Part two of the Staples Trilogy was the perfect soundtrack to celebrating two weeks of having Eleanor in our lives.

There’s no lengthy story here. Just a bright morning, where we realized Eleanor had been part of our lives for two weeks. But it’s more than that; Eleanor is becoming part of our routine. Spending a relaxed (as is possible with an infant) Weekend morning with her is infinitely more fulfilling than any previous one I’ve ever known. I flipped on Spotify, searched for Mavis Staples and found this doozy of an album.

Only for the Lonely is a perfect soul album, where Staples’ originals occupy the same space as heavyweight classics like Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me”, “Son of a Preacher Man” and Otis Redding’s “Security”. Staples’ vocals are stunning throughout the album – sly, fiery, booming, but never gratuitous. It’s an understatement to call this record uplifting, but the energy the record brought to the room at least starts there.

Wowfacts™ about Mavis Staples

• One True Vine, Staples’ excellent 2013 album was produced by none other than Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy
• Only for the Lonely represented a new direction for Stax Records, who were blending the Detroit/Chicago sound with more Southern sounds.
• During this period of time, Staples’ backup included members of the legendary Booker T and the MG’s.

Two weeks in, and the energy about the house has already changed. While it’s worthwhile to keep the tone mellow in the evenings (in order to help facilitate bedtime), it’s nice to find uplifting, higher-energy albums to match what we’re feeling these days. Absolutely anything from Stax fits, so Otis Redding and Albert King will not be far behind.

I give Only for the Lonely 4 Chill AF Ellie’s.

As always, the Spotify playlist grows and gets way more bangin.

Next: Odd Future member (I think) Vince Staples’ album Hell Can Wait. I am not optimistic about things going quite as well.