Good Things (CD)

2010 release, the sophomore solo album from the soulful singer/songwriter. Produced by Leon quot;Elquot; Michels and Jeff Silverman, Good Things sees Aloe Blacc unite with the backing band best known as the Expressions or El Michels Affair. Powered by plinking piano, a tumbledown bassline and pristine horns, the first single, 'I Need a Dollar', is flavored with Funk, informed by Hip Hop and dripping with vintage cool. In short: it's a major tune, and a hint at Good Thing's sound; best described as Bill Wither's darkest moments with a splash of Bobby Womack whimsy and a pinch of Gnarls Barkley. The album is packed with highlights: The feel-good 'Green Lights', the emotive ballad 'So Hard' and the compelling and atmospheric 'Take Me Back', which has already found favor with Thom Yorke.