Description
Charles Bradley – Victim Of Love – Purple In Black Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
The screaming eagle of soul’s searing second album, repressed for VMP’s 10th anniversary
Pressed on exclusive purple and black A-Side / B-Side Vinyl
Heavyweight, foil-stamped tip-on jacket
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on April 2, 2013, Charles Bradley’s Victim of Love is the soul legend’s second studio album, following the critical success of his 2011 debut No Time for Dreaming. Bradley, who had lived much of his life in obscurity before finding success in his early 60s, delivers a powerful, raw, and deeply emotional record that blends vintage soul, funk, and R&B. Victim of Love expands on the heart-wrenching themes of love, loss, and redemption that characterized his debut, while showcasing his evolution as an artist and the profound depth of his personal experiences.
Known as “The Screaming Eagle of Soul,” Charles Bradley’s music is steeped in the tradition of classic soul artists like James Brown, Otis Redding, and Al Green. With his gritty, emotive voice and deeply personal storytelling, Bradley brings a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to Victim of Love that resonates with listeners, making it one of the standout soul albums of the 2010s.
Charles Bradley’s journey to becoming a professional musician is one of resilience and perseverance. Born in Gainesville, Florida, in 1948 and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bradley spent decades working menial jobs and performing as a James Brown impersonator under the name “Black Velvet” before being discovered by Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Daptone Records. Bradley’s debut album, No Time for Dreaming, released when he was 62, brought his long-overdue talent to a wider audience and established him as a leading figure in the retro-soul revival movement.
Victim of Love was recorded in collaboration with Menahan Street Band, led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Brenneck, who worked closely with Bradley to create a sound that honors the golden age of soul while pushing his music in new directions. While No Time for Dreaming was marked by its darker themes of struggle and pain, Victim of Love presents a more hopeful and upbeat perspective, as Bradley delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth.
Musically, Victim of Love builds on the retro-soul sound that Bradley is known for but incorporates more complex arrangements and varied influences. The album is filled with lush horns, groovy basslines, and funky rhythms that harken back to the golden era of Stax Records and Motown, but there are also moments of psychedelia and rock-infused soul, giving the album a dynamic and modern feel.
Songs like “Confusion” and “Where Do We Go From Here” feature tight, syncopated rhythms and brass-heavy arrangements, reminiscent of the funk and soul that defined the 1960s and 1970s. Bradley’s raspy, impassioned voice cuts through the instrumentation with intensity, adding a layer of emotional grit to each track. Tracks like “Love Bug Blues” and “Hurricane” incorporate psychedelic guitar lines and expansive soundscapes, pushing Bradley’s traditional soul sound into more experimental territory. These tracks give the album a unique edge and help it stand out from the more straightforward soul revival records of the time.
The album balances its funky, upbeat moments with deeply emotional ballads like “Through the Storm” and the title track, “Victim of Love”. On these songs, Bradley’s vulnerable, soulful delivery is front and center, allowing listeners to feel the pain and passion behind every lyric. His voice conveys both heartbreak and hope, making the ballads some of the most powerful moments on the album.
The title Victim of Love captures the album’s central theme: the joys and sorrows that come with love, and the emotional toll it can take on a person. Bradley’s lyrics reflect his personal experiences with heartache, loss, and ultimately, resilience. While his debut focused more on struggle and survival, Victim of Love is a more nuanced exploration of the complexities of love and emotional healing.
Many of the songs on the album deal with the highs and lows of romantic love. The title track, “Victim of Love,” speaks to the pain of betrayal and disappointment, while songs like “Strictly Reserved for You” express the longing and devotion that come with being in love. Bradley’s lyrics are often simple yet deeply affecting, capturing universal emotions in a way that feels personal and raw.
Beyond romantic themes, Victim of Love also touches on personal growth and self-reflection. Tracks like “You Put the Flame on It” celebrate the redemptive power of love, while “Where Do We Go From Here” contemplates life’s uncertainties and the search for meaning. Bradley’s journey from hardship to artistic recognition infuses these songs with authenticity, as he draws on his own experiences of resilience and perseverance.
Despite the album’s title, Victim of Love is ultimately an optimistic record. While there are moments of pain and sorrow, there is also a sense of hope and redemption that runs throughout the album. Bradley’s message is one of survival and triumph over adversity, making the album not only a reflection of his personal struggles but also a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome.
Notable Tracks
“Strictly Reserved for You”: The album’s lead single, this song is a celebration of love and devotion. With its infectious groove and upbeat melody, “Strictly Reserved for You” showcases Bradley’s ability to deliver feel-good soul while still packing an emotional punch. The horns, strings, and backing vocals create a rich, layered sound that complements Bradley’s passionate delivery.
“Victim of Love”: The title track is a slow, aching ballad that explores the emotional toll of love and heartbreak. Bradley’s voice is filled with pain and longing as he reflects on the vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to love. The song’s sparse arrangement allows his voice to take center stage, making it one of the most powerful moments on the album.
“Confusion”: This funky, horn-driven track is a standout, with its driving rhythm and socially conscious lyrics. Bradley addresses the chaotic state of the world, blending personal turmoil with broader societal observations. The song’s blend of funk and soul makes it a high-energy highlight on the album.
“Hurricane”: One of the album’s more experimental tracks, “Hurricane” features psychedelic guitar lines and a moody atmosphere that contrasts with Bradley’s more traditional soul sound. The song builds in intensity, with Bradley’s voice rising to a climactic peak, capturing the emotional storm suggested by the title.
“Through the Storm”: A touching, introspective ballad that reflects on perseverance and inner strength, “Through the Storm” is one of the album’s most emotional tracks. Bradley’s lyrics express the pain of life’s hardships, but the song’s message is ultimately one of hope and resilience.
Critical Reception and Impact
Victim of Love was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised Bradley’s powerful vocal performance and the album’s ability to blend vintage soul with contemporary sensibilities. The album was seen as a worthy follow-up to No Time for Dreaming, showcasing Bradley’s growth as an artist while maintaining the raw emotion and authenticity that made his debut so compelling.
Bradley’s story of late-in-life success, combined with his undeniable talent, endeared him to fans and critics alike. Victim of Love solidified his reputation as one of the most authentic voices in the soul revival movement, alongside contemporaries like Sharon Jones and Lee Fields.
Though Charles Bradley passed away in 2017, his music continues to resonate with fans and new listeners alike. Victim of Love remains a testament to his resilience and his ability to channel his life’s struggles into deeply affecting music. The album’s combination of heartfelt lyricism, powerful vocals, and classic soul arrangements ensures its place as one of the most memorable and emotionally charged albums in the soul genre.
Victim of Love is a deeply personal and emotional album that showcases Charles Bradley’s ability to turn heartache into powerful music. With its blend of soul, funk, and moments of psychedelic experimentation, the album stands as a testament to Bradley’s talent and his enduring legacy in the world of soul music. His voice, rich with experience and emotion, breathes life into each song, making Victim of Love an essential listen for fans of soul, funk, and R&B.
For those who appreciate raw, emotionally charged music that comes from a place of real-life experience, Victim of Love is a timeless album that captures the pain and beauty of love in its many forms.
Track Listing
Strictly Reserved For You
You Put The Flame On It
Let Love Stand A Chance
Victim Of Love
Love Bug Blues
Dusty Blue
Confusion
Where Do We Go From Here?
Crying In The Chapel
Hurricane
Through The Storm
