Since I Have a Lover in Bloomington, MN

6LACK
made it known with the release of the breezy and uncharacteristically serene "Since I Have a Lover" that his like-titled album would be quite different from the immensely successful
East Atlanta Love Letter
. Although the singer deals with some tense romantic and personal situations (best heard on the subtly compelling "Rent Free"), and lets loose with a belligerent or domineering couplet now and then,
Since I Have a Lover
is altogether lighter -- and more emotionally open -- than either of his first two LPs.
picked up guitar between albums and puts it to immediate use here. His gentle strums add a slightly dusty golden tinge to the title cut and other standouts such as "Inwood Hill Park" and "Wunna Dem," the latter a couples perseverance ballad featuring shadowy background vocals from partner
Quin
, also heard elsewhere. As a vocalist,
still often sounds enervated (if always lucid) in a way that rewards only close listening from those who value crooners over belters. ~ Andy Kellman