The age-old adage, “good things come to those who wait”, has never been truer than for Charles Bradley.
Coming from a background of homelessness and hardship, the “Screaming Eagle of Soul” didn’t release an album until the age of 62.
Just two years later, it seems the former James Brown impersonator is making up for lost time with his second, Victim of Love.
Laden with down tempo funky beats, album opener “Strictly Reserved For You” could easily be mistaken for a hit of the mid-1960s.
Bradley’s voice jumps out at you immediately, full of emotion as he croons, “I’m tired of the city life”. Backed by the Menahan Street Band, the horn section makes a soaring accompaniment to his soulful vocals.
“You Put The Flame On It” is almost impossible not to tap your feet to, as Bradley wails like a man in love, “You make me shine/Like I never shined before.” The major piano chords, punchy horns, back-up singers and a perfectly timed guitar solo all add up to a feel-good soul tune.
The title track takes a rare turn for the acoustic, with only simple guitar chords and sparse percussion letting Bradley’s voice shine.
“Confusion” garners a mention if for nothing other than the fact it diversifies the album with its psychedelic opening and heavy effects throughout. Largely influenced by Blaxploitation, Bradley doesn’t sing as much as yell, yet in an effective and captivating way.
He channels such predecessors as Marvin Gaye and James Brown, particularly in tracks like “Crying In The Chapel” and “Hurricane”, with guttural grunts and elongated endings.
This is a man so full of emotion that sometimes, it seems, he can’t express it in words.
It’s hard not to take Bradley’s personal life into account when listening to Victim Of Love. That being said, regardless of where he has come from, this is a record that is uplifting, honest, and simply enjoyable to listen to. At times it tugs at your heartstrings and others, makes you want to dance up a storm; and that’s a pretty good combo.
