After nearly two years of devoting himself to the writing of his autobiography Blood Sweat and Tears, David decided to take a break from writing and record an album of songs honoring the great soul artists that formed the foundation of that unmistakable Clayton-Thomas vocal style. The results are spectacular! Soul Ballads, a twelve song set of tunes by Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Gladys Knight and other iconic R&B artists. David and producer/arranger Lou Pomanti weren't looking for obscure tunes that no-one had heard before, rather they were looking for songs that everyone knows and loves and set out to give them a fresh new sound. When a Man Loves a Woman, Dock of the Bay, You Don't Know Me, Midnight Train to Georgia, all recorded with full orchestra and innovative new arrangements.