Album Review: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (Self-Titled)

Since the release of their self-titled debut album in late August on Stax, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have quickly ascended into the nation’s musical consciousness aided by a first-rate performance on The Tonight Show.

The seven piece ensemble’s album has a fresh old school Gospel/R&B feel with thumping percussion, profuse horns and organ galore with Rateliff’s soulful, gritty and demanding vocals leading the charge over exuberant melodies - melodies oft accompanied by lyrics to the contrary. Urging one to simply live, the album kicks off with “I Never Get Old” and continues its pace with “Howling At Nothing,” breakout track “S.O.B.” and the visceral punch of “Trying So Hard Not To Know.” There’s remorse and hope “I’ve Been Failing,” regret and pleading “Look It Here” (on which the comparison to Otis Redding cannot be avoided) and the downright sexy “Shake.” Tempo comes down a bit on the thoughtful “Wasting Time,” the romantic “I’d Be Waiting” and “Mellow Out” which fittingly closes out the record.

It’s living, breathing, pulsating, music…..and if you’re not moving and grooving, best check your pulse.

---