I Wanna Be Free (album)
I Wanna Be Free is the debut studio album by British singer-songwriter Lorraine Ellison, released in 1966 on Mercury Records. The album is notable for showcasing Ellison's powerful vocals and soulful interpretations of classic R&B and soul songs.
Overview:
The album features a mix of original compositions and covers of popular songs. Its title track, "I Wanna Be Free," is one of Ellison's signature songs and is known for its raw emotion and gospel-infused delivery. Other notable tracks include Ellison's interpretations of songs like "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)" and "Stay With Me." The album's production is characteristic of the mid-1960s soul sound, featuring prominent horns, organ, and a driving rhythm section.
Track Listing:
While track listings can vary depending on the edition and format, a typical track listing for I Wanna Be Free includes:
- I Wanna Be Free
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)
- Stay With Me
- You Don't Know Nothing About Love
- Call Me Any Time You Need Some Lovin'
- Let Me Be Your Woman
- I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
- A Little Bit of Soap
- You Can't Take Something That Belongs To Me
- He's Available
(Note: This is a representative track list and may not be exhaustive or applicable to all versions.)
Critical Reception and Legacy:
I Wanna Be Free received generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising Ellison's vocal ability and emotional depth. The album has since become a cult classic among soul music enthusiasts. Its influence can be heard in the work of later soul and R&B singers. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success at the time of its release, the album has gained recognition over the years as a significant contribution to the soul music genre. Lorraine Ellison's renditions of the songs on the album are considered definitive by many.