Lift Your Spirit
was almost seven years old by the time
Aloe Blacc
followed it with
All Love Everything
. At no point did a search party need to be assembled, however, as the number of songs on which the singer/songwriter was featured during the interim would make a lengthy playlist. Most popular was "SOS," a posthumous hit for late friend
Avicii
, preceded and trailed by songs carrying likewise positive messages with titles such as "Never Be Alone" and "Don't Worry." Throughout his fourth proper album,
Aloe
continues to let in the same amount of light, and when that isn't possible, he reassures the listener that the darkness will subside. If
's voice wasn't so rich, reinforced with persuasive conviction and the projection of wisdom, the many platitudes about embracing the good and overcoming the bad would be hokey. While none of these songs sound like they absolutely had to come out of
, they never seem calculated to fill a void in the marketplace. A genuine intent to reach, comfort, and uplift as many souls as possible is evident. Compared to
, the seams and transitions between genres are less glaring, even as
retreats from funk and hip-hop, dips deeper into gospel and country with sincere affirmations, and over a light dancehall rhythm appreciatively romances his companion. Just as he stretches out stylistically,
's falsetto reaches a new level of natural elegance, heard most affectingly in the countrified title song and the on-bended-knee ballad "I Do." ~ Andy Kellman