; certainly strong enough to make what's old all new again. (JMC)
Mama's Gun: Routes to Riches. Part Hall & Oates and part Steve Miller Band, Mama's Gun immersed its listeners into a 70s pop/soul groove and made Routes to Riches one of the year's freshest CDs. (CR)

Maroon 5: Hands All Over.Probably the closest to imagining a more R&B version of the Fab Four - Maroon 5 delivers an infectious, solid collection that summarizes the best of pop melodies without diminishing their solicitude for Michael Jackson-Stevie Wonder grooves. (JMC)

Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Hands down the newest and freshest kid on the block, Bruno Mars delivers an interesting mix of pop ‘n soul that stands out as one of 2010's brightest efforts. (JMC)
Frank McComb: A New Beginning. Frank McComb's recording past may have played like a soap opera, but he returns both rejuvenated and spiritually at peace on perhaps the greatest album of his enviable career. (CR)
Gabbie McGee: Mississippi's Daughter -- In this superb musical scrapbook, Gabbie shares some memories of her southern upbringing alongside an eclectic collection of jazz, funk, rock, gospel and soul. (PO)
Janelle Monae: The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III). Ambitiously experimental using a clever design of provocative genrebending, Janelle Monae' proves with her first major project that she's not trying to be a part of R&B's rat race; she's inventing a whole new playground. (JMC)
P.J. Morton: Walk Alone. Reminds all that simple soul pop still reigns supreme among fans. Easy melodies, straight-forward sentiment, and the birth of a new gospel classic in his 'Let Go' duet with his famous Bishop father ensures that the junior Morton will never walk alone again. (LMG)
Mike Phillips - M.P.3. The eagerly anticipated 'M.P.3' delivered all that was expected and more; a solid project that infuses elements like Stevie Wonder's harmonica solo, Natalie Stewart's spoken word piece & other features that enhance Phillips' sassy, yet sultry, sax blends. (DH)
Gregory Porter: Water. Gregory Porter's influences, ranging from Nat 'King' Cole to Kevin Mahogany and John Hendricks, can be heard on Water, and that's good company. Porter's songwriting and arrangements that fuse jazz with soul make Water a standout recording. (HD)
Rena Scott: Take Me Away -- Rena pays homage to the heroes she worked with (including The Temptations) and to the pure passion of seventies and eighties R&B in this highly recommended Amor Records release. (PO)
John Stoddart: Faith, Hope, Love. Love inspired some of history's best works of art. And in this story of love and struggle, John Stoddart crafted one of the best CDs I've heard this year. Stoddart manages to avoid musical ruts on Faith, Hope, Love, an album that explores the marriage relationship in all of its complexity.
(HD)
Avery*Sunshine: Avery Sunshine. Fans' immediate love for this promising debut harkens back to the introductions of Jill and Erykah. Fresh and full of finger-popping grooves and heartfelt ballads that aptly showcase this bottom heavy voice and adroit key and composition work, Avery brings the sunshine. (LMG)
Toussaint: Black Gold.On Black Gold, Toussaint combined the best of reggae music with genres such as funk, soul and hip-hop. Black Gold shows that reggae's forte of strong vocals and lyrics that speak truth to power and give encouragement and hope to the masses can still be relevant in 2010.

Lizz Wright: Fellowship. Deliciously unexpected in its arrangements and old gospel/spirituals selections, it completely lives up to its mahogany vocalist's festival circuit hype. Rock and soul hits get the stripped-down, jubilee chorus treatment to dizzying effect - much like Wright's talents. (LMG)

Zo!: Sunstorm.Listening to this artist/producer evolve from minimalist 80s inspired hip hop productions to lush, spacey, panoramic soundscapes worthy of Norman Connors, Pharaoh Sanders, or at least Rod Temperton is a joy. Joined by A-list underground vocalists like Phonte, Monica Blaire, and Sy Smith, Zo's Sunstorm shines. (LMG)

HONORABLE MENTION:

Adriana Evans - Walk With The Night

Aloe Blacc - Good Things

Blue Sixx - Noesis

Calvin Richardson: America's Most Wanted

Cee Lo - Stray Bullets

Chris Rob - Mental Notes

Cody ChestnuTT-Black Skin No Value

Conya Doss: Blu Transition

Dira: Something About the Girl

Eric Benet: Lost In Time

Incognito: Transatlantic RPM

KeKe Wyatt-Who Knew?

Kem: Intimacy

Maysa: A Woman In Love

Monica: Still Standing

NeYo - Libra Scales

R. Kelly -Love Letter

Rhonda Thomas - Listen

Sonnyboy - The Barfly Theory

Trombone Shorty: Backatown

Will Downing: Lust, Love & Lies

Vic Frierson: Th'owback

Yahzarah: The Ballad of Purple St. James

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Credits

Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 3 Rat
YearAlbumArtist
2018 An Introduction ToWilson Pickett Producer
2018 ExposedMillie Jackson Arranger, Composer, Producer
2018 Step by Step: The Complete Pop HitsJoe Simon Producer
2017 Guitar for SaleRay Scott Bass
2017 The Complete Atlantic Albums CollectionWilson Pickett Composer, Lyricist, Producer, Remix Engineer
2016 Let's Groove: The Archie Bell & the Drells StoryArchie Bell & the Drells Producer
2016 Ultimate Legends: LiveJames Brown Composer
2015 Mr. Magic Man: The Complete RCA Studio RecordingsWilson Pickett Arranger, Composer, Conductor, Producer, Remix Engineer, Rhythm Arrangements
2015 The Complete Atlantic RecordingsJackie Moore Composer, Producer
2015 The Very Best of Bettye Swann, 1964-1975Bettye Swann Producer
2014 Dusty Heard Them Here First Producer
2014 One in a Million: The Songs of Sam Dee Producer
2014 The Complete Atco RecordingsDee Dee Warwick Producer
2014 The Complete Atlantic RecordingsBettye Swann Composer, Producer
2014 The Complete Atlantic Singles PlusThe Sweet Inspirations Producer
2013 Something New to Do: The Phillip Mitchell Songbook Producer
2012 Have Mercy! The Songs of Don Covay Producer
2012 Rolling with the Punches: The Allen Toussaint Songbook Producer
2011 Singles A's & B's, Vol. 3: 1969-1972Joe Tex Producer
2011 The Singles, Vol. 10 (1975-1979)James Brown Arranger, Composer, Producer
2011 The Singles, Vol. 11: 1979-1981James Brown Arranger, Composer, Producer
2010 Original Album SeriesJ. Geils Band Producer
2009 I'm on My Way/With Your LoveJackie Moore Composer
2009 Just the Facts: The Complete Kayvette Recordings 1975-1978Facts of Life Producer, Arranger, Remixing, Performer, Executive Producer
2008 Cold Sweat LiveJames Brown Composer
2008 Soul and FunkJames Brown / Herbie Hancock / Quincy Jones Composer
2008 Soul for the DancefloorMillie Jackson Composer
2008 Take Me to the River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977 Producer
2008 The Very Best of Garland GreenGarland Green Producer, Arranger
2007 AnniversarySly & Robbie Composer
2007 Change Is Gonna Come: The Voice of Black America 1963-1973 Composer
2007 Double Dynamite!James Brown Composer
2007 Godfather of Soul [Madacy]James Brown Composer
2007 Godfather of Soul, Disc 3James Brown Composer
2007 GoldJames Brown Producer, Arranger, Composer
2007 Kokomo/Rise and ShineKokomo Producer, Remixing
2007 Live [Alpha Centauri DVD]James Brown Composer
2007 MastercutsJames Brown Composer
2007 Pick It WilsonWilson Pickett Composer, Lyricist, Producer
2007 The New York Sound 2 Composer
2006 Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Brothers Producer
2006 Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Sisters Producer, Composer
2006 Child of the SeventiesBettye LaVette Audio Production, Original Recording Producer, Composer, Producer
2006 Karaoke: Wilson Pickett Composer
2006 Live at Chastain ParkJames Brown Composer
2006 Soul Togetherness 2006 Producer
2006 The Definitive Soul CollectionWilson Pickett Original Recording Producer, Composer
2006 The Definitive Soul CollectionSam & Dave Producer
2006 What It is! Funky Soul and Rare Grooves: 1967-1977 Producer
2005 Northern Soul's Classiest Rarities, Vol. 2 Producer
2005 Rock On: Breakout YearsJames Brown Composer
2005 The Collection [Performax]James Brown Composer
2004 Give It Up or Turn It LooseJames Brown Composer
2004 Greatest Hits [Collectables]James Brown Composer
2004 Please Please Please [Pazzazz]James Brown Composer
2003 Greatest Soul on EarthJames Brown Composer
2003 It's Too Funky in HereJames Brown Composer
2003 Keep on Moving: De Luxe RemixFunkstar De Luxe Composer
2003 Masterpieces of Modern Soul Producer, Arranger
2003 Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It: Best of the RCA YearsWilson Pickett Composer
2003 The 50th Anniversary CollectionJames Brown Composer
2002 Ain't It Funky Now! Composer
2002 In ConcertJames Brown Composer
2002 Original Funk Soul Brother [2002]James Brown Composer
2002 Plenty Good Lovin': The Lost Solo AlbumSam Moore Producer
2002 Super Bad: LiveJames Brown Composer
2002 Super HitsJohnnie Taylor Producer
2002 The EssentialsWilson Pickett Composer
2001 Can You Dig It? The '70s Soul Experience Producer, Arranger, Conductor, Composer
2001 Mega Soul Composer
2001 Millie Jackson EssentialsMillie Jackson Composer
2001 Papa's Got a Brand New Bag [Goldies]James Brown Composer
2001 Remixed Dance HitsJames Brown Composer
2001 Sweet Taste of Sin: Sensual Breakbeat Soul Producer
2000 25 Years of R&B: 1971 Composer
2000 Great James Brown [Platinum Disc]James Brown Composer
2000 Great LiveJames Brown Composer
2000 James Brown [Magic Collection]James Brown Composer
2000 Keep on Movin: It's Too Funky in HereFunkstar De Luxe Composer
2000 LifetimeJohnnie Taylor Original Session Producer
2000 Papa's Got a Brand New Bag: Live at Chaiston ParkJames Brown Composer
2000 Really Heavy Soul Composer
2000 Sanctified Soul [Kent] Producer, Arranger
2000 Sex and SoulMillie Jackson Producer, Composer
2000 SouvenirsBettye LaVette Producer
2000 The Beat Goes On: Atlantic's Dance Through the 50s, 60s and 70s Producer
2000 The Little Black Egg [Big Beat]The Nightcrawlers Producer
1999 Between the SheetsMillie Jackson Producer
1999 Caught Up/Still Caught UpMillie Jackson Producer, Conductor
1999 Classic Dinah WashingtonDinah Washington Producer
1999 His Greatest HitsJoe Tex Producer
1999 Live at Studio 54James Brown Composer
1999 Masters [Cleopatra]James Brown Composer
1999 On StageJames Brown Composer
1999 So Soulful 70's Producer
1998 Dead on the Heavy Funk 1975-1983James Brown Producer, Arranger, Composer
1998 Funky GoodtimeJames Brown Composer
1998 Godfather of SoulJames Brown Composer
1998 Gold Collection [Fine Tune]James Brown Composer
1998 Sex Machine [Masters]James Brown Composer
1998 The Godfather of Soul LiveJames Brown Composer
1998 The Soul SingerStan Mosley Composer
1998 Ultimate 70's R&B Smashes Producer, Composer
1997 ...And MoreCreative Source Producer, Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements
1997 AnthologySteve Alaimo Producer
1997 Golden Hits [Galaxy]James Brown Composer
1997 Greatest Hits: The Spring Years, 1970-1977Joe Simon Producer, Arranger, Conductor
1997 James Brown's Golden ClassicsJames Brown Composer
1997 Soul of Spring Producer, Arranger, Conductor, Composer
1997 Stop and Listen, Vol. 2Jasper the Vinyl Junkie Composer
1996 40th Anniversary CollectionJames Brown Producer, Arranger, Composer
1996 Cold Sweat [Hallmark]James Brown Composer
1996 Legends of Acid JazzIdris Muhammad Composer
1996 Mega Funk Composer
1996 Rated X-Traordinaire: The Best of Johnnie TaylorJohnnie Taylor Producer
1996 She Didn't Know: The Atco SessionsDee Dee Warwick Producer
1995 Anthology [Motown]Diana Ross Composer
1995 Billboard Hot Soul Hits: 1971 Composer
1995 Cause I Love You: The Best of Lenny WilliamsLenny Williams Producer
1995 Live [Summit]James Brown Composer
1995 Live in ConcertJames Brown Composer
1995 TK Deep Soul: Sunshine Girls Producer
1995 The Best of 25 Years of Swamp Dogg...Or F*** the Bomb, Stop the DrugsSwamp Dogg Engineer
1995 The Best of Charly Groove [2 CD] Composer
1994 At Studio 54James Brown Composer
1994 Nuttin' Less Nuttin' Mo'College Boyz Composer
1994 Precious, Precious: The Best of Jackie MooreJackie Moore Producer, Composer
1994 Rock N' SoulMillie Jackson Producer, Composer
1994 The Best of T.K. Soul Singles Producer
1994 Tightening It Up: The Best of Archie Bell & the DrellsArchie Bell & the Drells Producer
1994 Turn It LooseJames Brown Composer
1993 Sam & Dave: Sweat 'n' Soul Anthology (1965-1971) [Disc 2]Sam & Dave Producer
1993 Sweat 'n' Soul: Anthology (1965-1971)Sam & Dave Producer
1993 The Very Best of Wilson Pickett [Rhino]Wilson Pickett Composer, Lyricist
1992 A Man and a Half: The Best of Wilson PickettWilson Pickett Producer, Composer, Lyricist
1992 Atlantic Sisters of Soul Producer
1992 Blue Funk Composer
1992 Is BackJames Brown Composer
1992 Pimps, Players & Private Eyes Producer
1991 Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 [Box] Composer, Lyricist
1991 Mood, Heart and Soul/TodayJoe Simon Producer, Engineer, Arranger, Conductor
1991 Original Showman LiveJames Brown Composer
1991 Star TimeJames Brown Producer, Arranger, Composer
1990 Soul JubileeJames Brown Composer
1990 The Marvin Gaye CollectionMarvin Gaye Composer
1988 The Golden Age of Black Music: 1970-1975 Composer
1985 Wilson Pickett's Greatest Hits [1985]Wilson Pickett Composer
1984 The Little Black Egg [Eva]The Nightcrawlers Producer
1983 E.S.P. (Extra Sexual Persuasion)Millie Jackson Producer
1983 The Very BestDiana Ross Composer
1982 Hard TimesMillie Jackson Producer, Vocal Arrangement, Rhythm Arrangements
1981 Just a Li'l Bit CountryMillie Jackson Producer, Arranger
1980 For Men OnlyMillie Jackson Producer, String Arrangements, Composer
1980 Hot on the OneJames Brown Composer
1980 I Had to Say ItMillie Jackson Producer, Composer
1980 PeopleJames Brown Composer
1980 Royal Rappin'sIsaac Hayes / Millie Jackson Producer
1979 A Moment's PleasureMillie Jackson Producer, Rhythm Arrangements, Composer
1979 Live and UncensoredMillie Jackson Producer, Composer
1979 The Original Disco ManJames Brown Composer
1978 Get It Out'cha SystemMillie Jackson Producer, Composer
1977 Feelin' BitchyMillie Jackson Producer
1977 Standing Up for LoveThe Three Degrees Producer
1976 Free and In LoveMillie Jackson Producer
1976 HotJames Brown Composer
1976 Lovingly YoursMillie Jackson Producer
1976 Motown Disco-O-Tech #3 Composer
1976 Rise and Shine!Kokomo Producer, Engineer
1975 Across the WaterVicky Leandros Producer, Composer
1975 In Your EyesAndy Fraser Producer, Audio Production
1975 Still Caught UpMillie Jackson Producer, Conductor, Rhythm Arrangements, Composer
1974 Becky HobbsBecky Hobbs Producer
1974 Caught UpMillie Jackson Producer, Percussion, Orchestration
1974 I Got to Try It One TimeMillie Jackson Producer, Arranger, Remixing, Conductor, Composer
1974 Live in JapanWilson Pickett Composer
1974 Pickett in the PocketWilson Pickett Producer, Arranger, Composer
1973 Diana & MarvinMarvin Gaye / Diana Ross Composer
1973 It Hurts So GoodMillie Jackson Producer, Arranger, Conductor, Composer
1973 Mr. Magic ManWilson Pickett Composer
1973 Power of SimonJoe Simon Composer
1973 Sweet Charlie BabeJackie Moore Producer, Audio Production, Main Personnel, Percussion
1973 The Two Headed FreapRonnie Foster Composer
1972 From the Roots Came the RapperJoe Tex Composer
1972 Love Is Here and Now You're GoneTami Lynn / Tamiya Lynn Producer
1972 The Patterson SingersThe Patterson Singers Producer, Engineer
1971 Don't Knock My LoveWilson Pickett Producer, Remixing, Composer
1971 Heavy Soul [Festival] Producer, Composer
1971 Peace & RhythmIdris Muhammad Composer
1970 Black Rhythm Revolution/Peace & RhythmIdris Muhammad Composer
1970 Right OnWilson Pickett Producer
1970 The J. Geils BandJ. Geils Band Producer
1969 Dancin' With Nobody But You BabeClarence Reid Producer, Engineer, Arranger, Composer
1969 There's Gonna Be a ShowdownArchie Bell & the Drells Producer, Arranger
1968 My First Time AroundBetty Wright Producer, Arranger, Audio Production, Composer
1966 It's a Man's Man's Man's WorldJames Brown Composer
1965 Papa's Got a Brand New Bag [Polygram]James Brown Composer
Deep Shadows: Best of Kent Ballads Producer
Masterpieces of Modern Soul, Vol. 5 Producer
Soul on the DancefloorJoe Simon Arranger, Conductor, Producer
Sweet Dreams: Where Country Meets Soul, Vol. 2 Producer
TimelessValerie Ponzio Bass
What Can I Tell HerJ.P. Robinson Producer