Raheem DeVaughn is back with his fifth studio album, "Love Sex Passion", which consists of 18 tracks of romantic ballads, sensual slow jams, and tracks that send you reminiscing and two stepping on a Friday night. In short, the flawlessly executed project bestows upon us the R&B we've been missing with this generation's "talent". Equipped with simple instrumentals accompanied
by piano, drums, horns, and organs, Raheem takes us back to a time where love is prominent, whether we like it or not.
Raheem opens up with a musical recap of "A Place Called Love Land" then follows up with songs such as "Black Ice Cream", "Miss Your Sex", "Strip", and "Sun Proof (From the 50 Shades soundtrack)" all which provide different approaches to romantic soul balladry with a mixture of vocal retorts. Lest we forget the amazing instrumentals equipped with both a dramatic drum machine and synthesizer orchestration as well as some Southern Soul rhythm guitar riffing on the latter. "Queen" is a thick piano driven slow crawling funky soul ballad that reminds me of 2008's "Woman". Meanwhile "Nothing Without You" is predominately a jazz funk number. "Pretty Love" takes the passionately rhythmic dance route reminiscent of old school funk that features the talents of Trombone Shorty, showcasing another strong Afro-Latin inspired percussion solo on the bridge.
"Temperature's Rising" is an unyielding, bass synth accented accented by Raheem and his own harmony's acting equally as melodic and percussive components. "All I Know In My Heart" contributes a contemporary feel to the album, though stripped down, while "When You Love Somebody", "Terms of Endearment", and "Baby Come Back" are all organ and rhythm guitar accompanied ballads that pay homage to Southern Soul. The album approaches it's end with a somewhat theatrical slew of songs beginning with "Countdown To Love", a Leon Ware inspired uptempo selection with Brazilian drums as well as a string and rhythm section. "Feather Rock Lovin'" incorporates the methods of Boney James in conjunction with The Illadelph Horns to articulate a soothing tempo with Raheem blessing us with alllll the adlibs. "Infiniti" serves as the finale with a climactic piano driven gospel soul tribute to romantic success.
Many male soul/funk artists since the mid 80's have been recklessly declared "the next Marvin Gaye". Raheem DeVaughn is one of a few artists in contemporary music who truly embody that identity. Undoubtedly, with "Love Sex Passion", he has allowed us to rediscover every aspect of love. Whether you're blissfully in love, in search of love, or even pining after it this album speaks to your plight, joyous or otherwise. What's even more amazing is that Raheem manages to stay true to his musical roots whilst making music that can capture the hearts and minds of even the current generation of teeny boppers. This album may not ever be on heavy rotation at the radio, but once you start listening to it, it'll surely take hold of your attention and keep it for all 18 tracks.
"Love Sex Passion" is available in stores and online NOW!
Natasha Marie
0 comments