Bobby Womack: The Bravest Man in the Universe

Bobby Womack Album Review by Jack Flahavan

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Bobby Womack: The Bravest Man in the Universe

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Bobby Womack is back and in fighting form on his new album, 'The Bravest Man in the Universe', his first original material since 1994’s 'Resurrection'. Released on the 11th of June, the album slipped under the radar somewhat when it entered the UK charts at #49, but now I have discovered it I feel compelled to sing Womack’s praises. Produced by the innovative, contemporary genius of Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), and XL Recording’s founding member, Richard Russel, the experience I had of this album was profoundly unique in comparison to other new releases that I have tuned in to this year. I can say without hyperbolising, that the 'The Bravest Man in the Universe' is a cocktail of the old school and the new, a meeting between tradition and futurism, poetically entwined to create a soundscape in a sphere of its own.

Age Shall Not Wither

What this album symbolises is the paragon of strength and talent that is Bobby Womack. In contrast to his previous work, the production for this album is part of the new-age sound that XL Recordings has been expanding for some time, a combination of Breakcore, European dance music, and space-age samples. The label is home to The xx, Radiohead, and Tyler the Creator, who all exemplify a contemporary transformation that music enthusiasts will have recognized over the years as the dominance of guitar bands has dwindled.

Bobby Womack's album 'The Bravest Man in the Universe'.

What surprised me was how easily Womack adapted to these new forms, whilst still being able to express himself freely and without fear. The opening track, named after the album’s title, sets the tone perfectly, taking off with a graceful chorus of violins, followed by the soulful cry of Womack’s resounding vocals that have always adopted the authority and grace of a wise, gospel preacher. Suddenly, the album is thrown into a different world, and a thundering, punk-rock bass line begins to rumble over the top of a frenetic drum beat, letting the listener know in no uncertain terms that they are in for a surprise. Womack’s harrowing voice rises once again, 'I once was lost, but now I’m found', bringing forth an empowering offering of his own hindsight on a life lived in a full, sometimes brutal manner. It’s a fitting beginning to a diverse, wholly encompassing album that traverses spirituality, as Womack appears to be seeking penance and absolution. Much of the album’s nature is contradictory to the genres of soul, blues and funk that Womack is associated with, but for the long-life, devout fans there are one or two breaks in the mould that will keep them appeased.

The third track, 'Deep River', is a stripped down acoustic number full of purity and truth, a song about passing through into heaven having made peace with God. The soul king wails, 'My lord, He calls me by thunder', his religiousness injecting an emotional profundity that one can only marvel at. I recently discovered that Womack was suffering from cancer during the making of the album, which puts extra emphasis on his physical and artistic endeavours, particularly in the tracks that deal with death and loss.

Encore! Encore!

The album finishes with a surge of vitality and agelessness, racing for the finish with a face-paced, primitive drum beat that has the hypnotic quality of samba music. The final track, 'Jubilee (Don’t Let Anybody Turn You Around)', is a mixture of religious speech and vocals, and is celebratory to the point of defiance. 'Don’t you let your body bring you down, keep on walking on solid ground.' Such words show that though Womack may be ageing, there’s still some life in him yet, and I most certainly look forward to his next release. This is an album for all ages, all types, and all kinds of perspectives. To be thrilled and touched by music is too often a rare experience, so I would encourage people to switch on, tune in, and drop out, and be led into new lands by the The Bravest Man in the Universe.