"The best thing about Soulive has always been their combination of jazz with funk, hip hop, and soul. I've never heard anything quite like it, because nobody really does it. That is not what this album is. If you want to hear a "real" Soulive album, get Turn It Out or Soulive, or go on Archive.org and download some shows (completely legal - Soulive supports show trading). I appreciate that they are taking a new road, exploring musical possibilities as it were, but I miss the old Soulive. This CD lacks the kind of groove that made me fall in love with the band, lacks solos almost completely, and as Gracenote (iTunes CD database) categorized it (quite accurately), is pop.
This won't turn me off from seeing them live again; I'll be the first one in line, but I don't feel this album displays what makes Soulive special. The reason I didn't give this 1 star is because I am a fan of the band, and I understand that they're just exploring, but please, please don't think this is what Soulive is all about."
New direction, Same infectious talent
K. Beers | orlando, fl United States | 08/02/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Soulive has wandered down a completely new and exciting path. The addition of vocals and carefully sculpted and structured songs is a major change from the deep and dirty funk these guys once brought to their live shows. But their talent and song writing ability shine through brilliantly. Rather than focusing on individual merits through solos this album shows the bands ability to blend with one another and to put out consistent modern soul music that still manages to stay true to both the roots of the band and the origins of soul music itself. There are a number of Standout tracks such as "Waterfall" "One of Those Days" and the openly sweet and sexy album closer "Kim" (Written and sung by the group's drummer Alan Evans). This record is going to be a shock for longtime Soulive fans who expect the usual funk from the group but those fans who are open to new musical experiences will find that the talent and energy that have become a hallmark of Soulive are present throughout. Pick this one up, lay back poor some wine and dig.
"
Jamband Fans need to go find another band
First Flight | NC | 08/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm tired of all these jamband fans coming up here and ripping Soulive for branching out and trying something different. I've been a fan since Doin' Something and I think this album is great. I listen to it every day and I've also seen them perform live with the new material twice and it's even better live. As mentioned before Toussant is the first singer that can match his voice with Soulive's sound. For those that have seen the new material live Neil, Eric, and Alan still have solos where the jam out so you're able to see their unbelievable musicianship. This album is going to get Soulive to the masses mark my word and for those that don't like it move on to something else."
Straight up... no groove
Brice W. Payne | charlotte,nc | 08/24/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"So, Soulive fans get steamed when reviewers don't like this cd because they are comparing it to either live shows, old studio work or preconceived expectations. How about this review then: IT'S BORING!
From beginning to end the album takes me nowhere. I don't listen to music to be bored. I listen to be moved, and when this new effort is finally over... I didn't go anywhere.
The best thing about 'No Place Like Soul' is the name.
For me, it's not the fact that there is now a full time vocals, it's not even the sound of his voice, it's the uninteresting/watered down song writing and composition. I'll listen to just about anything as long as the songs are well written and well played.
This seems to me to be a phoned in effort by the brothers when it came to constructing some tunes.
Terribly unfortunate!"
Give it a minute to grow on you
SanchoVilla | Berkeley,CA | 08/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OK. Looks like I'm going to have to come to bat for the best band of all time. I have big beef with Amazon's review of this album. 1st of all, throughout the years Soulive's staple has always been their ability to change their sound yet retain their local fan base. Many fans have their preference. Some loved the oldschool trio material,others loved the sound that came about when horns were added and now they have a full time vocalist named Tousaint who in my humble opinion fits the trio like Willie Mays' glove. For the last couple of years they've been experimenting with sit-in vocalist. Artists like Chaka Khan,Ivan Neville,Reggie Watts,Goapele and one night for some super-lucky people in Los Angeles....Stevie Wonder jumped on stage to jamm a few precious minutes. For those that are new to Soulive I'll admit that this album might not come out and bite you right away but as any long-time fan would tell you....it is a COMPLETELY different experience to hear them live. Neal Evans' organ/clavi/bass chops,Eric Krasno's guitar rifts and Alan Evans' tight pocket drumming are still killn'. I can absolutely garuntee that after you hear the new material live you'll be listening to this album over and over again.The sound is different no doubt but this is hands down their most complete album from top to bottom. Head to Soulive.com and check their tour schedule to see if they're shaking the walls at a club near you. Peace!"