By the early '70s, despite a roster that included
the Dramatics and
Isaac Hayes, Stax Records was winding down.
The Staple Singers, signed to the label in the late '60s, always provided hit singles and respected album efforts. Despite their gospel beginnings, the Staple Singers' biggest draws became
Pops Staples' blues-based "devil's music" guitar and
Mavis Staples' breathy and sexy vocals. Their 1972 album,
Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, all but set the template for their subsequent work.
Be What You Are in some respects is an often overly cautious follow-up. The first single, "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)," comes off as a softer take on "I'll Take You There." While the implications of having a narrow lyrical scope did impede the group somewhat,
Be What You Are has the group mining familiar terrain with minimal wear. Tracks like "Love Comes in All Colors," "Tellin' Lies," and the masterful "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend" are all strong and well-produced tracks in the group's rural yet urbane style. The effort's lone cover of
Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands," despite
Mavis Staples' lead, comes up short due to the perfection of the
Withers original.
Mavis Staples also gets two solo efforts here, including
Bettye Crutcher's tough "Drown Yourself" and the spare "Heaven."
Be What You Are isn't as strong or innovative as its predecessor, but it is a cohesive album and a must-have for fans. ~ Jason Elias