Introduction
"Young Boy Blues" is an emotional and genuine album launched in 1964 by the famous American singer-songwriter Ben E. King. The album includes a collection of twelve tunes, showcasing King's powerful vocals and the unique sound that made him among the most prominent and appreciated artists of his time. The album has actually become emblematic of the early 60s soul and R&B category and stays a favorite among fans.
Background
Following the success of his groundbreaking hit "Stand by Me" in 1961, Ben E. King continued to solidify his status as a leading soul and rhythm and blues singer with the release of a number of albums and songs. In 1964, King launched "Young Boy Blues", an album that includes a wide variety of feelings, from melancholy to pleasure, and highlights his capability to convey raw emotion through his voice.
Tracklist
The album consists of twelve tracks, each showcasing King's knack for storytelling and his unmatched vocal expertise. A few of the standout tracks on the album include:
1. "Young Boy Blues"-- The album's title track, "Young Boy Blues", informs the tale of a boy battling with the heartache that love can bring. King's emotive singing delivery and the song's sluggish, bluesy groove make this track a memorable opener for the album.
2. "Here Comes the Night"-- This uptempo track includes an appealing tune and driving beat, highlighting King's capability to excel at both slow ballads and dynamic, dance-worthy tunes.
3. "Ecstasy"-- As the title suggests, "Ecstasy" communicate sensations of bliss and happiness, with King's smooth vocals completely capturing the mood.
4. "Show Me The Way"-- Another lighthearted, up-tempo track, "Show Me The Way" is a perfect example of King's flair for crafting catchy and danceable R&B tunes.
5. "I Could Have Danced All Night"-- A thoroughly crafted nod to the timeless Broadway musical "My Fair Lady", King brings a totally brand-new and emotional viewpoint to this renowned song.
Amongst the other tracks included on the album are "What Now My Love", "Two Loves", "Something You Got", "It's All Over", "Here Comes The Night", "Speak Her Name", and "This Is My Dream".
Legacy
"Young Boy Blues" is considered as a classic album in the Soul and R&B category and shows why Ben E. King stays one of the most enjoyed and cherished artists of his time. The album reveals King's enormous versatility as a singer, as he flawlessly moves in between heart-wrenching ballads, smoother love songs, and danceable R&B tunes.
Since its release, "Young Boy Blues" continues to be celebrated for its effective and emotive technique to the Soul and R&B sound, motivating numerous musicians to follow in King's footsteps. The album paved the way for King's ongoing success and his long lasting influence on the music world.
Conclusion
"Young Boy Blues" is an outstanding representation of the early 1960s soul and R&B sound that helped catapult Ben E. King to famous status. With its mixture of psychological ballads and dance-worthy tunes, the album is a must-listen for fans of timeless soul music and for those wishing to learn more about the genre's roots. Its raw emotion and extraordinary sound make it a timeless treasure that continues to captivate listeners over five years after its release.
Artist: Ben E. King
Ben E. King, born Benjamin Earl Nelson in 1938, from his gospel upbringing to iconic songs like Stand by Me and memorable quotes.
More about Ben E. King