Hot Buttered Soul

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Hot Buttered Soul · Isaac Hayes's first solo album sold poorly for Stax. He was about to return to his work behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter when, in 1968, the label lost its entire catalogue after the break with Atlantic. The label boss Al Bell had all the artists record new work. Hayes demanded complete creative control for a second record, and got it.

He recorded the album in Memphis with the Bar-Kays, played Hammond organ and sang live while conducting the band. Strings and horns were added later in Detroit, for a full orchestral sound beneath the rhythm section. There are only four long tracks on it, including a twelve-minute version of Walk On By and one of almost nineteen minutes of By the Time I Get To Phoenix. The album topped the R&B chart, received glowing reviews and is regarded as a milestone in soul.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Walk On By12:00Apple Music ↗
2. 2Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic9:37Apple Music ↗
3. 3One Woman5:09Apple Music ↗
4. 4By the Time I Get To Phoenix18:44Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗