Cover of Isaac Hayes The Best Of The Polydor Years
Paolos

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For fans of isaac hayes, lovers of classic soul music, and readers interested in 70s-80s american black soul and musical history.
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THE REVIEW

THE MUSIC OF THE SOUL OF THE BLACK MOSES

Isaac Hayes, born in Tennessee in 1942, better known by the nickname 'The Black Moses', is one of the greatest exponents of American black soul music.

This album is a collection; the songs contained here all date back to the late '70s and early '80s. He is a very well-known figure in the States, partly due to his past as an actor and partly because he authored the beautiful and famous soundtrack of the police film "Shaft", which was hugely successful in the '70s. Huge, statuesque, and imposing physique, bald head, and thick black beard, gaze concealed behind enormous black glasses, just glance at him for two seconds to realize you're facing a monumental figure in 'Soul.' We often find him at the electric keyboard (his primary instrument), although in some pieces, he also dabbles in the xylophone, marimba, and alto sax.

The twelve tracks on the album are pure compositions in perfect black music style, ranging from the sweetest and slow ballads to the most rhythmic and powerful soul tracks; all magnificently accompanied by the warm, deep, profound, and unmistakable voice of the artist. All twelve tracks are splendid, 'Soul' velvety, powerful, and refined at the same time, always extremely effective.

However, particularly noteworthy: "Moonlight Lovin' (Menage A Trois)" endless (10 minutes) and very rhythmic in full black style, the rich brass and the notes of the electric piano (which here more than ever are reminiscent of some tracks by Stevie Wonder) of the legendary "Don't Let Go", then the slowest and soft ballads "What Does It Take" and especially "Wherever You Are"; finally, the enchanting and dreamy closing track "It's Heaven To Me", whispered and not sung by the author. For the composition of this last song, Hayes had as a muse an announcer of a commercial television, never actually known to the author. But to compose the love song, he pinned her poster on the wall of his hotel room opposite the keyboard, and the magical notes emerged by themselves.

An immense album, extraordinary, little known in our country, much more famous in the States. I highly recommend it to all those who appreciate soul music, as it truly represents one of its highest expressions.

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Summary by Bot

This review praises Isaac Hayes' album The Best Of The Polydor Years as an exceptional soul music collection from the late 70s and early 80s. It highlights his powerful voice, skilled instrumentation, and standout tracks like 'Moonlight Lovin'' and 'Don’t Let Go.' The reviewer highly recommends the album to soul music fans and regards Hayes as a monumental figure in black soul music.

Tracklist Lyrics

01   Moonlight Lovin' (Ménage À Trois) (09:58)

02   Wherever You Are (05:39)

03   Lifetime Thing (05:33)

04   It's Heaven To Me (04:18)

05   Zeke The Freak (04:18)

06   Out Of The Ghetto (05:44)

07   Don't Let Go (07:15)

Hear that whistle it's 10 o'clock -- Don't let go, Don't let go
Come on baby it's time to rock -- Don't let go, Don't let go
I'm so glad Ive got you here -- Don't let go, Don't let go
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear -- Don't let go, Don't let go

Oo-ee, mmm this feelin' is killin' me
Aw shucks, well I wouldn't stop for a million bucks
I love you so, well hold me tight and Dont Let Go

Thunder, lightnin, wind and rain
Love is formin' inside my brain
Im so eager I'm nearly dyin'
You've been keepin' your lips from mine

Refrain

Come on and kiss me, kiss me sweet
Hold me tight baby and don't let go

Ahh, you gotta love me
I want ya, I want ya, I really, really want ya
All night, feels so right
Hold me tight, Don't let go

Hound dogs barkin upside the hill
Love is draggin him through the mill
If it wasn't for havin you, girl
I'd be a-howlin and a-barkin too

Refrain

I need ya so, girl
Hold me momma
Hold me tight if it takes all night but don't let go
Don't, Don't let me go
I wouldn't stop for a million bucks cause I love you so
No, no I love you so, yeah
Hold me tight if it takes all night but don't let go
It's alright, it's alright girl
I wouldn't stop for a million bucks cause I love you so
No, no don't let me go

Don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go

Hold me tight if it takes all night but don't let go
Don't you dare let me go girl
I wouldn't stop for a million bucks cause I love you so
I said I really, really love you
Hold me tight if it takes all night but don't let go
I wouldn't stop for a million bucks cause I love you so

cpdelo

08   What Does It Take (05:55)

09   A Few More Kisses To Go (06:05)

10   Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (06:46)

11   You Can't Hold Your Woman (06:04)

12   It's All In The Game (05:53)

Isaac Hayes

Isaac Hayes (born 1942 in Tennessee) was an American soul musician, songwriter and actor, nicknamed 'Black Moses'. He is known for Hot Buttered Soul and for composing the soundtrack to Shaft.
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