Charles Bradley
Charles Bradley was an influential American funk and soul singer, born on November 5, 1948, in Gainesville, Florida. He spent his early years in Macon, Georgia, raised primarily by his grandmother after his mother left shortly after his birth. This tumultuous childhood shaped much of his life and music career, infusing his work with deep emotional resonance.
Bradley began his journey in music at the age of 18 when he moved to New York City. His life took a significant turn when he saw a performance by James Brown, which inspired him to pursue a career as a singer. However, it took years of struggle and obscurity before he gained recognition in the music industry. For a long time, he worked various jobs, including as a cook and a friend to some struggling musicians, but his passion for music never waned.
It wasn't until his 2011 album "No Time for Dreaming," released under the Daptone label, that Bradley gained significant attention. His raw and powerful voice, coupled with heartfelt lyrics, resonated with audiences, positioning him as a prominent figure in the soul revival of the 2010s. His style was often compared to that of soul legends, yet he maintained a unique authenticity that distinguished him from his peers, including labelmate Sharon Jones.
Throughout his career, Bradley released several albums, such as "Victim of Love" (2013) and "Changes" (2016), the latter of which was produced in response to the profound grief over his mother's passing. His music often conveyed themes of personal struggle and resilience, reflecting the adversities he overcame, including homelessness and health issues.
Bradley's influence extended beyond his recordings. He was known for his electrifying live performances, where his passion and energy captivated audiences. His ability to convey deep emotional experiences through his music and performances earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Sadly, Bradley’s life was cut short when he passed away on September 23, 2017, after battling cancer. His legacy continues to be celebrated, marking him as a significant figure in the soul music landscape, admired for his extraordinary talent and inspiring story of resilience against the odds.
Changes
2 Good To Be Back Home (C. Bradley, D. Guy, H. Steinweiss, L. Michels, T. Brenneck, V. Axelrod 3:04)
3 Nobody But You (C. Bradley, D. Guy, H. Steinweiss, L. Michels, N. Movshon, T. Brenneck 4:00)
4 Ain't Gonna Give Up (C. Bradley, D. Guy, H. Steinweiss, L. Michels, N. Movshon, T. Brenneck 3:56)
5 Changes (Ward, Butler, Osbourne, Iommi 5:46)
6 Ain't It A Sin (B. Profilio 3:52)
7 Things We Do For Love (T. Brenneck, WC Schalda 3:31)
8 Crazy For Your Love (C. Bradley, T. Brenneck 4:21)
9 You Think I Don't Know (But I Know) (D. Guy, L. Michels, T. Brenneck, V. Axelrod 3:30)
10 Change For The World (C. Bradley, H. Steinweiss, L. Michels, N. Movshon, N. Wray, T. Brenneck 3:36)
11 Slow Love (P. Schalda, T. Brenneck, WC Schalda 3:38)
Label: Dunham – DUN-1005, Daptone Records – DAP-041
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2016
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Funk
Changes is the third album by American funk/soul singer Charles Bradley, released on April 1, 2016, via Daptone Records' Dunham imprint. It is a deeply personal and emotional album that features his signature powerful, raspy "Screaming Eagle of Soul" vocals, moving from a sound strictly reverent to '60s soul to something more distinctly his own.
The album is named for Bradley's popular and acclaimed cover of the Black Sabbath song "Changes". Bradley was deeply affected by the lyrics, which he connected to the passing of his mother and the significant shifts in his life, giving his rendition a profound, heartbreaking vulnerability and soul not found in the original.
While firmly rooted in the vintage soul aesthetic of the 1960s and 70s, the album also incorporates elements of psychedelic bass, organ trills, and horn jabs, giving it a more modern and cohesive feel than his previous works. Produced by Thomas Brenneck, the record features contributions from a variety of Daptone house bands, including the Menahan Street Band, the Dap-Kings, the Budos Band, and The Extraordinaires.
Lyrically, the album is highly personal and emotional, touching on themes of love, loss, social justice, and personal transformation. Songs like "Change for the World" carry a powerful, almost sermonic message about social issues and the need for love.
The album was generally well-received by critics, holding an aggregate score of 80 on Metacritic. Reviewers praised Bradley's conviction, the raw power of his voice, and the album's ability to feel both vintage and thrillingly alive.
Changes solidified Charles Bradley's individual artistic voice, showcasing him as a formidable artist in his own right rather than just an impersonator, and remains one of his most recognized and beloved works.