Wilson Pickett - American Soul Man (1987)

If Wilson Pickett had arrived at Motown 20 years earlier, the reaction would have been frenzied. But by the time he joined them in 1987, the once-great company was in the throes of a horrible slump.

Pickett's late-'80s album for them was painful. It wasn't half bad as far as production and arrangements, and Pickett's vocals were better than anticipated. But the songs sounded third-rate, and while he did get one single onto the lower rungs of the charts, "Don't Turn Away," this wasn't the Pickett everyone loved or wanted to hear.

Although not as good as his 60's Atlantic sides, at least these 1987 Motown tracks show that Wilson Pickett's vocal prowess had not waned over the years. In my view, soul lost its way during the 80's and this album gives the impression of both the artist and the record company seeking a new direction.

In that respect it doesn't quite work - not the stereotypical Motown sound and definitely not the Southern Soul of Memphis or Muscle Shoals.

With a mix of both slow and up-tempo numbers, it is the ballads that show Pickett at his best and the MusicHound R&B Essential Album Guide lists this as ".....worth searching for: American Soul Man is a brief stop at the legendary Detroit R&B label that finds Pickett in good voice - perhaps inspired by the hallowed surroundings".

With only nine tracks I was left wanting more (always a good sign), but at least the shortest track is four minutes long with the longest, a live version of "In The Midnight Hour", lasting almost eight minutes.

Sadly, this re-working of his classic hit didn't work for me but others might find it more enjoyable.

1.   A Thing Called Love - 4:09

2.   When Your Hear Speaks - 5:04

3.   Love Never Let Me Down - 3:59

4.   A Man Of Value - 4:06

5.   (I Wanna) Make Love To You - 4:02

6.   In The Midnight Hour - 6:22

7.   Don't Turn Away - 4:27

8.   Just Let Her Know - 4:28

9.   Can't Stop Now - 4:07

Label - Motown Records