Album: What Is Soul

Introduction
"What Is Soul" is a soul and R&B album by American artist Ben E. King launched in 1967. This album includes King's distinct, effective vocals and uniquely personal analysis of pop music from that period, along with original structures. "What Is Soul" showcases King's broad variety of musical designs, proving the singer's development from his early Drifters days to his later on, growing solo career.

Background and Recording
The year 1967 was a time of transition for popular music, with artists significantly checking out social and political themes. This change is shown in Ben E. King's option of songs for the album "What Is Soul". The album was produced by Ahmet Ertegun, the creator of Atlantic Records, and discovers King adjusting to various genres, moving from funk and gospel to jazz and blues, all in a way that demonstrates the diverse meaning of "soul".

Recorded at different studios in New York City, "What Is Soul" brings together a few of the most gifted artists of the time, consisting of keyboardist Paul Griffin, bassist Jerry Jemmott, and drummer Bernard Purdie. Their collective vision and collaboration resulted in a musically cohesive album that weds King's apparent voice with the versatile plans.

Highlighted Tracks
"What Is Soul" contains twelve tracks and kicks off with a cover of the Isley Brothers' hit tune "Get Out of My Life, Woman". King's version retains the confident mindset of the original while including a smoother, more refined feel. The album's title track, "What Is Soul", is an introspective and reflective tune that questions the significance of soul music. In this track, King conveys deep emotions and takes the listener on a philosophical journey.

Another standout tune, "Cry No More", presents King's emotive vocals versus a background of gospel-inspired music. His rendition of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", which was initially tape-recorded by Nina Simone, shows the effective scope of his voice and highlights the album's theme of soul-searching. In addition, King's analysis of James Brown's "Please, Please, Please" incorporates a slower, blues-infused tempo that showcases the singer's capability to draw empathy and pain from the listener.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "What Is Soul" got important praise for its experimentation with various sounds and musical styles. It strengthened Ben E. King as one of the leading figures in the soul and R&B categories. Although the album's tunes did not accomplish substantial industrial success, the record remains a seminal and influential work in the history of soul music.

The album has actually aged gracefully and stands the test of time as a necessary piece of soul and R&B history. It has been reissued on vinyl and CD numerous times, permitting new generations to experience and appreciate King's expedition of the soul category.

Conclusion
Ben E. King's 1967 album "What Is Soul" remains a powerful testament to his artistry and talent. Drawn from varied impacts, the album helped define the sound of soul music and sealed King's status as an ageless performer. Its styles of self-reflection and empathy, combined with excellent musical arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, renders the album a necessary piece of soul and R&B history. With "What Is Soul", King supplied the world with a soul-stirring sonic journey that continues to resonate more than five years later on.