Review R&B and Soul

Bobby Womack

Bravest Man In The Universe

XL Recordings • 2012

Maybe it was necessary after all. Maybe »Please Forgive My Heart« was needed a few months ago, in order to show the world what it had been missing for years now. Bobby Womack’s unrivaled voice impresses in those four and a half minutes, without toppling into pathos. Now, »The Bravest Man In The Universe« is the accompanying LP, produced by Damon Albarn – and there’s hardly a more logical collaboration for a record like this. The tracks were arranged carefully and with caution, so that Womack can make full use of his voice. In »Stupid«, the melody politely stays in the background and also »Dayglo Reflection« with Lana Del Rey as a feature is based on a rather simple rhythm. The disco-beat of »Love Is Gonna Lift You Up« allows the wind players to flatter it in such subtlety that it does not instantly blow our brain away. These single snippets turned into album-length are reflecting the world we live in and the world of emotions – in Womack’s interpretation of soul-music, it derives from a scarred soul which wears its scars with pride. Harmonies are turned around and things appear to be simple, before they start doubling up. Then, when they reappear, and when this unique voice starts to sing, it couldn’t be more fascinating and impressive. And that’s what we’ve all been waiting for.

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