Artist: Brook Benton Album: Home Style

Year: 2013
Duration: 0:0-1

Brook Benton's Home Style Album: A Critical Review

Brook Benton was a legendary American singer-songwriter who brought his touch to various music genres, including soul, R&B, and pop. The Home Style album, released in 1970 by Atlantic Records, was one of the most significant works of his career. In this blog post, we will take a journey through the different parts of the album, with a brief history of the artist, and review the most innovative songs. As a listener, you will learn what makes this album stand out from the rest.

History of Brook Benton

Benjamin Franklin Peay, popularly known as Brook Benton, was born in South Carolina in 1931 and raised in the Bronx, New York. He was a well-known singer-songwriter during his time with a career spanning over four decades. With over 50 charting singles to his name, Benton's soulful voice was idolized as the sound of the 1960s and 1970s. He died in 1988, but his music remains timeless.

Music genre and album review

Home Style was one of Benton's most exceptional works, as his voice blended effortlessly with the music arrangement. The album comprises soul-infused R&B tracks with pop and country elements, creating a fresh sound that still resonates with listeners today. Benton's signature voice, paired with the southern rhythm section, makes every track on the album captivating.

The best songs of the album

Rainy Night in Georgia is a sentimental ballad, which is known to be Benton's signature song. It is melancholic, yet has an element of reassuring hope, setting it apart from other love songs. Country Comfort is another beautiful track with a pop and country feel that showcases Benton's vocal range. Lie to Me and I've Got to be Me are classics worth mentioning.

Most innovative parts

Most innovative parts

One of the most remarkable aspects of the album is the use of the steel guitar, which was uncommon in R&B and soul music at the time. The innovative use of the instrument makes the album stand out from other contemporaneous works. The songs' arrangements are exceptional, from the sparseness of the tracks to the beautiful harmonies that accentuate Benton’s voice, creating a beautiful soundscape.

A critic to the album

While the Home Style Album is a masterpiece, it does not shy away from heavy-handed ballads, which may not appeal to some listeners. Also, while the album has a fresh sound, it still belongs to a genre that was saturated at the time, which may make some people dismiss it.

In conclusion, Brook Benton's Home Style Album is a nostalgic classic, capturing the essence of the 1970s and Benton's signature style. While some tracks may need an acquired taste, the album remains exceptional and worth a listen. The combination of genres that receive equal attention creates a unique sound, which sets it apart from other works of the time. The album proves once again that Benton remains one of the most talented musicians of his time.