Mavis Staples‘ second solo album, Only for the Lonely, is a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and heart-lifting record, with the songs expressing a lot of emotions and moments Staples was living through at the time.
“I Have Learned to Do Without You,” with its slow-dance guitar and drums and soulful string arrangements, automatically lets you know this album is going to be full of songs to which anyone who’s been through heartbreak can relate. Staples sings, “I got over you!”, but you’re not sure if that’s 100% accurate. “How much water can you pour in a boat before that boat begins to sink?” Staples asks on “How Many Times” – in which her exasperation with a lover comes through in every note.
She finds better times on “Endlessly,” as she sings, “You were made for my arms to surround.” to a lover to whom she’ll be “as faithful as the sunrise.” The horn section on “You’re the Fool” is a great backup to Staples’ powerful and soulful voice. On “Since I Fell for You,” her gospel vocal training shines and makes you pay attention.
“What Happened to the Real Me” is a powerful anthem for jilted lovers everywhere, with Staples’ backing band putting down a solid groove while horns and strings charge behind her voice. “Since You Became a Part of My Life” and “It Makes Me Wanna Cry” are back-to-back, going from praise of a lover and how they changed Staples’ outlook on life to Staples being crushed after his departure. It shows how well she can sing either type and make you feel all those emotions. The closer, “Don’t Change Me Now” has Staples thanking her lover for taking the time to build the love they have, and pleading that he doesn’t screw it up. You’ll think, “Yep. That guy’s an idiot if he thinks he’ll find better.”
Only for the Lonely is a perfect title for the record, as Staples sings to those of us (all of us?) who have felt that emptiness and hope cycle of love again and again.
Keep your mind open.
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