This is the first studio album from The Staple Singers since bad diagnosis in 1991. Lead single “Heaven” and “That’s What Friends Are For” start with near-whispers before kicking into giddily catchy, fuzz box-driven hollered hooks. It’s natural for The Staple Singers to take a stab at ‘Heaven’ considering her long-professed love for Madonna. Great R&B: Soul right here!
The first time I listened to That’s What Friends Are For I was struck by its astounding sound. I’m On Your Side gives taste of what makes The Staple Singers special as a musician. This track is clearly meant to showcase The Staple Singers’s vocal abilities. Grandma’s Hands is a medium tempo tune. Still going through Be What You Are and coming to appreciate I Ain’t Raisin’ No Sand more and more with every listen. Only one song from Be What You Are named Drown Yourself really got me. Touch A Hand, Make A Friend - is a breath or fresh air compared to many previous songs of The Staple Singers. Medley: Love Comes In All Colors/Tellin’ Lies - The Staple Singers first major hit. Awesome song is really all that you can say about it. I now have Be What You Are as one of my personal favorites.
Be What You Are CD
| Song Name | Time | ||
| Heaven.mp3 | 3:36 |  |
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| That’s What Friends Are For.mp3 | 4:17 | |
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| I’m On Your Side.mp3 | 4:01 | |
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| Bridges Instead Of Walls.mp3 | 4:05 | |
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| Grandma’s Hands.mp3 | 2:43 | |
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| I Ain’t Raisin’ No Sand.mp3 | 6:34 | |
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| Drown Yourself.mp3 | 4:39 | |
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| Touch A Hand, Make A Friend.mp3 | 4:05 | |
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| Medley: Love Comes In All Colors/Tellin’ Lies.mp3 | 8:52 | |
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| If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me).mp3 | 4:29 | |
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| Be What You Are.mp3 | 5:03 | |
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