Candi Staton: His Hands

Elly Roberts reviews

Candi Staton: His Hands
Distributed by
Honest Jons

    Cover

  • Cat.no: HJRCD23
  • Released: March 2006
  • Rating: 10/10

Joss Stone, Macy Gray and Corinne Bailey Rae are making a good living out of being ‘soul pretenders’ – now comes the real thing.

Thirty years on, 66 yearold Canzetta Maria Staton aka Candi Staton (pronounced Stay-ton) is stillremembered for her disco hit Young Hearts Run Free. More recently, shere-charted with an outstanding remix of The Source’s You Got The Love.

She’salso a very successful TV preacher and gospel singer in America. With thisstirring CD, she joins the likes of Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight as oneof the true greats.

Dropping the secular tag, she goes back to her roots.

Riddled with real pain and agony (the true essence of soul music),the divaopens her heart fusing classic soul/country-gospel/blues, Staple Singersstyle.


Coming-on strong as the wronged woman, she successfully revisits the MuscleShoals sound of years gone by. In the sleeve notes, Staton says, “This isthe music I’ve had in my heart for many years. I call these tunes ‘lifesongs’. These tracks speak to the areas of our lives that are affected byour own choices and decisions. Sometimes, our choices lead us into placesthat we wish we hadn’t gone, but “That’s Life.”

Taking those sentiments on board, it looks like Ms Staton’s gone through themill and back, all wonderfully captured with every ounce of reflectiveconcentration. Each lyric targets the heart and shakes it up, as the openingsong; You Don’t Have Far To Go hits the spot.

The singing, mostly balladeering, is some of the best she’s ever done, witha touch of huskiness to add to the empathetic nature of the writing. Usingall her diverse musical experiences she consummately pools them togetherinto this profound listening experience.

Top tracks – How Do I Get Over You, I’ll Sing A Love Song To You and theupbeat Running Out Of Love.

One of the greatest southern soul albums ever recorded.

Weblink:Candi-Staton.com


The full list of tracks included are :

1. You Don’t Have Far To Go
2. When Hearts Grow Cold
3. It’s Not Easy Letting Go
4. His Hands
5. How Do I Get Over You?
6. You Never Really Wanted Me
7. I’ll Sing A Love Song To You
8. In Name Only
9. Running Out Of Love
10. Cry To Me
11. When Will I?

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