.............Two of the album’s superior attractions (besides the brilliant opener) are Joe Henry’s “Flesh and Blood” and “None of Us Are Free,” written by Brill Building legends Mann & Weill. “Flesh and Blood” is very moody (almost sinister) and gets a superior vocal performance from Burke (whose voice declares, sooths, yelps and croons), while the details in the music make this song great: the organ of Rudy Copeland (Burke’s church organist), the muted saxophone of Bernie Wallace, the deep bass; they all add to the song’s remarkable tension. “None of Us Are Free,” is the most gospel-tinged song on the album, Burke singing the chorus with The Blind Boys of Alabama (who had won a grammy the night before the recording of this song). The passion conveyed in this song is remarkable, and the pulsating music, with steady drumming, some delicious guitar accents, and Burke’s righteous conviction, make this a song to treasure.

Not really a comeback in the true sense of the word (Burke never disappeared – he just didn’t have the material that matched his voice), but a remarkable return to form, Don’t Give Up On Me is one of those albums that enables a new generation of avid music fans to acquaint themselves with an unjustly neglected artist, in this case a larger-than-life (both his legend and physical presence are ‘enormous’) figure who, at the age of 66, made one of the most heartfelt albums of the past few years, and an album that serves an exemplary function for soul singers trying to become great artists and not just successful superstars.