Aloe Blacc - The Dark End of the Street

Aloe Blacc - The Dark End of the Street

I didn't write a review for Aloe Blacc's 'Good Things' because I received it early, and by the time it did come out, I was listened out. That said, Blacc's debut album was beyond masterful and thus far into the year is the best R&B work I've heard. His infectious ode to being broke 'I Need a Dollar' is everyone's favorite song, yet we haven't heard much more from the California swooner since the album dropped. Today, that changed with Aloe dropping this tune fresh off a European tour. The track features the band 'The Grand Scheme' switching the midtempo lighthearted background music to a funk-a-mafied riff worthy of a George Clinton cosign. The highlight of the song, though, is Aloe Blacc's raspy, soulful lyrics about hidden and forbidden love, and the toll it takes on a relationship. Honestly, I don't know too many cats in R&B that can mess with Blacc on vocals or content. If you like soul music, this man needs to be on your radar...