Aloe Blacc, All Love Everything | Album Review 💿

R&B standout Aloe Blacc makes a classy and respectable return on All Love Everything, an album characterized by dedication and monogamy.

Thankfully, the talented Aloe Blacc returned in 2020.  His return follows an agonizing six-year hiatus.  In 2014, he served up sheer excellence on Lift Your Spirit, with the gargantuan hit, “The Man”, leading the charge. That’s definitely a hard act to follow but Blacc comes through pretty nicely on his long-awaited comeback, All Love Everything. Blacc does little to ‘move the needle’ on this album, but his focus love and being an upstanding man in all respects is an absolutely terrific message.

“Family” 

“Family” sets the tone for All Love Everything.  It’s an optimal, prime example of a clean-cut, thoughtful R&B record – one that wouldn’t dare offend in the least. Obviously, the title suggests a certain sentiment, one viewed through a positive connotation. On the chorus, Aloe Blacc asserts, “…I know it’s a long road but all I need / Is right here next to me / My family / My family.”  On the verses, the importance of family and life lessons shine like a beacon lyrically, particular Blacc’s own aspirations: “I’m gonna show them [my little ones] how to dream / We’ll plant a seed and watch it grow into a tree.” 

After “Family” provides the modus operandi, the love continues, in all its substance, on title track, “All Love Everything.” “All Love Everything” definitely suits Aloe, blending contemporary soul, pop, and the utmost finesse.  Sure, it’s old-fashioned to some extent and bucks the trends of modern R&B, but there’s something refreshing about an artist who keeps it classy as opposed to devolving into sex. Two songs in, All Love Everything feels good, even if it doesn’t deliver that knockout punch.

“My Way” 

No worries, the KO comes with ✅ “My Way”, the crowning achievement of All Love Everything. First and foremost, Blacc sounds absolutely amazing with his voice sounding as elite, polished, smooth, and soulful as ever.  Next, the production manages to brilliant fuse pop, contemporary R&B, and soul.  There’s classicism, yet “My Way” never sounds anachronistic either.  The third component that makes “My Way” a bop-and-a-half? The songwriting! It’s relatable, simple yet thoughtful. The chorus is catchy and uplifting:

“I can make it through this
You can throw the world in my face
But the fear gives me life
And I swear ‘til I die
I’m gonna do it my way
Aye-aye, aye-aye, aye-aye-aye...”

Blacc doesn’t concede the momentum on ✅ “Wherever You Go,” another polished, soulful, and thoughtful number.  True to self, Aloe has dedication on his mind, aiming to show her how special she is and his willingness to be a rock.  The production is marvelous, including a robust bass line, organ, uplifting strings, and spirited backing vocals. When it comes to the lead vocals, we hear expanded range from Blacc, who shows superb commanding from the opening tip.

“Nothing Left but You” 

Dedication, love, and positivity continue to thrive on “Nothing Left but You.”  Worth noting, “Nothing Left but You” has a slightly more contemporary backdrop compared to the songs that precede it. Additionally, Blacc switches things up incorporating some tropical pop flavor.  He doesn’t overdo it, so ultimately, it’s effective. I prefer the slightly more vintage-sounding numbers but give him credit for the contrast.

The pleasant follow-up, “Glory Days,” returns to a more ‘traditional R&B sound.’  That said, it’s not retro soul – it still has enough freshness to thrive in 2020. The most old-fashioned aspect is the celebratory, monogamous vibes, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that in the least.  And no worries – Mr. Blacc isn’t totally ‘clean’ here! He slips in a s-bomb on the second verse (“Stressin’ over dumb shit that would keep me up at night / You were always there just like an angel by my side”).

✅ “I Do” arrived as another advance single from All Love Everything. This is a fine record that’s tailor made for the adult R&B crowd, period.  That’s not to say you can’t be young and connect with this song, but, for those truly in a dedicated relationship or married, this record should directly impact you. This is all about finding true love.  The verses set up the narrative superbly, while the chorus summarizes and caps things off:

“Never understood why
People always say, ‘Love chooses you’
Now I do, now I do
Didn’t ever think that
I could ever say, ‘I promise you’
And now I do, now I do.”

“Corner”

Entering homestretch, All Love Everything still drops some truly thoughtful, worthwhile songs. ✅ “Corner” has similar vibes to the aforementioned “Wherever You Go.”  Aloe Blacc doesn’t deviate from the script, vowing on the chorus, “Wherever you go / And whether you’re high or low / I’ll be there for you / I’m in your corner.” No new ground, but undeniable chivalry and substance. ✅ “Hold on Tight” marks another winning gem, featuring marvelous production courtesy of Jonas Jeberg.  Couple that with more top-notch vocals and the ‘D’ word (DEDICATION), and the love and quality continue to be undeniable.  The messaging is unchanged, but it perfectly suits the kind of guy Aloe seems to be. 

All Love Everything appears to close with top-notch education via “Harvard.”  Obviously, obtaining a degree from the esteemed institution is NOT what Aloe Blacc is getting at. Rather, he sings about his humble means, the power of the love he has to offer (shocker, right), and his freedom to dream.  “Harvard” doesn’t swing the pendulum on All Love Everything, but it’s a fine coda.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, All Love Everything is a pleasant comeback album by Aloe Blacc. Throughout the course of the album, Blacc sings well, exhibiting ample expressive, nuance, and soul.  The songs are respectable and clean-cut; totally inoffensive.  While All Love Everything isn’t the most dynamic or innovative album, it reminds fans why we’ve always been so high on Blacc.

✅ Gems: “My Way,” “Wherever You Go,” “I Do,” “Corner” & “Hold on Tight” 

Aloe Blacc • 💿 All Love Everything • 🏷 Aloe Blacc / BMG Rights Management • 📅 Release: 10.2.20

📷 Photo Credits: Aloe Blacc / BMG Rights Management