D'Angelo and The Vanguard - Black Messiah

D'Angelo and The Vanguard
Black Messiah
2014

Somehow it's been 14 years since Voodoo, 14 years since a new D'Angelo album which seems almost impossible. Voodoo was damn near perfection, a perfect blend of R&B, funk and a vanguard (no pun intended) in the neo-soul movement.Clearly D'Angelo likes to take his time and make his music count for something, which is exactly what he has done with Black Messiah. Everything that I have come to love about D'Angelo: the funk, the soul, that voice it is all right there. With Black Messiah D'Angelo is able to take risks and experiment while still holding on to what is great about soul music. The highest compliment I can give this record is how very much it reminds me of Prince, minus the ripping guitar solos of course. Nothing on the record feels forced, it is all completely effortless and beautiful at the same time. Even "1000 Deaths" which is a bit garbled with a preaching spoken word track in the background still manages to not sound like an interlude but a piece of art turned to music then back again.

You could plop this album in the 60's and it would be revolutionary, but listening to it today you get that same feeling, that this is truly something important. D'Angelo is sharing a piece of his soul and every note drips of it. My favorite track (which reminds me of Prince the most) is "The Charade", it is every bit of funk but a crystal clear pop sound. People often remember Voodoo for D'Angelo's abs in the video for "Untitled" but with Black Messiah people will remember how much we missed and need his music back.

9.9 out of 10