W.O.W.

Huey Lewis & The News returns to its roots as a blue-eyed soul band on the Stax tribute album Soulsville, the group’s first studio release in nine years. Lewis and his mates mined the rich musical heritage of the famed Memphis-based imprint to select 14 tracks that may not rank among the most well-known songs from the label’s history, but are certainly among the best. The band aimed for authenticity and delivered a solid album that pays tribute to the Stax originals. Lewis’ voice was made for these numbers and he doesn’t disappoint. Standout tracks include the group’s potent cover of The Staple Singers’ “Respect Yourself,” Lewis’ urgent vocal delivery of Solomon Burke’s “Cry ro Me” and an upbeat take on Wilson Pickett’s “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You.”