Solomon Burke – Like A Fire

Solomon Burke – Like a Fire
Solomon Burke

A late-career statement from one of soul music’s most commanding voices, Like a Fire finds Solomon Burke in powerful form—gravel-toned, deeply expressive, and fully in control of a sound that blends classic soul, blues, gospel, and contemporary Americana. The album pairs Burke’s monumental vocal presence with modern production and a carefully assembled group of high-calibre musicians.

Produced with a strong collaborative spirit, the record features contributions from artists such as Ben Harper and songwriter-musicians like Keb’ Mo’, helping bridge traditional soul with a more contemporary roots-driven sound. The result is an album that feels both grounded in history and relevant to its time.

The title track, written by Eric Clapton, sets the tone with emotional intensity and rich orchestration, combining strings with blues-inflected guitar and a slow-burning arrangement that suits Burke’s authoritative delivery. Throughout the album, themes of redemption, reflection, love, and spiritual resilience recur, delivered with unmistakable conviction.

Tracks like “A Minute to Rest and a Second to Pray” and “Thank You” lean into gospel tradition, while “We Don’t Need It” and “Understanding” introduce a more contemporary singer-songwriter sensibility, shaped by the tight rhythm work of drummer Steve Jordan.

Like a Fire stands as a moving late-period work—rooted in soul tradition, yet open to modern collaboration, and anchored by one of the most powerful voices in American music history.

Tracklist:

1. Like a Fire – 5:06
2. We Don’t Need It – 5:03
3. The Fall – 3:36
4. A Minute to Rest and a Second to Pray – 4:24
5. Ain’t That Something – 3:56
6. What Makes Me Think I Was Right – 3:06
7. Understanding – 3:37
8. You and Me – 3:05
9. Thank You – 4:03
10. If I Give My Heart to You – 3:14