Sam Cooke – Ain't That Good News

Ain’t That Good News, released in 1964, was Sam Cooke’s final studio album before his untimely death later that year, and it stands as one of his crowning achievements. The record captures Cooke’s artistry at full maturity, blending pop, gospel, soul, and socially conscious material into a cohesive whole. It features his iconic civil rights anthem A Change Is Gonna Come, a song that would become both his legacy and a defining statement of the era. Alongside it are buoyant tracks like Another Saturday Night and Good Times, which showcase Cooke’s effortless ability to blend joy with sophistication.

What makes the album so powerful is its range: from socially urgent ballads to lighthearted soul-pop, Cooke demonstrates complete command of tone and mood. His smooth, expressive vocals bring depth and conviction to every track, making Ain’t That Good News not only a pivotal moment in his career but also a landmark in American music. It’s an album that reflects both celebration and struggle, cementing Cooke’s place as one of the most important voices of the 20th century.

Reviews

“Ain’t That Good News is Cooke’s most fully realized album, balancing joy, heartbreak, and hope with grace.” – AllMusic

“With A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke gave the civil rights movement its most enduring anthem.” – Rolling Stone

“The album shows Cooke at his most versatile, shifting effortlessly between pop, gospel, and soul.” – The Guardian

“A landmark in soul music, Ain’t That Good News captures an artist at the peak of his powers.” – Mojo