Rahsaan Patterson - Heroes & Gods '2019

Tracks list

 Theres never a bad time for a new Rahsaan Patterson album, but 2019 is
uniquely appropriate, as its the singers 35th year in the entertainment
industry. Moreover, the release of Pattersons last proper LP is creeping toward
its eighth anniversary, consequently his longest period of silence by far.
Patterson seemed to be touring for most of the break, however, and presumably
spent a good amount of time sketching and sharpening the material that makes up
Heroes & Gods. Like his two most recent albums, Bleuphoria and Wines & Spirits,
it communicates many emotions relating to intimacy and continually switches up
sounds, like a lovingly personalized 60-minute mixtape that prioritizes quality
over flow. Working most frequently with Jamey Jaz and Derrick Walker, both of
whom have been supporting him for over 20 years, Patterson references bygone
eras crossing several decades while twisting contemporary sounds, grounded as
ever in gospel and soul, and throws in a couple of stylistic curveballs. The
idiosyncratic set is out of time and modern at once. Patterson has the nerve to
cover Luther Vandross Dont You Know That, and does so with a masterfully
sensitive touch that exudes all the delight and affection of the original. The
songs that immediately precede and follow it are so well-made that they resemble
skillful updates of classics. The lusting slow jam Break It Down, featuring
Lalah Hathaway on lead synthesizer and co-writer Joi Gilliam on background
vocals, slips and slides like it was built to follow Mtumes You, Me and He. The
devotional ballad Sent from Heaven moves back another decade, durable enough to
pass as a composite of Earth, Wind & Fire and Ashford & Simpson. As much as
these and other highlights recall some of the greats, the stylish
falsetto-wielding tenor who made them cant be confused with anyone else. 
:: TRACKLIST ::

1. Catch Me When I Fall (03:40)
2. Wonderful Star (feat. J.D. & Affiliates) (05:29)
3. Silly. Love. Fool (03:55)
4. Rock And Roll (05:18)
5. Break It Down (03:58)
6. Dont You Know That (03:07)
7. Sent From Heaven (03:59)
8. Wide Awake (04:13)
9. Soldier (03:38)
10. Oxford Blues (03:33)
11. Sweet Memories (05:02)
12. I Try (05:07)
13. Heroes And Gods (04:36)

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