Watch Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is a 2013 documentary film that focuses on the music studio located in the small town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Directed by Greg 'Freddy' Camalier, the film delves into the history of the studio and its impact on the music industry. The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Aretha Franklin, Bono, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and many others. The interviews are intertwined with footage from the studio's history and performances by some of the greatest artists of all time.

The film tells the story of the birth of the Muscle Shoals sound, which was a unique blend of R&B, soul, and rock and roll. The sound was created by studio owner Rick Hall and his team of talented musicians, who crafted a sound that was unlike anything else in the industry.

Throughout the film, we learn about the struggles and triumphs of the studio and the people who worked there. From the racism that plagued the town in the 1960s to the success of artists like Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and the Rolling Stones, we see the full spectrum of the studio's impact.

One of the highlights of the film is the section on Aretha Franklin's recording of "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)". Franklin's voice is raw and powerful, and the scene captures the energy and emotion of the recording session.

Another memorable interview is with Keith Richards, who describes the studio as "the coolest place in America". Richards talks about the influence the Muscle Shoals sound had on the Rolling Stones, and we see footage of the band recording in the studio.

The film also touches on the relationship between the studio and the Civil Rights Movement. Black artists were not always welcome in the town, but Hall and his team welcomed them with open arms. The film highlights the significance of this in a time of racial tension and division.

Muscle Shoals is a beautifully crafted documentary that captures the spirit of a time and a place. The interviews with the musicians are candid and honest, and the footage of the studio's history is captivating. The film is a tribute to the power of music and the people who make it.

In the end, Muscle Shoals is not just about a studio in Alabama. It's about the people who worked there and the impact they had on the music industry. It's a story of triumph over adversity, of a small town making a big impact. Anyone who loves music will find something to appreciate in this documentary.

Muscle Shoals is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 75.