Recently pronounced cancer free by his doctors, it's impossible to avoid reading a lot into the title of Bobby Womack's new album, The Bravest Man In The Universe (out June 12). Co-produced by Damon Albarn (with whom Womack collaborated on Gorillaz's Plastic Beach) and XL Records chief Richard Russell, the album is anything but a weepy R&B nostalgia-fest—punctuated by gritty hip-hop beats, gloomy synths, Albarn's mournful piano arrangements and Russell's lively samples, Womack's first album of original material in 12 years aches, roars and moans with purpose and passion.
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A weathered, beautifully rundown machine, Bobby's voice soars, crackles and moans gorgeously over an equally battered electronic landscape. On the opening title track, he wails modestly, "The bravest man in the universe is the one who has forgiven first," holding his own amidst a busy production that boats a melancholy cello, classically Gorillaz-esque synth bass lines, a half-tuned acoustic guitar and a sweeping, stirring orchestral backdrop. Alternately, his take on the gospel standard "Deep River" is chilling its stark minimalism—with just a lone guitar strumming beneath him, Womack conjures the ache, fear, hope and regret of an entire lifetime with each brittle note.
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Though he's the undisputed guest of honor here, Womack often feels like one third of the complete puzzle—as a production duo, Albarn and Russell quietly marvel and astound, as on the gently devastating "Dayglo Relection," a mournful duet with the deathly Lana Del Rey that coats both lead voices in a sheen of jazzy, minor piano chords and thumping bass hits. Womack pairs up with Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara on the equally sobering "Nothin' Can Save Ya," a sorrowful ballad decked out in buzzy electro beats and clashy drum breaks. Never once does Womack sound lost or out of place amidst the alien sonic surroundings—just listen to how his bluesy pleadings mesh perfectly with the free-form ambient sounds of "Sweet Baby Mine," or how his graceful yowls synch with the thick urban beats of "Stupid" and "If There Wasn't Something There," a textbook Albarn collision of coarse electronics and gospel spiritualism.
At 68 years old, Bobby Womack didn't need to record an album this spry, immediate, modern or adventurous—but longtime fans will recognize the creative spark and curious energy that's peppered his entire career in each synth pad and aggro beat. A wondrously conceived, brilliantly executed three-way collaboration, The Bravest Man In The Universe is a resounding creative success for all involved and one of the year's most unexpected gems.
SumOlogy: Womack, Damon Albarn and Richard Russell are a perfectly matched team, kicking out songs that buzz and hum with modern electronic energy while seething and soaring with thick soulful vibes. It's a must-listen for fans of any/all involved.
Grade: A
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