Etta James – At Last! (Black Vinyl)

LP – 180 Gram Vinyl

A masterpiece of blues and soul, At Last! marked the unforgettable debut of Etta James when it was released in November 1960. This timeless album showcases James at her peak, delivering a dynamic blend of blues, R&B, and jazz standards with a voice that oscillates between raw power and tender subtlety. Produced by Phil and Leonard Chess, the record features lush orchestral arrangements designed to highlight James’s crossover appeal, bringing an electrifying edge to every track.

The album is anchored by iconic singles like the spellbinding “At Last,” the heart-wrenching “All I Could Do Was Cry,” and the sultry “Trust in Me.” Beyond the singles, James breathes new life into classics like “Stormy Weather” and “A Sunday Kind of Love,” effortlessly bridging the gap between jazz sophistication and soulful grit. Her fiery growl and nuanced phrasing make each performance unforgettable, cementing her status as a vocal powerhouse.

Critics and fans alike have hailed At Last! as one of the greatest albums of its era. Rolling Stone praised James’s transformation into a “fiery interpreter” on this “spellbinding LP,” and AllMusic’s Stephen Cook described it as a “swinging and varied program” that stands as a testament to James’s vocal genius. The album’s enduring legacy is evident in its accolades: ranked #191 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and the 62nd best album of the 1960s by Pitchfork.

Commercially, At Last! delivered resounding success. Its singles dominated the Billboard R&B charts, with “At Last” achieving gold certification and becoming a standard for weddings and timeless romantic moments. Decades later, the album continues to resonate, a cornerstone of blues and soul history that captures the magic of Etta James’s unparalleled artistry.

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