User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
Soulsville Image
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

  • Artist(s): Huey Lewis, Stef Burns, Johnnie Bamont, Rob Sudduth
  • Summary: From the early '80s on, this San Francisco-based band has had a slew of hits and, with the latest album, continues to experiment with vintage soul and rock.
Buy Now
Buy on

Top Track

Little Sally Walker
Little Sally Walker Sittin' in a saucer Ride, Sally, ride Wipe your weepin' eyes Put your hands on your hips Let your back bone slip I want you... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Nov 4, 2010
    70
    It's an unhurried, affectionate tribute, the News riding grooves that are considerably cleaner than the classic Stax sides they love so much, but they nevertheless wind up with a warm, soulful vibe.
  2. 70
    If you're a fan of the Memphis music of the '60s, and/or Huey Lewis, this album is a good bet. Soulsville won't be on the charts long in this day and age, but its songs are timeless, and Lewis and his band do a nice job of paying homage to the music of this bygone era and its creators.
  3. 60
    But aside from transposing the keys--a measure most likely taken to suit a limited vocal range--these songs take few liberties.
  4. Nov 9, 2010
    60
    Instead of recycling the catchy tunes of his '80s heydays, Lewis has gone back to his roots, delving straight into the Stax Records catalogue. Welcome to Soulsville.
  5. Uncut
    Dec 20, 2010
    60
    Huey's gruffy mannered vocals predominate--apparently the aim is to steer listeners to the originals, in which case, job done. [Jan 2011, p.94]
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 4, 2010
    50
    Huey and his News tackle vintage tracks from the Stax library on this good-natured but unnecessary covers disc. [5 Nov 2010, p.71]
  7. Nov 5, 2010
    33
    There's a lot to be said for Lewis' work ethic and nose-to-the-grindstone grit. What these songs need, though, isn't grunting, grueling workmanship--it's soul. And Soulsville just doesn't have it.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Nov 6, 2010
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. nice album from these guys from San Francisco. My favourite is Soulsville, okay it is not Isaac Hayes who sings it, but still a very nice version. congrats. Expand