64-year-old soul singer Charles Bradley (a.k.a. the Screaming Eagle of Soul) is a bit of a late bloomer. Bradley only gained the attention of a wider audience just a few years ago with the success of his debut album, No Time for Dreaming, and a documentary, “Charles Bradley: Soul of America,” which chronicles his life as a James Brown impersonator whose hardships and somewhat nomadic life make for an unbelievable and uplifting story. Coming off a roller coaster past few years Bradley returns with his sophomore album Victim of Love, which lets go of some of the adversity and melancholy vibes from his debut in favor of the theme of love in all its glory and heartbreak. Victim of Love is another stellar set of old-school soul tinged songs with psychedelic touches filled with horns, fuzzy guitars and woodwinds and of course, Bradley’s captivating vocals. Bradley bares all in his songs, conveying such an immediacy with his intimate lyrics and passionate delivery, that he makes truly accessible music that finds immediate connection with audiences. Standouts among the eleven tracks include: warmhearted slow burners like “Let Love Stand a Chance” and “Crying In The Chapel”, the funky get up and dance “Love Bug Blues” and “Confusion!”, and the feel-good “You Put The Flame On Me.” All in all, Victim of Love is an accomplished album that remains true to Bradley’s soul and appeal while demonstrating that he can take things to the next level. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, James Brown, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Menahan Street Band, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings