The Screaming Eagle of Soul himself, the legendary Charles Bradley, left this world last year. His extraordinary life and dramatic entrance onto the global musical scene at such a late stage is an inspiration to people everywhere, just struggling to get by. He had a powerful message of loving each other as much as possible, a message he lived out not only by hugging fans, but forgiving those who had hurt him throughout his life. His final album, Black Velvet, is one hell of a way to go out.
Rather than a best-of collection, Black Velvet consists of all-new material recorded during the sessions for his previous three critically acclaimed albums. Kicking off with a bang, “Can’t Fight the Feeling” and “Luv Jones” are perfect examples of how the Screaming Eagle got his name. The rhythm section and horns are extra-tight, with psychedelic guitar and organ pushing everything to a soaring, uplifting pitch. It’s easy to imagine Bradley dancing, his face contorted into his trademark howl, bouncing all over the stage.
Known for his emotional cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” on Black Velvet, Bradley takes his voice and enthusiasm to “Stay Away” by Nirvana, “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young, and “Slip Away” by Rodriguez. It’s just more proof of his versatility as an artist and his appreciation for the way different music can move different people to the same goal of spreading a little more love to the world. This is also made clear in “(I Hope You Find) The Good Life,” a dripping, melting psychedelic chill-out, a moment to catch your breath.
As with all of Charles Bradley’s music, the most stand-out aspect is his raw, unbridled emotion. It sounds as if all his pain is being forcibly expelled in an exultant, triumphant roar. Songs like the teary-eyed “Fly Little Girl,” “I Feel A Change,” and album closer, the much-sought-after full-band electric version of “Victim Of Love” showcase his emotional appeal, pouring his heart and soul into every note he screams. The instrumental “Black Velvet” is a track that Bradley was never able to lay down vocals over, and it just melts with a beautiful sadness; you can hear him just wailing away if you close your eyes.
Make no mistake, this is no last breath of an artist slowly fading away. This is a jubilant celebration of a life spent trying to love as many people as possible. Charles Bradley was an example of the true persevering spirit: mountains of obstacles couldn’t get in his way, and he grabbed his life by the horns and wrestled it into submission, screaming about love, life, and emotions, all the way to the end. Charles Bradley went out like a blazing star, leaving a bright legacy in his wake. A fitting tribute to a true legend.
Rating: 10 out of 10
