There is no need to come up with a flashy title for this post because the song says it all. Power of Soul is an exquisite song that displays. Jimi's ability to reinvent himself. In the time leading up to his untimely death, he was seeking to find a new sound. As all great artists do, he wanted a change. He formed Band Of Gypsies with drummer Buddy Miles and bassist Billy Cox, and a whole new Jimi was born. He was seeking an R&B sound for an R&B audience, and he was largely successful.
This track is steadily funky and complex. From the start, you hear the difference in the production, the music and the playing. The first 50 seconds changes constantly, to a new lick and a new key; a new musical idea. One could say that it reflected Jimi's musical direction at the time: changing constantly. He then gets to a main riff that he stays on, and as usual, explores all the possibilities. The song, like it's composer, is always on the turn around and always has something new to offer. Its verse comes in and Jimi preaches his message of love and it’s power. With the chorus, comes the famed line and the source of the song's title, "With the power of soul, anything is possible. With the power of you, anything you wanna do." What a powerful message within those two lines.
Jimi's soul was clearly boundless, and he was able to clearly channel it through his music. He is without a doubt, one of the largest influences on popular music. His ability to speak to the soul, and express himself through his instrument is nearly unparalleled. He defined and redefined himself and his music much like the great Miles Davis, a friend and peer of Jimi's. He makes it clear that anything is possible. So I say this to Jimi, thank you once again. The sky is the limit for you. Give it a kiss for me.
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