Rolling with the Punches: The Allen Toussaint Songbook cover

Rolling with the Punches: The Allen Toussaint Songbook

Released

Two dozen songs from the master as recorded by artists across three decades and from around the world. Solomon Burke’s ‘60s deep soul read of “Get Out of My Life Woman” works just fine next to the smoother sound of the Judds’ lowkey “Working in the Coalmine.” Toussaint’s songs were empathetic enough for singers like Bonnie Raitt, Millie Jackson, and Maria Muldaur. They’re also versatile enough to translate to a new generation of blue-eyed soul singers like Boz Scaggs and Robert Palmer, and sound right at home in the countrypolitan confines of Glen Campbell’s cotton candy take on “Southern Nights.” It’s the rare compilation that’s a deep dive even while just skimming the surface of this particular songbook.

Andy Beta

Recommended by

Suggestions
Happy End cover

Happy End

はっぴいえんど [Happy End]
Life on Earth cover

Life on Earth

Hurray for the Riff Raff
It’s About Time cover

It’s About Time

Hank Williams, Jr.
No Apologies cover

No Apologies

Nolan Porter
Off the Wall cover

Off the Wall

Michael Jackson
Sons of Soul cover

Sons of Soul

Tony! Toni! Toné!