Aloe Blacc, My Way | Track Review

After a six-year hiatus, Aloe Blacc makes a strong comeback with the soulful, uplifting “My Way,” the promo single from All Love Everything.  

“Go ahead and tell everybody / I’m the man, I’m the man, I’m the man.” Yes, back in 2014, Aloe Blacc was indeed, “The Man,” an epic, inescapable, soulful pop/R&B record.  It was the crowning achievement of Lift Your Spirit, but the album had no shortage of highlights.  Since then, Blacc has kept a low profile, quietly releasing a Christmas album, Christmas Funk in 2018 and reissuing it in 2019.  Otherwise, one had to wonder, where is “The Man” at? Thankfully, this talented musician is back in 2020 with All Love Everything, led by the marvelous single, “My Way.”

If you were all-in on “The Man” in 2014, well, you’ll feel the same about “My Way.” Why? Well, the formula – the sound and vibe – are very similar.  First and foremost, Aloe Blacc sounds absolutely amazing.  Yes, it’s been six years since a proper studio album arrived, but his voice is as elite, polished, smooth, and soulful as ever.  Next, the production manages to brilliant fuse pop, contemporary R&B, and soul.  There’s a ‘classicism’ about “My Way,” yet it never sounds anachronistic either.  And the third component that makes “My Way” a bop-and-a-half? The songwriting! No, it’s not the greatest song that’s ever been written – I’m not saying that – but, it’s relatable, simple yet thoughtful, and 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…”

Final Thoughts

So, all in all, Aloe Blacc makes a strong AF comeback with “My Way.” Perhaps had he released a song in the mold of “My Way” shortly after releasing “The Man,” it wouldn’t feel as ‘golden.’ For me personally, after being so taken by this man’s pipes, I’m geeked to hear that he’s back and sounding great.

Aloe Blacc • All Love Everything • BMG Rights Management • Release: 10.2.20

Photo Credit: BMG Rights Management