Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Such is my venerable age that I vividly remember reviewing 'Be What You Are' for Black Music magazine on its release in 1973. Thrilling news for lovers of classic soul-gospel is that this classic is now available on CD and comes on sounding as fresh and relevant as it did when it first emerged from Memphis' Stax Records all those years back. Lots of glorious moments with the much-covered "If You're Ready (Come With Me)" taking pride of place while my favourite, the smouldering "Tellin' Lies" still makes compelling listening. The Staples were definitely the Kirk Franklin of their era.