Eric Burton’s rich smoky vocals and Adrian Quesada’s warm analog production shape a vintage sound on Black Pumas debut self-titled album. When it was released in 2019 it immediately turned heads for a handful of reasons. The two-man operation channeled the spirit of classic R&B, psychedelic grooves, and slow-burn funk into a gorgeous sounding record which tugs on the ol’ Americana throwback heartstrings that has been en vogue over the past few years. The band drew on the soul of Curtis Mayfield-esque arrangements and late-night jam sessions, keeping things tight with a focused vision a la The Black Keys. It also certainly helped that they beefed up the instrumentals with a bevy of session players to round everything out. This is an album that is an easy listen in all of the best ways.
Standout Songs: “Black Moon Rising”, “Colors”, “Touch The Sky”
