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Dock of the Bay Sessions
R&B / Soul · 2018

Dock of the Bay Sessions

Otis Redding

A curated glimpse into the sophisticated, folk-leaning soul Otis Redding was crafting before his passing. Warm, salt-aired, and deeply introspective.

May 18, 2018 · Volt

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This collection serves as a hauntingly beautiful 'what if' scenario, capturing Otis Redding at the precise moment he was outgrowing the boundaries of traditional Southern soul. While his earlier work was defined by the sweat and grit of the Stax revue, these sessions reveal a man leaning into folk-inspired introspection and a more nuanced, pop-literate sensibility. The sound is anchored by the warmth of the Memphis studio, but there is a new spaciousness here, as if the walls were opening up to let in the sea air and the quiet of the morning.

Moments Worth Listening For
The iconic whistling at the end of the title track, sounding more like a departure than a hook.
The explosive, tight horn punch that kicks off Hard to Handle, contrasting with the album's quieter moments.
The vulnerable, cracking delivery in I've Got Dreams to Remember that feels like a private confession.
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AllMusic
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Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does Dock of the Bay Sessions sound next to the rest of Otis Redding's catalogue?

Ocean+2.0σ

Ocean saturates this record notably more than the artist's norm.

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