Otis Redding – The Best Of Otis Redding

Otis Redding – The Best Of Otis Redding

Otis Redding – The Best Of Otis Redding is a superb collection of recordings from one of the defining voices of Southern soul and Memphis soul. Originally issued in 1984 by Atlantic, this 12-track compilation draws on recordings made between 1964 and 1968, covering the period in which Redding established himself as one of American soul music’s most powerful and distinctive singers.

The collection opens with “Mr. Pitiful,” one of Redding’s early collaborations with guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper, before moving through a series of essential performances including “My Girl,” “Respect” and the deeply soulful “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” These recordings showcase the combination of raw vocal intensity, gospel influence, tight rhythm sections and Memphis horn arrangements that became central to the classic Stax sound. Redding’s Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul, released in 1965, also featured several of these celebrated interpretations, including “Respect,” “My Girl” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.”

The second side brings together some of Redding’s most enduring performances. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” transforms the Rolling Stones’ rock song into a powerful soul interpretation, while “Try A Little Tenderness” builds from a restrained opening into one of Redding’s signature vocal performances. “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Hard To Handle” and “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” demonstrate his ability to combine rhythmic drive with his unmistakable gritty delivery.

The closing “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” carries particular historical significance. Recorded shortly before Redding’s death in December 1967 and released in early 1968, it became his best-known posthumous hit and represented a subtly different direction, blending his soul roots with a relaxed, folk-tinged sound.

With material spanning Redding’s breakthrough years and including many of his best-known songs, The Best Of Otis Redding is an excellent collection for fans of Stax Records, Atlantic soul, Southern soul, Memphis R&B and classic 1960s soul music. It also provides a concise snapshot of an artist whose influence continues to be heard across soul, rock and R&B.

Tracklist

Side A

A1. Mr. Pitiful – 2:36
A2. My Girl – 2:50
A3. Respect – 2:07
A4. I've Been Loving You Too Long – 3:14
A5. Love Man – 2:15
A6. Cigarettes And Coffee – 3:58

Side B

B1. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction – 2:43
B2. Try A Little Tenderness – 3:48
B3. I Can't Turn You Loose – 2:35
B4. Hard To Handle – 2:14
B5. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) – 4:39
B6. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay – 2:36