Gospel, soul and R’n’B group The Staple Singers had released several albums before this 1972 outing on Stax, their most well-known album. It’s a sophisticated, urban take on the Southern soul sound, a rich production with plenty of electric keyboards, Moog and Mellotrons alongside the Muscle Shoals horns. Star of the show is of course lead vocalist Mavis Staples who is a powerful, raw presence throughout. She takes on blues, deep country soul and the two superb up-tempo hits ‘Take Me To the River’ and ‘Respect Yourself’ with consummate ease. Sophisticated southern soul.