Sould Out by George Harris: A Raw, Soul-Stirring Ride That Packs a Punch
Alright, let’s get real here. Sould Out by George Harris ain’t your typical Sunday morning gospel record—it’s got teeth, grit, and enough funk to shake the pews loose. Released in 1969 outta Sweden (yeah, you heard me right), this album hits like a freight train of raw emotion. The label, Hemmets Härold, might not ring bells for most folks, but trust me when I say they struck gold with this one.
First up, “Amen.” Holy crap, where do I even start? This track grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s less about singing and more about shouting from the depths of your soul. Harris belts it out like he’s trying to wake the dead—or maybe just give God an earful. The horns punch through the mix like brass knuckles, while the rhythm section lays down grooves so thick you could spread ‘em on toast. You don’t listen to “Amen”—you feel it. Every time that choir jumps in, it’s like getting hit with a wave of pure energy. By the end, you’re either praising the heavens or wondering if someone slipped something into your coffee.
Then there’s “Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit,” which flips the vibe but keeps the fire burning. This one’s smoother, sure, but don’t mistake smooth for soft. Harris turns this classic into a full-on spiritual assault, layering rich harmonies over a bassline that feels like it’s crawling up your spine. There’s a moment halfway through where the organ solo kicks in, and dude—it’s like the clouds part and angels start breakdancing. No joke. If this track doesn’t make you wanna clap your hands or stomp your feet, check your pulse. You might be dead.
What makes Sould Out stand out is how unapologetically raw it is. Harris doesn’t care about polish; he’s too busy pouring his heart onto the tape. And yeah, some parts sound rough around the edges, but that’s what makes it human. It’s messy, it’s loud, and damn if it ain’t beautiful.
So here’s the kicker: Why did a Swedish label back in ’69 decide to drop a gospel/funk hybrid that sounds like it came straight outta Detroit? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe they saw something we missed. Or maybe—just maybe—they knew they had lightning in a bottle and didn’t give a damn what anyone thought. Either way, Sould Out deserves way more love than it gets. So grab yourself a copy before it disappears forever. Seriously. Do it now.
And hey, if you ever find yourself lost in life, throw this album on. Let George Harris remind you what it means to have soul—and why sometimes, being a little rough around the edges is exactly what the world needs.
