We can safely conclude that Nathaniel "Aloe Blacc" Hawkins will not be in need of his old day job any time soon. Indeed, losing his gig as a business strategist at Ernst & Young propelled him onto the retro-soul fast-track. I Need A Dollar was a swinging anthem for this latest bout of hard times; Wake Me Up , in collaboration with Avicii (found here without the EDM baggage), was another moneymaker. On Lift Your Spirit, Blacc goes back to the light, sweet touch of 1970s soul and acoustic folk. There has always been a Bill Withers timbre to Blacc's tone, and Here Today puts the focus very much on that vocal connection. Love Is the Answer is a Pharrell-touched groove aimed at the freaky pop-funk of Stevie Wonder, while Red Velvet Seat comes with an infectious, radio-made hook. All in all, an impressive display from the Southern Californian soulman. aloeblacc.com
Download: Here Today, Love Is the Answer