A musical career that spans back to the ’50s keeps singer-songwriter Bobby Womack staying innovative. After writing songs for The Rolling Stones, it probably wasn’t hard for the R&B legend to collaborate with one of the most pioneering producers in alternative music, Damon Albarn. In recent years, the two worked together on Gorillaz’s “Plastic Beach” and “The Fall,” but it’s evident the creative mind behind the Gorillaz co-produced this album. Slow and eerie yet pleasant keyboard and piano strokes, quirky beats and muffled instrumentals set a unique tone but don’t overshadow Womack’s well-worn vocals. The album places featured artists like Lana Del Rey and Gil Scott-Heron precisely, creating fitting song elements. Even with all this novelty, Womack hasn’t lost any piece of the raspy, deep-ish voice that makes him so recognizable. Grade: A
 
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