"Victim of Love" envelops listeners in a rich tapestry of urban R&B, characterized by its warm, analog production and lush instrumentation. The album features a blend of classic soul elements with contemporary grooves, showcasing Bradley's powerful, raspy vocals against a backdrop of vibrant horns, smooth strings, and rhythmic guitar lines. Tracks like "You Put the Flame on It" and "Let Love Stand a Chance" pulse with an infectious energy, while slower ballads such as "Crying in the Chapel" highlight emotional depth through their intimate arrangements. The textures throughout the album are both raw and polished, creating a distinctive sound that feels timeless yet fresh, inviting listeners to experience love's complexities.

Album: Victim of Love by Charles Bradley (2013)
Genre: R&B | Style: Urban/R&B
Format: Album

Artist Background: Charles Bradley (born 1948, Gainesville, Florida), commonly referred to as "The Screaming Eagle of Soul," is a funk/soul/R&B singer signed to the Daptone Records label under the Dunham Records division. His performances and recording style are consistent with Daptone's revivalist approach, celebrating the feel of funk and soul music from the 1960s and 1970s. One review stated that Bradley "echoes the evocative delivery of Otis Redding". He is the subject of a documentary, Soul of America, tha... Part of the Gainesville, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with R&B movement. Known for Urban/R&B style.

Related Artists: Menahan Street Band, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, The James Hunter Six, Lee Fields

Music Scene: Part of the Gainesville, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with R&B movement. Known for Urban/R&B style.

Tags: R&B, Urban/R&B, 2010s, Album

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Where Charles Bradley’s 2011 debut LP sounded like it was recorded in 1971, his 2013 sophomore album plays like it was unearthed from a 1973 time capsule. Working again with Menahan Street Band leader Thomas Brenneck, who discovered Bradley busking around New York City, <i>Victim of Love</i> is a natural evolution. “Strictly Reserved for You” opens with a Memphis-flavoured horn section and vintage fuzz-guitar leads buzzing under Bradley’s soulful croon. This time around, his melodies are noticeably more uplifting. Both “You Put the Flame on It” and the amorous ballad “Let Love Stand a Chance” resonate with the sunny soul of classic Stax vinyl. Those craving Bradley’s signature melancholy musings should turn to the lovelorn title track and the funky “Love Bug Blues”.

Victim of Love

Charles Bradley

Track List

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