About this album
Where they were
By 1969, Nina Simone was an established artist known for her powerful voice and political activism. 'To Love Somebody' followed her breakthrough album 'Nina Simone Sings the Blues' and showcased her evolving sound as she embraced more contemporary influences amidst the civil rights movement.
Why it matters
'To Love Somebody' is significant for its raw emotional depth and political resonance during a time of social upheaval. The album included covers of iconic protest songs which further solidified Simone's status as an important voice in both music and activism, contributing to her influence on future generations of artists.
Essential tracks
- "To Love Somebody" — This title track exemplifies Simone's ability to infuse deep emotion into a soulful melody, making it a timeless classic about unfulfilled love.
- "I Shall Be Released" — Simone's rendition of this Bob Dylan song captures a profound sense of longing and hope, resonating with themes of freedom and liberation.
- "The Times They Are A-Changin’" — In this cover, Simone not only honors Dylan’s original message but also amplifies its urgency with her passionate vocal delivery, connecting it to the civil rights struggle.
Release Date
January 1, 1969
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Suzanne 4:22
- 2 Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season) 3:41
- 3 Revolution, Part 1 2:53
- 4 Revolution, Part 2 1:54
- 5 To Love Somebody 2:43
- 6 I Shall Be Released 3:56
- 7 I Can’t See Nobody 3:09
- 8 Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues 4:50
- 9 The Times They Are A-Changin’ 5:56