Few albums embody the intersection of soul, gospel, and activism quite like Be Altitude: Respect Yourself. Released in 1972 on the legendary Stax Records, this album arrived at a pivotal moment in Black American history. The civil rights movement had entered a new phase—Dr. King was gone, Black Power was on the rise, and soul music had become the soundtrack of resilience, self-determination, and pride. The Staple Singers, already revered for their gospel roots and civil rights anthems, took things a step further with Be Altitude, blending their spiritual foundation with a funky, streetwise groove. This wasn’t just a record—it was a call to arms, a blueprint for self-respect, and an assertion of Black excellence through rhythm and harmony.
Be Altitude: Respect Yourself was recorded in 1971 at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, a place known for its magic touch on classic soul recordings. Produced by the legendary Al Bell—Stax’s executive-turned-producer—the album boasted a tight, no-frills production that let the Staples’ voices shine. Backing them were the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, a group of mostly white Southern musicians who, against all odds, had mastered the deep-pocket grooves of Black American music. The fusion of Mavis Staples’ powerhouse vocals, Pops Staples’ gospel-laced guitar work, and the airtight rhythm section created an album that felt both sanctified and street-savvy. This was gospel music in work clothes—ready to march, hustle, and testify all at once.
1. “Respect Yourself” – The anthem. The moment. The movement. Written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, this song was a revelation. The opening groove—courtesy of drummer Al Jackson Jr. and bassist David Hood—feels like a slow strut down a sunlit street, carrying generations of wisdom in its pocket. Mavis delivers the lyrics like a sermon, urging Black men to hold their heads high and demanding self-respect as the foundation of empowerment. And when Pops Staples’ guitar slides in with that bluesy twang, it’s clear—this isn’t just music, it’s a philosophy.
2. “I’ll Take You There” – Pure transcendence. From the very first bassline, played with laid-back authority by David Hood, this song is a masterclass in groove. The call-and-response structure, with Mavis commanding the song like a preacher in full flight, feels like a musical rapture. The Muscle Shoals crew understood the assignment—keeping the instrumentation tight and minimal to let the Staples’ vocals do the heavy lifting. It became more than just a song; it was a promise of a better world, a soul-powered vision of paradise.
3. “This World” – If “I’ll Take You There” was an invitation to a better place, “This World” was a reminder of the struggles left behind. The song leans heavier into its gospel roots, with Pops Staples’ tremolo-heavy guitar weaving through a groove that feels like a slow-burning sermon. The lyrics reflect on injustice and perseverance, making it one of the album’s most emotionally weighty moments. The interplay between the Staples’ harmonies and the steady pulse of the rhythm section creates a hypnotic effect—one that stays with you long after the final note fades.
4. “We the People” – Here’s where the album’s political core really shines. Over a raw, percussive groove, the Staples deliver a message of unity and collective strength. There’s an urgency in Mavis’ voice, a fire that refuses to be ignored. The song’s stripped-down arrangement lets the lyrics take center stage, reinforcing the theme that power lies in the hands of the people. It’s a song that could have easily fit into the soundtrack of the Black Power movement, standing shoulder to shoulder with the era’s greatest protest anthems.
5. “Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ the Superstar)?” – A deep cut that deserves more love. This track leans into the funkier side of things, with a bassline that feels downright rebellious and a horn section that punctuates every line like exclamation marks. The call-and-response vocals are some of the album’s best, making it feel like a jam session between the Staples and the divine. While it never became a hit, this track is a reminder of just how versatile Be Altitude really is—balancing social messages with deep grooves and infectious energy.
The album spawned two major hits—“Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There”. Both became cultural landmarks, transcending the charts and embedding themselves into the DNA of Black music. “Respect Yourself” hit #2 on the R&B charts and became an empowerment anthem, while “I’ll Take You There” soared to #1 on both the Hot 100 and the R&B charts, making it one of the Staples’ biggest songs ever. These weren’t just songs—they were affirmations, testaments to the power of soul music to uplift and inspire.
One of Be Altitude’s greatest strengths is how seamlessly it marries its messages with its music. The basslines aren’t just rhythm—they’re the foundation of the Staples’ sermons. The drums don’t just keep time—they guide the listener like a heartbeat of revolution. Every track carries a distinct purpose, whether it’s the hypnotic repetition of “I’ll Take You There” making you feel the weight of its call, or the commanding strut of “Respect Yourself” driving home the need for dignity and self-worth. The synergy between lyrics and instrumentation is what makes this album timeless—there’s not a wasted note, not a single misstep.
There are albums that entertain, albums that inspire, and then there are albums like Be Altitude: Respect Yourself—records that shape history. This isn’t just soul music; it’s a spiritual awakening wrapped in a funk groove. It’s a lesson in self-respect, unity, and resilience delivered with the kind of vocal power that shakes the bones. If you’ve never heard it, you owe it to yourself to press play. If you already love it, turn it up and let it remind you why The Staple Singers remain one of the most important groups in American music. This is soul with a purpose, and in a world that still needs these messages, Be Altitude remains as relevant as ever.
Tracklist
- 01 This World
- 02 Respect Yourself
- 03 Name The Missing Word
- 04 I’ll Take You There
- 05 This Old Town (People In This Town)
- 06 We The People
- 07 Are You Sure
- 08 Who Do You Think You Are? (Jesus Christ Superstar)
- 09 I’m Just Another Soldier
- 10 Who