061 - The Beatles

Beatles album Rubber Soul  (1965) is almost entirely filled with songs that don't exceed the three minute mark. Despite almost religiously sticking to this time-constraint the album exudes welcome diversity in its tracks. This song might not make many people's 'Top 5 Beatles Songs' lists, nor  others' 'Favourite Rubber Soul Tracks'. It is a little soppy and the harpsichord bridge in the middle sounds outdated. Yet there's something in the lyrics I'm drawn to. Without going too deep they are both reflective and warm, endearing the listener to them.

The Beatles - In My Life

023 - The Temptations

This track has everything good soul should have: lead and support vocals of equal merit, coupled with the touching sentiment of an imperfect love, expressed worthily through simple and sincere lyrics.

The Temptations - Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)

016 - Jefferson Airplane

True story: the female vocalist of Jefferson Airplane at the time of White Rabbit - Grace Slick - was invited to the White House in 1970 for a reception held by Nixon's daughter, during his presidency. Upon arrival, however, she was refused entry. This proved a wise act of the security personnel, for, as Slick claims, she was planning on spiking Nixon's tea with LSD.

009 - Etta James

As a child my dad played me lots of Soul. It seems at its most powerful when lover's woes not joys are foregrounded. More emotion pours out of the heavier side of the genre. Somehow, I find beauty in its sadness.

Etta James - I'd Rather Go Blind