Product details
- Label Chess
- Artist Etta James
- Format 1LP
- Country United States
- Released Date 2017
- Genre Jazz
- Sealed Yes
Do you have questions about this product?
Etta James by Etta James.
Few voices in American music carry the weight of experience quite like Etta James, and this 1973 self-titled album finds her stepping into a bold new decade with her instrument fully intact. Pressed by GRT Corporation, the record captures James at a moment of reinvention, moving through material that leans into the soulful, gritty, rootsy currents running through the early seventies while never letting go of the blues foundation that made her a legend.
Recorded at The Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, the album benefits from a studio long favored for its warm, detailed sound. That environment suits James well, giving her room to stretch out across nine tracks that swing between smoldering ballads and rowdier, uptempo numbers. The result is a session that feels both intimate and expansive, a showcase for a singer who could turn on a dime from tenderness to raw power.
Side A opens with "All The Way Down" before moving into a striking reading of Randy Newman's "God's Song," a choice that reveals James reaching beyond the expected and interpreting a songwriter known for his wry, unsparing lyricism. "Only A Fool" keeps the momentum going, and the side closes with "Down So Low," a torch song built for exactly the kind of emotional heavy lifting James delivers without breaking a sweat. It is a performance that reminds you why her name still commands such reverence among blues and soul devotees.
The flip side widens the palette further. "Leave Your Hat On" brings a playful, strutting swagger, while "Sail Away," another Randy Newman composition, gives James a sweeping canvas to work against. From there the record rolls through "Yesterday's Music," "Lay Back Daddy," and closes on "Just One More Day," a fitting sign off that leaves the listener wanting exactly what its title promises.
What makes this album such a rewarding listen is the way it captures Etta James as an interpreter as much as a vocalist. She takes songs from varied corners and pulls them into her own orbit, coloring each one with the phrasing, the grit, and the aching honesty that defined her career. There is a lived-in quality to these performances, a sense that every line has been earned.
For collectors of jazz, blues, and soul, this GRT pressing is a genuine document of Etta James finding fresh footing in the seventies without abandoning the depth of feeling that anchored everything she did. It is a record that rewards close listening and repeated spins, a worthy addition to any shelf devoted to great American singers.
Pressing Details:
(P) 1973 GRT Corporation
Recorded at The Sunset Sound, Hollywood, Calif.
Track Listing:
A1. All The Way Down
A2. God's Song
A3. Only A Fool
A4. Down So Low
B1. Leave Your Hat On
B2. Sail Away
B3. Yesterday's Music
B4. Lay Back Daddy
B5. Just One More Day
Artist: Etta James
Format: 1LP
Genre: Jazz
Label: Chess
Catalog Number: CH 50042
Release Year: 2017
Country: United States
Condition: Sealed (New)
Frequently Asked Guestions
The condition of our vintage records varies, and we do our best to clearly state the condition of each record in its description. We rate them as 'Mint', 'Near Mint', 'Very Good', 'Good', or 'Fair', following the Goldmine Standard.
We understand the importance of ensuring our products reach you in the same condition they left us. Each record is packed using professional record mailers with additional padding. We also remove the record from its sleeve to prevent seam splits during transit.
Due to the unique nature of our inventory, we're unable to reserve items. All our records are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, we do buy vinyl records. If you're looking to sell, please send us a detailed list of what you have, including the artist, title, condition, and any other relevant information to hello@mileswaxey.com. We'll get back to you with a quote if we're interested.
Yes, we offer a return or exchange within 14 days of purchase if you're not completely satisfied with your record. The item must be in the same condition that you received it. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Currently, our entire inventory is online. We do this to keep our prices competitive and to be able to reach vinyl lovers around the world. However, we're always looking for opportunities to connect with our customers in person, so follow us on social media for updates on pop-up events or potential future physical locations.