Album of the Week: Charles Bradley's "Victim of Love"

As part of a new weekly feature here at FPT, we're going to start selecting an "Album of the Week" - an album that was released either that week, or the weeks prior. Who knows, sometimes there might even be more than one worth sharing with you guys.

The first AotW goes out to that "Screamin' Eagle of Soul" Charles Bradley. His new album, Victim of Love, available via Daptone on April 2, varies little from his first, but that's just fine with me.

After being introduced to Charles Bradley's music via a simple documentary trailer, and music video for "Why Is It So Hard (To Make It In America)" I saw Bradley perform last spring at Turner Hall here in Milwaukee. His live shows are incredibly inspirational, enjoyable, and moving; see Charles Bradley live, and you will not be let down. Me and my guest laughed as Bradley's stage presence is uncanny and enjoyable, and were touched by his soulful lyrics and message, both brought forth through Charles' live set. It was a perfect introduction to the singer, and after his set Bradley showed his appreciation for his newfound fans, as he climbed through the crowd to ensure pictures were taken and embraces were given out.

His rise to prominence in the US music scene has been well documented: his life was incredibly arduous and bleak, as he lived on the streets of NYC for a period of his life, working many different jobs (including one as a James Brown cover artist at lounges) throughout the city to be able to afford feeding himself and his mother. He was eventually discovered by Daptone Records' Gabriel Roth and in 2011, when Bradley was a fresh 62-years-old, he released his debut album: No Time for Dreaming, backed by rave reviews.

Now, in 2013, Bradley releases his follow-up to his soaring debut: Victim of Love. The album finds Charles Bradley gleaming from his previous experiences, still troubled by some, but willing to share his lessons and tribulations through song. Bradley has a lot of love and joy to give, and Victim of Love defines that perfectly.

Bradley's story is unique, touching, and inspirational, to say the least. His struggle comes through in his vocals and his lyrics, but provides a sense of uplifting boost that can bring a smile to any listener's face. Get to know Charles Bradley, "The Screaming Eagle of Soul," through his music and his live shows and I can promise you, it will be a decision you will not regret.

Check out some info below, including a stream of his latest single, album purchase info, as well as tour dates.

Purchase Victim of Love HERE

Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires U.S. Tour Dates

Apr 12 Annapolis, MD - Rams Head

Apr 13 Charlottesville, VA - The Jefferson Theater

Apr 14 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle

Apr 17 Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

Apr 18 Charleston, SC - The Pour House

Apr 19 Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre

Apr 20 Waverly, AL - Waverly Boogie

Apr 21 Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade

Apr 24 Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits

Apr 25 Pensacola, FL - Vinyl Music Hall

Apr 26 Lafayette, LA - Festival International de Louisiane

Apr 27 New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Apr 28 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks

May 01 Austin, TX - Antone’s

May 02 Dallas, TX - Trees

May 04 Nashville, TN - Exit/In

May 05 St. Louis, MO - Old Rock House

May 07 Minneapolis, MN - The Cedar Cultural Center

May 08 Milwaukee, WI - Turner Ballroom

May 09 Chicago, IL - The Metro

May 10 Ferndale, MI - The Magic Bag

May 11 Toronto, ON - Phoenix Theatre

May 13 Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre

May 16 New York, NY - Apollo Theater

May 17 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer

May 18 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club