Be Altitude: Respect Yourself

Be Altitude: Respect Yourself

Buoyant, incredibly life-affirming funk-pop abounds on this breakthrough album for the family band. This 1972 effort was the Staple Singers' most successful proper album: "I'll Take You There," "Respect Yourself," and "This World" all charted in the Top 20. And while it's easy to see why those songs charted with a single listen, none of the album consists of filler. This is quite nearly a perfect feel-good record, from the tight, horn-driven arrangements to the wonderfully robust vocals of Mavis Staples. Mavis served as Aretha Franklin's only real competition back in the day, and she sings her heart out throughout this album. Al Bell's arrangements are spot-on throughout, and it's hard to think of a funkier rhythm section than the Muscle Shoals crew at work here.

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