AMG Review of Something Special [Compilation]

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

Mighty Joe Hicks and Jimmy Hughes took different approachs to the Stax formula of secular gospel; Hicks was a blues-oriented performer whose songs mixed Delta strains with more contemporary sounds, while Hughes was a straight soul artist merging spiritual devices and earthly concerns. Hughes is featured on 13 of the 22 tracks and hits his stride on such songs as "Chains of Love" and "Lay It On the Line." Hicks covers Jimmy Reed nicely on "Rock Me Baby" and sparkles on "Train of Thought" and "Water Water."