Released digitally in 2019, and reissued (digitally and physically) five years later with six previously unreleased bonus tracks,
Manifestation
is
Maurice White
's fully authorized second solo album. It puts together material the
Earth, Wind & Fire
leader made over the course of three decades with
Preston Glass
-- a creative partnership that began in 1987 with
EWF
's number one R&B hit "System of Survival." The somewhat
Prince
-ly funk of "Panic Button" appeared on
Glass
' 2008 album
Music as Medicine
, but otherwise,
was all-new when it was first issued. It's unmistakably pieced together with some songs bearing new jack swing era-style productions, while others evoke late-'70s
(in terms of structure) with more contemporary touches. Unsurprisingly, this is all upbeat, feel-good R&B that relates to romance and wisdom with unflagging positivity. At its best, the album is as enjoyable as any of the '90s and 2000s
albums made with
White
's direct involvement. There's even a kalimba workout. ~ Andy Kellman