Rumors of R&B’s death have been greatly exaggerated. I’m not talking about the “rap and bullshit” that permeates the airwaves this way or the (admittedly good) strains of alternative R&B provided by acts like Miguel. I’m talking about that warm, soulful, “feed the spirit” music with thoughtful lyrical content. It’s what The Foreign Exchange has provided since the release of Connected in 2004, and what they continue to provide with their current LP, Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey.
While most folks peg The Foreign Exchange as a two man affair-Nicolay provides the music, Phonte provides the vocals-Milk And Honey continues the group’s evolution into a Soul II Soul-esque collective, including multi-instrumentalist Zo! and vocalists Carmen Rodgers and Tamisha Walden. All make inspired contributions to the album, which is concise and pleasing from beginning to end.
Some folks may have been put off (or at the very least taken aback) by Milk And Honey‘s first single, “Asking For A Friend”. The combination of retro-house flavor and Phonte’s Rockwell-esque vocal caused many a head to be scratched, but the truth is that while it’s a bit of a left turn (and yeah, it’s kinda goofy), it’s still a jam. Same goes for “Work It To The Top”, a funky uptempo track that finds Tigallo doing his best Steve Arrington impression. Music fans who were around in the early days of house’s commercial rise, or have worn through their copies of Slave’s Just A Touch Of Love and Stone Jam will appreciate the homages for what they are.
Folks looking for more “traditional” sounding material will gravitate to the jazzy title track (which gives me pleasant “Nights Over Egypt”-style vibes), the seductive “Body”, or “Sevenths and Ninths”, a ballad that John Legend would give up Chrissy Teigen’s Instagram account for. The album’s centerpiece (in my opinion) is “Truce”, a track that confirms Phonte’s status as one of the most astute lyrical observes of the ins and outs of relationships in music.
The term “grown folks music” is overused at this point, but I’ve gotta give props to The Foreign Exchange for making mature music (as well as music for mature people; two separate things) without sounding like they’re stuck in a rut (Jill Scott) or losing their senses of humor (everything the Roots have put out past The Tipping Point.) I also tip my hat to the crew for understanding that most good albums leave the listener wanting more-the economical run time is one of Tales‘ best assets. Even the left turns the group make can be appreciated by anyone who recognizes the musical touchstones they’re paying affectionate tribute to. At this point, it seems kinda silly to tell you that Tales From The Land Of Milk & Honey is a good album-that should go without saying. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and cop that.