D’Angelo and The Vanguard: Black Messiah Vinyl 2LP D’Angelo and The Vanguard

After 14 years, D’Angelo finally drops the surprise follow up to Voodoo… and it is well worth the wait! Black Messiah comes right when we needed it most, and is a refreshing and phenomenal piece of work that re-invigorates the current musical landscape with some much needed soul. Considering we haven’t heard from his in well over a decade, D’Angelo comes through like a boss, hitting us with 12 powerful, inspiring, and relevant tracks sounding like a modern day Sly or Marvin. From the man himself – “Black Messiah is a hell of a name for an album. It can be easily misunderstood. Many will think it’s about religion. Some will jump to the conclusion that I’m calling myself a Black Messiah. For me the title is about all of us. It’s about the world. It’s about an idea we can all aspire to. We should all aspire to be a Black Messiah. It’s about people rising up in Ferguson and in Egypt and in Occupy Wall Street and everyplace where a community has had enough and decides to make change happen. It’s not about praising one charismatic leader but celebrating thousands of them. Not every song on this album is politically charged (though many are) but calling this album Black Messiah creates a landscape where these songs can live to the fullest. Black Messiah is not one man. It’s a feeling that, collectively, we are all that leader.” Double vinyl pressing. Seriously can’t recommend this enough. 

• the long-awaited third studio album from D’Angelo finally released on vinyl
• features appearances from Q-Tip, ?uestlove, Funkadelic’s Kendra Foster, bassist Pino Palladino and drummer James Gadson
• includes digital download
• music label: Sony 2015

reviewed by Von Bee 01/2015