Souled

Released in 1968, Souled represents a pivotal moment in José Feliciano's career, following the massive success of his breakthrough album Feliciano!. While it continues his tradition of reimagining contemporary pop and folk hits through a soulful, Latin-influenced lens, Souled leans harder into the 'soul' descriptor of its title. The album features a diverse selection of material, including a notable cover of Bob Dylan's 'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight' and a gritty rendition of the blues standard 'Hi-Heel Sneakers.' The recording is characterized by its high-fidelity analog warmth, typical of RCA Victor's late-60s output, emphasizing the natural resonance of Feliciano's nylon-string guitar. Critically, the album solidified his reputation as a formidable interpreter who could transcend genre boundaries, blending the sophisticated arrangements of 60s pop with the raw, improvisational energy of jazz and R&B. It remains a definitive example of the 'Feliciano style' - a unique synthesis of bilingual cultural identity and virtuoso musicianship.