Etta James’ 1973 self-titled album finds the singer igniting her gospel roots and blues leanings into a searing spiritual fire, replete with growling soul vocals and a scathing attitude. The stark “God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)” is the record’s biggest surprise, railing as it does against the deity’s apparent failures, while languid ballad “Down So Low” taps into James’ well-versed darkness. There are lighter moments, however, as on “All the Way Down,” where winking flutes and brassy trumpets funk up a classic soul number.
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