Good Things

Given the complete and utter crap being vomited at us by the R&B industry in recent years (I'm looking at you, Black Eyed Peas), I have all but completely given up that this industry has a future in producing quality music.  Save a few throwback acts (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Fitz & The Tantrums), which arguably could be garnering their success only by pulling from vintage styles (which isn't to say that doesn't work beautifully), I thought there was nothing worthwhile coming out of that segment of the music industry.  So, it was by complete accident that I stumbled upon Aloe Blacc. And by "complete accident," I mean that David Dye told me about him. Thanks again, Dave!

It's been a long time since a song actually caused me to have to fight back tears (in the gym while working out, no less), but Aloe's "Mama Hold My Hand" just got me. Right there. This song is about on the mother-son relationship from childhood all the way through mom's last days. Yeah, so, got me in the crier on several different levels there.

This guy writes these clever, uplifting songs and then delivers them in a way that channels* Bill Withers' lyrical cynicism ("Hey Brother," "I Need a Dollar," and "Life So Hard") or Brooke Benton's molasses-smooth vocals. 

The album title "Good Things" is appropriate for this upbeat, positive album.  I love the song "Green Lights" because it acknowledges a good day, when I, for one, am guilty of only taking note when I have a bad day.  I like to listen to that song and remind myself to feel some appreciation when I'm having a good day.

The title track is another with a decidedly positive tone.  It's a break-up song, but it's not about heartbreak, it's about recovery and growth.  This song needs to be the final track on every break-up mix anyone makes anywhere... ever.


Other notable tracks include the Velvet Underground cover "Femme Fatale," the hit single "I Need a Dollar," and "You Make Me Smile."  Aw, hell.  They're all good.  "Good Things" is good stuff.  Check it out.... Oh, man.  "Mama Hold My Hand" just started.  I've listened to that song so much that the opening bars alone now pluck a heartstring for me.  Like a Pavlovian response.  Ohhh, it's so good....



* There.  I used the term "channels".  I hate it when music reviewers use that term, but I felt it's a sort of rite of passage, so I did it.  Won't happen again.