The Dock Of The Bay – OTIS REDDING****

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay/I Love You More Than Words Can Say/Let Me Come On Home/Open The Door/Don’t Mess With Cupid/The Glory Of Love/I’m Coming Home/Tramp/The Huckle-Buck/Nobody Knows You (When You’re Down & Out)/Ole Man Trouble

Posthumous release from soul legend Otis Redding, The Dock Of The Bay comprises mostly lesser known earlier material, The newly released title track topped the US singles chart and reached No. 3 in the UK. (US:4 UK:1)

"Sometimes you don't realize how important someone was until they're gone. You just wish there was more of his voice existing somewhere on record. Luckily, this album's way more than enough of that, with an all time essential opener and closer to bookend eight more tracks that perfectly showcase what he brought to the world of music."

"The title track is the most famous and while not necessarily being the best track it does show a possible new direction for Redding – one which, of course, he wasn’t able to follow. Compare it to the second track, I Love You More Than Words Can Say: this is superb and another in his line of intensely emotional performances."

"I listen to this album every day and think what a tragedy it is that Otis Redding died before his time. The music that this man was starting to create is the epitome of soul. I am moved nearly to tears listening to Otis belt out such tunes as Ole Man Trouble, Let Me Come Home and The Glory Of Love."

"Most of his other famous releases were partially made up of songs from other recordings or covers too, so it feels fitting the last album you get of Redding is the perfection his living albums attempted to bring. An incredible send off to an evocative performer and undeniable legend."

"The pensive, brooding (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay, Redding's biggest hit, is one of Otis' greatest compositions, a weepingly beautiful, gently rolling tune filled with introspection and despondency."

"The Dock Of The Bay sadly became Otis Redding's last album, a haphazard collection, gathering various singles and B-sides and including tracks recorded as far back as 1965. Perhaps surprisingly, it's also one of his best albums."