G Love & Special Sauce

Superhero Brother

Brushfire Records

(G Love MySpace)

Well there is no messing about on G Love’s new album, Superhero Brother. Right from the get-go, him and the boys hit you up with smoking hot funk with the opening track Communication. In some ways this new effort is a return to G Love’s roots – some steamy blues supported by one hell of a funky backbone. On some of his more recent efforts, while this OG style has always been present, it has typically taken a back-seat to more light and laidback stylings,which were obviously influenced by his current label and peers.

Now that the funk is back stronger than ever it made me realize what I was missing. The slow groove of Wiggle Worm is undeniable and the upbeat bump of What We Need is the Sauce at its hottest. While Lemonade included a parade of guest appearances, Superhero Brother keeps the outside influence to a minimum with only the Slightly Stoopid horn section adding to City Livin’ and Tre Hardson (Pharcyde) contributing vocals to Who’s Got the Weed?

Lead single, Peace Love and Happiness is kind of a little too sweet for my tastes, but lowdown funky jams like Georgia Brown and Grandmother really hit the G-spot (oh yes I did)!

Time will tell whether Superhero Brother is as successful as his recent smash Lemonade. I got a feeling it won’t be, as it’s got a little too much soul and adventurous musical exploration for the mainstream crowd. However, I do know which album will get played more by me though.

Reviewed by Pilipo