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Monday, October 4, 2010
CD Reviews / New Releases / News CD Review: Aloe Blacc's Good Things
Posted By Mike McCray on Mon, Oct 4, 2010 at 4:42 PM
The Deal: Sophomore album from soul singer who skyrocketed in popularity after his single, "I Need A Dollar" became the theme music to the grind and the HBO series, How To Make It In America.
The Good: A true throwback, not just in sound but in passion. Some of the bass lines and instrumentation will conjure images of an era where singers like this dominated radio and weren't a novelty.
Classic without feeling old, there's definitely some a modern touches between all the music of a foregone era.
Blacc manages to be everyman without being generic. Even his pleading comes off well, with lyrics tinged in desperation leaving you inspired by his fight rather than pity or want to put him on the sidewalk and throw him some lose change.
"Momma Hold My Hand" is a tearjerker for sure.
The Bad: He's not going to blow you away with his vocals but for this record, it fits perfectly. Nothing but "good things" to say.
The Verdict: Parts Anthony Hamilton, parts Marvin Gaye. A soulful album that sucks you in from the very beginning, from an artist who's been plugging away since the mid-90's finally breaking through. Hopefully it doesn't get caught up in the whole Amy Winehouse, Raphael Saadiq mix of 60's period piece albums because it stands out on it's own as quality material.
INFO
Stones Throw; Release date: Sept. 28, 2010
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