Heron was a major figure in the R&B movement of the 1960s and 70s - a political activist who vented his frustrations through powerful lyrics and soulful rhythms. He is often credited with influencing artists like Kayne West, Mos Def and Chuck D. Listening to Heron's earlier music, it's easy to see that he had (at least) a hand in bringing about current hip-hop and rap sounds. His first album in 13 years, I'm New Here is already being lauded as one of the best albums of the year. The Guardian has provided an exclusive free listen of the entire album:
Heron's age (and trials) comes through in his voice. Yet the gravel behind his lyrics is equally compelling as (if not more than) the silkiness of his earlier songs. Each track is sleek and hefty as a river-washed stone. Cohesively, the album presents like a collection of poetry or short fiction - book-ended by his autobiographical spoken-word tracks "On Coming from a Broken Home (Pts. 1 and 2)." In between the opening and closing chapters of the album, Heron beautifully intertwines contemporary R&B sounds on tracks like "Me and the Devil" with the blues of "New York is Killing Me" and "interludes" that sound like remixed interviews with the artist.
Listen to it start to finish - a few times. To do otherwise would dismantle the eloquent structure of the music...but of course, the tracks stand strong on their own.
Like Heron? Check out his classic albums The Revolution will not be Televised and Winter in America.
