Freedom Highway

I can thank Pandora.com for this purchase - I started a radio station for blues-Gospel (seeded with The Blind Boys of Alabama). Staple Singers songs started coming on, and I found myself turning up the volume and checking the artist every time. It's incredible music - passionate, powerful, profoundly musical and spiritual and relevant. This is before the Staple Singers moved to Stax and attained more mainstream success, and it is firmly in the Black Gospel tradition, but with clear social messages ("Why? Am I treated so bad," "Hammer and Nails," and "Freedom Highway") along with the more spiritual songs ("Will The Circle Be Unbroken," "Wade in the Water," "Nobody's Fault but Mine," "This Train"). Most songs feature Pops on guitar (rich, soulful lines) and vocals, along with three daughters (most famously Mavis) and son joining on vocals. Drums, bass, and other guitar sometimes join, but the vocal harmonies and Pops' guitar are at the forefront. A moving musical experience. Highly recommended for all listeners of soul, classic R&B, gospel, folk, or blues music.

This superb classic is best savored imagining yourself on a quiet dock by the Mississippi River, sun going down in a sultry, peach-colored sky, frogs and catfish jumping, while you slowly enjoy a fine sipping-whisky, such as Ardbeg Uigedail . This is the CD I turn to after a hard day. Especially after dealing with "-isms" regarding race, gender, age, and/or religion. To recover equilibrium, or simply add beauty to your life, listen to the soft buttery voice and masterful blues-guitar of Pops Staples, and delicious sounds of the whole Staples family; food for the soul, musical bliss. Mavis Staples is otherworldly good. I wish the Staple Singers were even more widely known, so that kids today could grow up on gospel, blues, and soul, not just over-commercialized racket. Masterpieces include "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," "Why? (Am I Treated So Bad)," "Hammer and Nails," "Freedom Highway," and "This Train." I can't recommend this album highly enough. Thank you Staple Singers; Amen.

This album is truly fantastic. The down-home, country-blues gospel sound of the Staples is amazing, from the vocal harmonies, to Pops' guitar work. A piece of American history.

Good historical album.

The songs are simple, the harmonies are gorgeous, and the guitar playing is haunting. When Mavis starts to sing get ready for the goose bumps. The contrast between the lead vocals of Pops and Mavis is simply chilling. Wonderful songs, haunting yet simple guitar sound and superb vocals make this disc a true keeper. I love this disc.

The Staple Singers to me are the embodiment of what gospel should be. And oh my, Pop Staples still has some serious funky soul even at his age, as demonstrated by his solo efforts. Mavis Staple's solo album 'The Voice' is just as down and funky as you can get, even if as an over all album it can get just a tad preachy. Some throw away songs but overall a must have gospel album which allows you to get your groove on in a positive way. The Staple Singers should be considered a staple of any gospel collection.

I have always enjoyed the Staple Singers music, and this CD, Freedom Highway, brings back loving memories. When I was much younger, my late aunt would come home from work in the evenings, and this would be the first record she played. She would sing and clap to the music and have me singing and clapping, too. In a way, I think this is the reason that I purchased this CD. It lifts my spirits and makes me feel alright!

My friend in Brooklyn ask me to find Freedom Highway by one of the best gospel singing groups of all time. I had no problem finding it on Amazon.com. They shipped the CD directly to him Brooklyn and he enjoys it. The Staples singers are one of the best gospel groups ever and we grew up listening to them in Louisiana.

Staple singers in their prime, doing what they do best.

Case had a large crack. Music is phenomenal. A must have