Week of 1.12.15

Album spotlight: D’Angelo and the Vanguard,  Black Messiah

R&B’s most iconic recluse is back after 14 years without releasing an album. After releasing 2000’s Voodoo, D’Angelo fell away from making music and some speculated that he was finished. But with Black Messiah, the man is back and seductive as ever.

This twelve song record is focused: “Sugar Daddy” is a catchy, juicy five minute R&B single with a danceable edge. “The Charade” is a cosmic political statement with D’Angelo singing “All we wanted was a chance to talk/ Instead we only got outlined in chalk”, perhaps his comment on the police brutality that has plagued the news over the past few years. “Another Life” is a smooth, soulful number that ends the album with the sexiest, most climactic male scream heard in recent memory. If you’re looking for the best in modern R&B, look no further – Black Messiah is here to lead us to the Promised Land.

Start with: “Sugar Daddy”, “The Charade”, “Another Life”

WXOU’s top ten albums for 1.12.15

1. PARQUET COURTS, Content Nausea    

2. ARIEL PINK, Pom Pom   

3. AQUADOLLS, Stoked On You     

4. TV ON THE RADIO, Seeds

5. SHE AND HIM, Classics      

6. FRANCISCO THE MAN, Loose Ends 

7. PANDA BEAR, Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper 

8. TY SEGALL, Singles 2    

9. RUN THE JEWELS, Run The Jewels 2 

10. D’ANGELO AND THE VANGUARD,  Black Messiah      

The WXOU Music Department submits a weekly list of its 30 top albums to the College Music Journal that are currently being played at the station.

Tune into 88.3 FM WXOU Radio to hear these hits all week or visit wxou.org for more.