Love songs can be tricky business. At its core, the majority of Soul/R&B music is about falling in and out of love and all the complications it brings. As Bilal quips, “Like grandma used to always say, ‘nothin’ new under the sun.’” The only thing really separating Jeremih’s “Birthday Sex” and the other pop drivel that dominates Top 40 radio from the material people prefer labeling Neo-Soul is execution and a matter of personal preference. The amount to which the gap between the two sub-genres has narrowed is debatable. But, for better or worse, Bilal has generally been lumped in the Neo-Soul category since Vibe magazine’s Soulquarians photoshoot in September of 2000. His third solo outing, A Love Surreal should do a lot to change that.
There were times—particularly on his debut, 1st Born Second—where Bilal has been eccentric just for the sake of being eccentric. It’s a quality that should be applauded, but also not one that has been successful at drawing in new listeners. But A Love Surreal finds him simplifying things. As a result, he’s more relatable without dumbing things down. When he sings, “You ain’t gotta talk a bit / Body talk a lot of shit / Got one question / Could you roll with a cat like me,” on “West Side Girl” the lyrics can just as easily be appreciated by an octogenarian on a Tom Joyner cruise as a 15-year-old skimming through a Spotify playlist.
Bilal is equally comfortable over Robert Glasper’s sparse piano (“Butterfly”) or an acoustic guitar (“The Flow”). Yet even with all of the experimentation, tracks like “Back To Love” address the type of issues every couple deals with. He’d like his woman to call in sick so he can whisk her off to Spain. But there’s also the all too familiar questions, “What are we here for / What are we doin’ / Last time I checked / Thought it was screwin’…”
That said, this is far from paint-by-numbers R&B fodder. It’s bends genres, and on songs like the Mary Jane ode, “Climbing” or “Longing And Waiting”—which is more likely to aid in conceiving a child than appeal to one—Bilal is in adults only mode. He still likes to use his voice as an instrument at times. So while you won’t find him scat singing, he has become much more adept at probing the negative space in a track, even when using simple lyrics.
By co-opting the title of John Coltrane’s 1965 classic, A Love Supreme, Bilal is at least hinting at lofty expectations. For the most part he exceeds them. Since everyone has experienced either some success or failure at love, the subject is familiar territory. But with some creativity and innovation, it’s possible to display a deceptively simple approach. Therein lies the real trickery.
For true R&B you can never go wrong with Bilal.
good music. this nig ugly as fuk though lmao
This album is just damn great! This is 5/5 material imo. Not really one weak song on the whole album. This one of the best albums of the year easily already. Real talent. Real music. Grown man shit.
Beautiful album. Love West Side Girl, Winning Hand, Climbing, Astray, Butterfly
Damn… Bilal okay, but this review was fucking atrocious. “Well, you do one better if you think your so good” says someone… Honestly, I probably fuckin could if I actually had the urge to review a album I won’t ever listen to.
I love this , the passion and drive behind it is just crazy . keep it up bro .
I don’t usually like this singing stuff but it was pretty cool regardless. a few missteps but whatevs
dis shit sounds like a vagina ate a gay dude an he waz sangin out of it. weak as fuck bruh-bruh
That doesn’t even make sense, If you wanna hate at least have a valid reason as to why.
Sounds like you flunked out of high-school, and you’re sitting at your mamas house typing out of it. Go listen to trey songz then you simple ass. You probably like the weeknds mollied out emo ass and the dream and sh**….both sound like they got panties on when they sing.
this was pretty awesome, not even gonna lie.
Bilal does it again!
Great review. I suspect that DX know what they’re talking about.
Great.
Good review.
loved bilal since 1st born second. i’ve evolved with him and he has not disappointed me. d’angelo, bilal please keep doing your thing–don’t believe the hype.
Glad DX took a stand.
This is MUSIC
pretty record, if you like pretty. Definitely a good choice when in the ride with the girl. Not so much for my day off tho.
Is this not HIP HOP DX? pffft RnB shit
Shut up clown
4 to JT and 4,5 to Bilal. it’s funny dear hhdx. u have no system in the way u ranking albums.
For everybody overworking Miguel’s album, give it a rest and pop this in. Love Surreal: Soul-Amazing.
SHOULD BE THE FIRST RECORD THAT I COP FOR THE YEAR.
Best R&B album i’ve heard in a while. Glad to know Bilal hasn’t lost his touch…I truly missed this type of sound.
this sounds like a fuckin experimental album !!
a fuckin classic !!!
true artistry at its maxium level. cant stop listening to this shit.
WESTCOAST STAND UP !!