A fantastic wave of alternative neo-soul that began its arc in the 2010s has reached a mesmerizing and unique crest and has begun crashing into the rocks of abstract creativity. What started with acts like Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, or Leon Bridges has slowly evolved into more experimental acts like Moses Sumney, James Blake, Genesis Owusu, or even Tyler The Creators' 2019 album Igor. While the genre's core remains, the sonic landscapes seem to be changing into something of their own, something that my ears find pleasant and original. This year I have fallen in love with three examples, each with as many differences as similarities, yet all rooted in the same pot.
Obongjayar - Some Nights I Dream Of Doors
The Nigerian-born, London-based artist Obongjayar (Steven Umoh) has made his debut with Some Nights I Dream Of Doors after years of supporting features for some of London’s best up-and-coming artists. Umoh creates haunting, rhythmically driven, intense music that draws heavily from his Nigerian ancestry and his love of futuristic hip-hop and neo-soul. This album will defiantly make my top 20, likely my top 10 of 2022.
Jacob Banks - Lies About The War
Also Nigerian-born and London-based, Jacob Banks is perhaps the most derivative of the neo-soul genre, although far from generic. Lies About The War is Bank’s second LP. Building his art around his tear-inspiring baritone register, Banks delves into gospel, blues, hip-hop, and even bits of reggae. Most pleasing to my inner tempo, most of the songs on Lies About The War sway to a 6/8 time signature. While employing several southern gospel or neo-soul troupes, Banks avoids mediocrity with unique vocal melodies and unexpected heavy synth crescendos. This album also will find its way to my top lists.
Terence Etc. - VORTEX
Terence Nance is a musician, filmmaker, writer, and director from Dallas, Texas. VORTEX, on the surface, is genre agnostic; its exceptional composition and conceptual album structure span an unusual spread of sonic soundscapes. Hip-Hop, Musical-Theater, Alternative-Rock, R&B, Orchestral, Funk, and Soul make themselves home on this mind-bending narrative of an album. There are moments on this album that seem to be a bizarre take on Hamilton, while others feel like island Calypso. In attempts to unfold the many layers of origami that constitute this music, I’ve wondered if this is the album of the year.