(August 27, 2022) The world lost the great Ben E. King eight years ago, but his vast catalog as both a solo singer and the lead vocalist of the Drifters lives on.
Back in 1995, Ben E re-recorded some of his biggest career hits, including “Stand By Me” and “Spanish Harlem.” And those recordings, which didn’t match the originals for power or impact, have largely sat dormant for years. Now, Cleopatra Records has brought in Bootsy Collins, Ronnie Earl, Bette Smith and Rafael Riqueni to resuscitate those recordings, adding new vocals and instrumentation, to create the 2022 release, Supernatural Soul.
While some of the recordings still don’t measure up to King’s illustrious past, Bootsy’s help on “Supernatural Thing” in particular is smile inducing, and is certainly worth checking out. Listen to it below below.
Track List:
1. Stand By Me feat. Bette Smith & Ronnie Earl
2. Supernatural Thing, Part I feat. Bootsy Collins
3. Spanish Harlem feat. Rafael Riqueni
4. Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)
5. Amor
6. Do It In The Name Of Love
7. I Had A Love
8. Seven Letters
9. Stand By Me
10. Supernatural Thing, Part I feat. Bootsy Collins (Instrumental)
11. Drifters Medley: This Magic Moment / Dance With Me / There Goes My Baby / Save The Last Dance For Me