Gallant - Ology


Gallant
Ology
2016

In the past it seemed the idea of Gallant was better than the actual product of Gallant. His style of R&B was never bad, it probably was just a couple years to early. Zebra which came out in 2014 to a smattering of applause really did not make the splash that brought him along to open for ZHU throughout that year. His newest release, Ology, however is light years from that album. His style has reached a solid grounding and despite his insecurities sounds stronger than He ever has. His pinning and vocals on a song like "Bourbon" simply is some of the best you will hear in R&B today. With The Weeknd and Miguel holding the PBR&B title quite firmly it is a bold move, but once that Christopher Gallant can back up. His voice drives the entire album bringing songs that though evocative of 80s and 90s R&B to a different more modern place. It is also super refreshing to see a singer this good write his own songs. If you look at the liner notes of Ology there is only one writer and one producer listed, it gives the album this razor sharp focus. This is coming from one mind, it is one persons emotional state, not writing by committee and that means often that it is more personal even to the masses. It also adds a degree of confidence that shows the growth Gallant has gone through both professionally and personally. 

Ology also oozes with cathartic release. After each song you can almost hear the sigh of relief as Gallant was finally able to get out the way that He was feeling, it is really something to experience. Gallant never falls into an easy EDM or top 40 track on Ology, the ideas and themes would just never fit in to the usual lexicon of the typical love song. There is a great deal of depth on this record which means each time you listen you are more than likely to find something new and something interesting that Gallant does. On "Miyazaki" for part of the hook Gallant sings a line from Groove Theory's "Tell Me" and really it is simply sublime. It is a little nod to the history and tone of old school R&B and it just brings a smile to your face. There are a few times where the album gives up a little to much space creating some empty moments that could use a bit of tightening up. The record at 16 tracks and just under 55 minutes feels a touch to long. The last four tracks get a bit loss in the massive amount of music and the collaboration with Jhené Aiko gets a bit lost. Some people may also be a bit miffed by the classic style of this record as it is undoubtedly not as "of the moment" as something from The Weeknd, but it also gives it more staying power in the long run. This may be technically a debut full LP for Gallant, but He sings just like this is second nature to him. Ology is one not to miss and is a sign of great things on the horizon for Gallant. 

 8.0 out of 10

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