D’Angelo and the Vanguard – Black Messiah (Vinyl 2LP)

The wait is finally over! D’Angelo and The Vanguard’s highly anticipated and much buzzed about brand new album, Black Messiah, is upon us courtesy of RCA Records. Nearly 15 years in the making, Black Messiah contains 12 tracks of timeless music with poignant and provocative lyrics that requires repeat listening at maximum volume! On the album, D’Angelo is joined by his band, The Vanguard, alongside Pino Palladino, James Gadson and Questlove on various tracks.

All lyrics were written by D’Angelo in addition to Q-Tip and Kendra Foster who also offered songwriting assistance on several songs. With the high quality of live musicianship featured on Black Messiah, it’s important to note that no digital ‘plug-ins’ of any kind were used in this recording. All of the recording, processing, effects and mixing was done in the analog domain using tape and mostly vintage equipment.

“‘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.” – D’Angelo, Black Messiah forward

In 1995, Richmond, VA native D’Angelo made an undeniable impact with the release of his debut album Brown Sugar, ushering in a new and inescapable sound with classic hits such as the album title track, “Lady,” “Cruisin,” and more. D’Angelo returned in 2000 with his platinum-plus selling album Voodoo. The critically acclaimed album won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and the hit single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel), won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

LP1

1.  Ain’t That Easy

2.  1000 Deaths

3.  The Charade

4.  Sugah Daddy

5.  Really Love

LP2

1.  Back to the Future (Part I)

2.  Till It’s Done (Tutu)

3.  Prayer

4.  Betray My Heart

5.  The Door

6.  Back to the Future (Part II)

7.  Another Life