Since I Have A Lover

3度のグラミー賞ノミネートの経歴を持つ米アトランタ出身のラッパー、ソングライターの6LACK(ブラック)の3rdアルバム。"A Letter To My Fans"と"Since I Have A Lover"の2曲が先行公開されている。

6LACK made it known with the release of the breezy and uncharacteristically serene "Since I Have a Lover" that his like-titled album would be quite different from the immensely successful East Atlanta Love Letter. Although the singer deals with some tense romantic and personal situations (best heard on the subtly compelling "Rent Free"), and lets loose with a belligerent or domineering couplet now and then, Since I Have a Lover is altogether lighter -- and more emotionally open -- than either of his first two LPs. 6LACK picked up guitar between albums and puts it to immediate use here. His gentle strums add a slightly dusty golden tinge to the title cut and other standouts such as "Inwood Hill Park" and "Wunna Dem," the latter a couples perseverance ballad featuring shadowy background vocals from partner Quin, also heard elsewhere. As a vocalist, 6LACK still often sounds enervated (if always lucid) in a way that rewards only close listening from those who value crooners over belters. ~ Andy Kellman

5年ぶりとなる3作目。サウンド面の最大のトピックとなるのはスティング"Shape Of My Heart"を引用した"Talkback"と思われるが、耳目を惹くだけのミスマッチな大ネタ使いに終わらず、あのメロディアスなギター・リフとブラック自身の抑制の効いた歌声が驚くほど自然に溶け込んだ逸品だ。この曲が象徴するように、かつての彼の陰気で淀んだムードは均整がとれて洗練へと向かい、サウンウェイヴ製の"Since I Have A Lover"においてはギターの響きが爽やかな印象さえ与えている。歌詞からも悲嘆や憂鬱のフックは減退したが、心地良く聴ける機能が増したのは間違いないだろう。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子