Artist: The Relatives
Label: Yep Roc Records
Genre(s): R&B, Soul, Funk, Classic Soul, Gospel
Released: February 19, 2013
The Relatives gave the world another sanctified and funky album called The Electric Word back in February. This 10-track album is unapologetically anachronistic, boasting an authentic 70s sound with no hints of the 21st century. Staying true to their roots was a great decision for The Relatives; The Electric Word is definitely a good album.
The Electric Word starts off with Things are Changing which has an old school, basic vibe at the beginning and changes halfway through the track to a faster pace, funky sound. Throughout the song, The Relatives tell of how things are changing; however, although the song changes its tone, it doesnt change to a 2013 sound. This seems to represent The Relatives ability to change but still stick to their true sound. Throughout the album, theres a lot of evangelizing in songs like Let Your Light Shine, Revelations, and Your Love is Real. Speak to Me (Whats Wrong with America?), is a song latent with social commentary on racial tensions in the US. The second to last song, Its Coming Up Again, is arguably one of the best songs on the album, musically; this James Brown-esque track allows the skills of the band members to shine.
Many older groups make the decision to incorporate the sound of the day into their music and miss the mark completely. The Relatives did the opposite; they stuck with what they do best and gave us something good.
Rating: A
Track 1: Things Are Changing
Track 2: Let Your Light Shine
Track 3: Speak to Me (What’s Wrong with America?)
Track 8: Your Love is Real
Track 9: It’s Coming Up Again (Say it Loud)
[amazon_link id=”B009WQ7MNG” target=”_blank” ]The Electric Word[/amazon_link][amazon_link id=”B004ZQGTU0″ target=”_blank” ]Don’t Let Me Fall[/amazon_link][amazon_link id=”B009WQ7OB6″ target=”_blank” ]The Electric Word [vinyl][/amazon_link]