Album Review: It’s A Shame / Taunting Love by Frankie Newsom
Frankie Newsom’s 1968 release, It’s A Shame / Taunting Love, might not be a household name today, but it’s one of those hidden gems that deserves a second listen. Released on USA Records, this Funk/Soul masterpiece captures the raw essence of late '60s American soul music. With only two tracks on the record, Newsom proves that sometimes less really is more.
The title track, “It’s A Shame,” hits hard right outta the gate. The groove grabs you instantly—it's got that slow-burn vibe where every instrument feels like it’s playing just for you. The bassline is deep and deliberate, while the horns add this punchy layer that makes you wanna move. What sticks with me most is how Newsom delivers the lyrics. There’s no over-the-top drama here; his voice carries this understated pain that feels real, almost like he’s telling you a story over coffee. You don’t forget lines like “It’s a shame how love can change” because they hit close to home without trying too hard.
On the flip side, “Taunting Love” takes things in a slightly different direction. It’s smoother, almost dreamy, with strings that wrap around you like a warm blanket. But don’t let the sweetness fool ya—there’s an edge to it. The rhythm section locks in tight, giving the song a heartbeat that keeps pulling you back in. This track lingers in your mind long after it ends, partly because of its effortless charm and partly because it feels timeless. I caught myself humming it hours later, which doesn’t happen often with older records.
What makes this album stand out isn’t just the quality of the songs—it’s the way Newsom manages to make something so simple feel so complete. In an era when albums were starting to get bloated with filler tracks, here’s a guy who said, “Nah, two songs are enough.” And honestly? He wasn’t wrong.
Reflecting on It’s A Shame / Taunting Love, it’s kinda wild how some records slip through the cracks. If this had come out even five years later, during the height of the vinyl boom, who knows what could’ve happened? Either way, it’s a reminder that great music doesn’t always need hype or fancy production. Sometimes, all it needs is heart—and Frankie Newsom’s got plenty of that.
So go ahead, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up stuck on repeat.
