We Are (studio album)
by Jon Batiste

Album of the year at the 2022 Grammys

This is one of those albums where the artist's personality comes before music itself. His passion is truly inspiring, it's almost impossible not to be moved by it. This album - and music in general - is for him a means to an end, to quote the man himself he views music as "a social glue". So, if you have the feeling it sounds too familiar, well that's the point. He is masterfully blending together all the different elements of African American culture (that would include Neo-Soul/R & B/Gospel/Blues/Funk/Hip Hop/Jazz etc.) in an attempt to connect the community with its roots and raise its awareness and cohesiveness. Of course, such a challenging project is bound to come with some missteps. The bombastic opening track already warns you that this is going to be quite the ride, but at the same time you get the impression it may be even bigger than the work of a man could capture. It's not very often that an artist can match this sky high level of ambition and passion with his craft - that's why albums like To Pimp A Butterfly or What's Going On are such rare breeds. On the other hand, these minor flaws shouldn't diminish the magnitude of this artistic statement, he throws the idea of genres out of the window and offers us a unique listening experience, a cathartic journey to a world of joy, freedom and sensibility. As far as stand out tracks go, I would give the nod to either We Are or Cry, though I'm sure one could find more candidates - in general, saying that the album is front loaded would be a fair assessment, it loses steam towards the end. Ok, maybe I got too excited, but not many albums have spoken to me like that lately, it will be interesting to see where this stands in 6 months time.

A very retro soul feel to the album. Vocals are good. The overall groove is good. Just not my usual thing.

From Mercury 03/26/2021 05:18

(Really cool mix of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues, Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Jazz etc etc. And maybe most remarkable is how Batiste and Co. are able to make these varied sounds and textures meld into a coherent album. Not just a coherent album, but a joyous, celebratory, powerful, bright, inspiring album. One of my favorite listens recently and highly recommended.)

Right from the jump, with the absolute stunner that is the opening track "WE ARE", this album treats us to such euphoric, spiritual joy, its hard for me to imagine anyone who enjoys soul/gospel/R&B/Blues or the rich history of Black American music NOT at least liking this. That opening track sets the mood so high and does so so forcefully it's truly impressive.

From there the album takes on a historical tour of some of the greatest musicians and movements of the last hundred years. One song sounds like some Sly and the Family Stone jam, then the next sounds like the modern Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye, then you'll be hearing some D'Angelo or Duke Ellington vibes, then some soulful blues of Albert King, and on it goes. The Neo-Soul and Conscious Hip Hop thrown in and done quite well and ably as well just adds yet another layer to this buffett of truly great and enriching music.

If the album has a major flaw, or flaws, its that the whiplash created by switching up with such dexterity between so many different genres and tempos can be I bit discombobulating. The other flaw is the well-worn go to critique of "iT's sO dErIvAtive!". And, jokes aside, I can hear where this make-believe person is talking about. Most of these sounds and styles are so FULLY embraced and integrated by Batiste that it really does feel like he is pouring himself and what makes him unique into the influences. On occasion I also feel like the sounds are a bit derivative. These moments are rare and even when that feeling of unoriginality comes in, the songs and the performances are so strong I find this critique fade away behind my bobbing head and stupid grin.

This is a refreshingly alive, vital, joyous and optimistic sounding album. It has a brightness and a hope that is infectious. The way the album starts is stunningly great. Track 1 "WE ARE", track 2 "TELL THE TRUTH", track 3 "CRY" (another song of the year candidate), track 4 "I NEED YOU", and track 6 "BOY HOOD" are each flawless. Its rare an album comes out the gates THIS. FREAKING. HAAARD.

Of course with such a beginning its likely to fall off a little in the second half lest it be one of the 20 best songs ever made. And fall off a bit it does. Still some of the songs on side 2 are quite stunning. The D'Angelo-ish jam "ADULTHOOD", and the anthemic Sly-esque "FREEDOM" being a couple examples of latter half gems.

Of course it would be silly to end a comment on this album without remarking on Jon Batiste as a vocalist and a musician. He is a great, personable, almost effervescent force as a vocalist. He radiates some kind of warmth and relatability that I love to hear and is what has been the main driving force behind me listening to this album for hours today. And as a musician, well, he got this band together, arranged these songs, assembled this album and made this music - I think he is a world-class musician and artist. Glad I found this and heard it. It really has brightened up my day.