Allen StoneThis LP is a phenomenal follow-up effort from the maestro of falsetto, Mr Allen Stone. Brimming with soul and tinged with gospel, it speaks with melodic authority and the rhythmic syncopation of a bygone era. Reminiscent of the early Motown Sound and set deep in a similar groove to Stevie Wonder, the album is filled with electronic organ, handclaps and doo-wop harmonies.
Instrumentally, the vibe is familiar and warm, but it's the way the young Washington singer-songwriter handles those high notes with such delicate yearning that makes this recording truly memorable. Satisfaction is the most polished track on the cut and Stone clips the end of his phrases with aggressive oomph. The horn section and organ ornaments really bring the funk and the frenzied breakdown in the live version steps the album's energetic intensity up a whole other level.
Stone oscillates seamlessly between gentle crooning and explosive ad-libbing. His more soothing tones are perfected in the melismatic phrasing of nostalgic ballad In The Wind. Almost like a Michael Jackson B-side, the tune soars powerfully over a mellow tempo and lumbering bass line. Stone's lyrics are most on point when he skips the biblical references and sweeping love stories and gets into the gritty details of life. His honest views on spirituality, his sense of social conscience and lyrical glimpses of personality like “I won't say it but I'm petrified to sit shotgun with you” from Your Eyes are what set Stone apart from his predecessors and ground him firmly in the 21st century.
The album closes with a refreshing variation in sound. Unaware starts with acoustic guitar and progresses into a haunting personal lament about government responsibility and poverty. Allen Stone feels like home and its uplifting hooks and unexpected melodies make it a must-have for hippie protestors, summer porch parties and anyone with ears.
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