Legend has it that the “rap” preceding the song itself was born out of necessity, as he needed to explain to his audience what it was all about. Although Hayes and his band loved the 1967 Glen Campbell hit, his audience were completely unfamiliar with it. The prelude grew and grew, and became an integral part of the song.
The mix of strings, back-up vocals, R&B horns, guitar, and Ike’s smooth as silk vocals combine to make this song an amazing achievement. A statement in fact that holds true for the entire album.
This reissue contains two additional tracks, the edited single versions of “Walk On By” and “By The Time I Get To Phoenix.” While they are interesting artifacts, I really cannot imagine anyone preferring them to the original full length versions.
The record retains all of the power and originality it did upon its release 40 years ago. Although Isaac Hayes would go on to even bigger success a few years later with Shaft, I do not think he ever topped Hot Buttered Soul.
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