Since his very first album, it was easy to predict the musical trajectory of vocalist Gregory Porter. His mix of Motown soul, church gospel feel and original, reassuring lyrics is a spot on winning combo, with this latest album a successful mix of all three.
It’s also quite ambitious, teaming his regular band with a mix and match collection of a horn section, 10 voiced choir and even strings from the London Symphony. The church is in good form this time out, with some hand clapping spiritual warfare on a “Walk With Me” variation on the upbeat testimony of “Revival” with “Dad Gone Thing” not far behind. The sermonette gets serious on the ominous “Long List Of Troubles” with heavy organ, and the preacher is encouraging on the “You Can Join My Band” sermonette. In fact, most of the songs are rich and thoughtful messages, with strings on a wondrous “Modern Day Apprentice” and optimistically guiding on “Real Truth”. Dramatic storytelling takes place on “If Love Is Overrated” and he brings real soul into “soul” music on”Faith In Love” and “Everything Youi Touch Is Gold”. The world would be a better place if we paid heed to messages like these.