Z
The Best Thing That’s Happened To Me
A2 You Were Wrong (Z.Z. Hill 3:15)
A3 Your Love Makes Me Feel Good (Fred Hughes 3:00)
A4 My Adorable One (Clara Thompson, Irral Berger 3:10)
A5 Can I Get A Witness (Holland-Dozier-Holland 2:45)
A6 Love In The Street (A. Snyder, G. George 2:45)
B1 Your Love (Fred Hughes 2:47)
B2 Cause I Love You (Fred Hughes 2:53)
B3 Dream Don't Let Me Down (Fred Hughes 3:18)
B4 Friendship Only Goes So Far (J. Lewis 3:21)
B5 The Red Rooster (Willie Dixon 2:47)
B6 Ain't Nothing You Can Do (D. Molone, J. Scott 2:53)
Label: United Artists/Hill Records – UAS-5589
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Z.Z. Hill's The Best Thing That's Happened to Me (1972) is a pivotal soul/blues album, a strong blend of deep soul and emerging country-blues, showcasing Hill's powerful, heartfelt vocals, with notable tracks like the classic "Ain't Nothing You Can Do" (a Bobby Bland cover) and strong originals such as "Friendship Only Goes So Far," proving his versatility before his later mainstream success on Malaco Records, with reviewers praising its smooth production and authentic storytelling.
This United Artists release is celebrated for expertly mixing traditional soul with country-blues influences, a style Z.Z. Hill would later master. Critics highlight Hill's amazing voice and soulful delivery, noting his ability to convey raw emotion and storytelling.
The album features polished production, often with New Orleans session players like The Meters and producer Allen Toussaint, creating a rich, soulful sound. It marked Hill's move to a major label and foreshadowed the deep, uncompromising blues he'd deliver later in his career, establishing him as a major voice in Southern Soul.
Reviews describe it as a "soulful gem," a "well-judged mixture," and a strong album that bridges Hill's earlier work with his later iconic style, earning praise for its authenticity and musical quality.
The Brand New Z.Z. Hill
The Brand New Z.Z. Hill is a blues/soul/funk concept album by American singer Z.Z. Hill, highly regarded as one of his best works. It was produced, arranged, and conceived by the iconic producer Jerry Williams Jr., better known as Swamp Dogg, at the legendary Muscle Shoals studios in Alabama.
The album is a unique "blues/soul/funk concept album" (sometimes described as a "blues opera") that explores themes of love gone wrong, heartbreak, and second chances, featuring Z.Z. Hill's raw and emotional vocals.
The album is noted for its distinctive "Swamp Dogg vibe," combining classic Southern soul with bluesy guitars, Southern brass, and touches of funk.The first five tracks are loosely structured as a "Blues at the Opera" suite, featuring narrative elements and atmospheric production. The latter half of the album shifts to more traditional, hard-hitting Southern soul tracks.
The album was a commercial success for Hill, yielding the hit singles "The Chokin' Kind" and "Faithful and True," which helped define his soul-blues sound.
The original album consists of ten tracks. Remastered and reissued versions of the album often feature additional bonus tracks and alternate song versions.
Zulema
A2 This Child Of Mine 2:45
A3 If I Loved You 2:43
A4 Maybe I'm Amazed 2:54
A5 If This World Were Mine 3:42
B1 Don't Be Afraid 2:38
B2 Why Do I Love You 2:55
B3 American Fruit, African Roots 5:20
B4 Ain't It Sad 2:19
B5 I Remember Mama 3:16
A3 Written-By – Oscar Hammerstein II, Music By – Richard Rogers
A4 Written-By, Music By – Paul McCartney
A5 Written-By, Music By – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Zulema Cusseaux (tracks: A1, A2, B1 to B5)
Label: Sussex – SXBS 7015
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Zulema's 1972 self-titled debut album on Sussex Records is a rich, powerful soul record showcasing her soaring alto voice, blending gospel roots with sophisticated 70s soul, featuring her piano playing, covers like McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," and profound tracks such as "American Fruit, African Roots," establishing her as a major voice in soul music.
It balances tender ballads with rhythmic soul, rich instrumentation, and powerful vocals, echoing influences like Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin.
Zulema plays piano throughout, with arrangements featuring layered percussion (Ralph McDonald), guitar (Cornell Dupree, John Tropea), and bass (Gordon Edwards).
Her voice delivers energy and pride, drawing from gospel traditions with sophisticated arrangements.
She penned seven of the ten tracks, exploring themes of heritage, family, and love.
The album was produced and arranged by Bert De Coteaux, with Cissy Houston on backing vocals.
It Marked a powerful solo entry after her time with Faith, Hope & Charity, and positioned her as a formidable force in 70s soul and R&B.
The album garnered enough buzz to secure Zulema an opening spot on tour with major artists like Bill Withers and the Isley Brothers.