The perfect mix of gospel and secular messages was achieved by the Staples Singers, led by Roebuck “Pops” Staples and anchored by daughter Mavis, who is still actively recording and on tour. This 7disc boxed set (and accompanying booklet) contain all of the albums (and a collection of singles and “live” sessions) they recorded for STAX, which is when they took as step from their previously strictly gospel albums and blended in more secular messages in order to “hit the streets”.
The set begins with 1968s undeservedly obscure and most overtly religious STAX release, Soul Folk In Action” which includes a couple of social protest pieces like “Long Walk To DC” and “The Ghetto” with Mavis delivering a tour de force rendition of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) Top of the Bay” and The Band’s “The Weight” with Pops giving an avuncular “This Year”. 1970s We’ll Get Over continues the folk messages with Joe South’s “Games People Play” a Sunday feeling “Every Day People” and a rewording of Billie Holiday’s “God Bless The Children” while Randall Stewart’s “When Will I Get Paid” a closing highlight. Next year’s self-titled album was the first one produced by Al Bell and essentially began their signature sound, with Yvonne Staples replacing sister Pervis and adding to the three hits “Heavy Makes You Happy”, “Love Is Plentiful” and “You’ve Got To Earn It”.
In 1972 they hit their stride with the chart topping Be Altitude: Respect Yourself which topped the pop and R&B charts with “Respect Youself”, “This World” and anthem “I’ll Take You There” perfectly blending gospel with social conscious soul. Their followup had the testifying “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” and a rich read of Bill Withers’ “Granma’s Hands”, even including a take of Duke Ellington’s “Heaven”. Their final STAX session in ’74 hits hard with the opening “Back Road into Town” as well as a return to their gospel roots in “Who Made The Man”, completing the unbroken circle. The bonus disc has their set from the historic WATTSTAX concert in 1972, with the band energized throughout, with a nice read of “Heavy Makes You Happy” and “I’ll Take You There”.
This band put the “soul” in soul music!