Kem, Love Always Wins | Album Review 💿

Kem remains classy and incredibly consistent on his fifth studio album, Love Always Wins, which arrives following a six-year hiatus. 

Kem (Kim Owens) is among the most refined-sounding R&B musicians in the game.  He’s known for his smooth delivery; finesse to the nth degree. While calling his music ‘dynamic’ would be an overstatement, the man is quite talented.  Amazingly, he’s been quiet since releasing Promise to Love… in 2014! These R&B artists are definitely making their fans wait with these lengthy hiatuses! Thankfully, our favorite grown-and-sexy singer arrives with his fifth studio album, Love Always Wins.  While Owens makes a few tweaks here and there, for the most part, this is the same Kem you’ve been listening to from the start, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

“Not Before You”

“Not Before You” commences Love Always Wins in tried-and-true fashion. Fans of Kem will definitely be stoked. The sound is idiomatic adult contemporary R&B geared to ‘folks of a certain age.’ That said, even with those throwback elements, “Not Before You” doesn’t sound like a total anachronism in 2020, even as R&B has changed in recent times.  It’s sleekly produced, with the guitar and lush strings being a big selling point, while the singer himself sounds beautiful.   

The adult contemporary R&B renaissance continues in all its classiness and glory with “Lonely.” This joint is even more traditional than the opener, reminiscent of the 80s and 90s.  Kem drops a buttery smooth performance matching the backdrop that exudes finesse.  Does the man ever break a sweat? Instrumentally, there’s a marvelous keyboard solo, courtesy of Brian Culbertson, straight out of the smooth jazz playbook.  

“I’ve got a love I’ve never had / And the faith to make it last / I’m so much better with you in my life.” Kem stays in his lane throughout Love Always Wins, which was the expectation prior to the release of the album.  That said, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t bring some modern R&B cues into the mix. ✓ “With You in My Life” remains characteristic of the singer while also finding him with a foot firmly planted in the present landscape. The production remains classy but also slightly riskier than “Not Before You” and “Lonely” that precede it.

“Love” 

“Love” brings some more tempo to Love Always Wins – a smart play.  Also, smart? The gift of groove, which never seems too fail – have you noticed that? Once again, Kem never really goes out of his box, yet he’s not a total anachronism either.  It’s refreshing to hear R&B of old that’s updated just enough to be relevant in 2020. “Praise” keeps the momentum going without a hitch.  The script is more of the same – classy, grown folks R&B that’s chill and pleasant to the nth degree.  “Praise” is totally inoffensive, features a catchy chorus, not to mention some of the most overt vocals we’ve heard from the singer during the final minute of the record.  

As solid as “Praise” is, ✓ “Lie to Me” just might be the crowning achievement of Love Always Wins.  Kem keeps it old-school yet he makes these older sounds and past styles of R&B sound almost brand-new in current times. That definitely speaks to his musicianship.  Furthermore, it’s not the often that I geek out over a groove and bass line the way that I do listening to “Lie to Me.” Another pro – more ‘big,’ expressive vocals from the singer.  He brings some punch! BOOM!

Owens remains on autopilot on ✓ “Live Out Your Love”, period.  For fans and his targeted demographic, this is that double back they’ve needed since, well probably 2014!  Not the type to make a ‘banger,’ this love-touting anthem feels totally right.  The vibe is nostalgic and of course, romantic.  He sings beautifully; he doesn’t miss a beat.

“Love Always Wins”

Sometimes, title tracks can be a letdown – buzzkill.  That’s not the case with ✓ “Love Always Wins,” which gives the likes of “Lie to Me” and “Live Out Your Love” a run for their money.  “Love Always Wins” continues to find Mr. Owens speaking to his expertise, touting the power of a thing that is universally sought.  Like “Praise” or “Lie to Me,” what really stands out to me regarding this record is how Kem pushes his voice more than usual.  There’s more grit towards the end especially, where he’s propelled by those soulful, choral vocals.   

Kem takes a break from love on “Friend Today” – well, sort of! Owens gets socially conscious speaking of turbulent times. “I just wonder / What the hell we fighting for?” he asks on the bridge, continuing, “The crowds been running in place / Like ain’t nobody else around / But you and I, we get by / And how much love won’t it take / Before it all comes burning down…”  While “Friend Today” never gets truly specific with the troubling happenings of the world, it is a thoughtful, reflective record, well worth listening.  The guitar accompaniment – gorgeous touch! 

“Can’t Stop Giving Love” serves as the tenth track on Love Always Wins and feels like the closing track (two remixes follow).  After “Friend Today” had some questions regarding friendship and the state of the world, “Can’t Stop Giving Love” increases the tempo and preaches about the power of love in everything.  Like everything else, this is a consistent, sound grown folks R&B joint.

Remix Duets

Kem concludes Love Always Wins with two duets.  The first is the duet version of “Live Out Your Love”, featuring Toni Braxton. Braxton ends up being a perfect duet partner. The chemistry between two very similar artists – pros deep into their careers – is quite sound. Similarly, Erica Campbell provides a lift on the duet version of “Love Always Wins.” The original version had some terrific gospel cues in play, so it makes sense he’d tap a contemporary gospel artist like Campbell for the assist. Neither remix doesn’t necessarily supplant the original, but both provide a welcome bonus and contrast to Love Always Wins, all said and done.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Kem shines on his comeback album, Love Always Wins.  It is consistent from start to finish with no blatant miscues.  Those who were fans of Owens during his “Love Calls” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” days will remain fans as he urges you to “Live Out Your Love.” Owens doesn’t really change much, which some critics might be quick to point out, but I’d argue he really doesn’t need to.  There are enough updates to keep things fresh without dare offending his dedicated fans who love his ‘old fashioned,’ love-positive approach.  

✓ Gems: “With You in My Life,” “Lie to Me,” “Live Out Your Love” & “Love Always Wins”

Kem • Love Always Wins • Motown • Release: 8.28.20

Photo Credit: Motown