Much in the same manner that he provided a platform for the late Gil Scott Heron to display his formidable talents on his swansong LP I’m New Here, XL boss Richard Russell has given soul legend Bobby Womack the opportunity to showcase his gifts to a whole new generation on The Bravest Man In The Universe. In a further comparison to the Heron project, Russell – this time in cahoots with co-producer Damon Albarn – has updated the sonic backdrop for Womack’s powerful vocals, conjuring up a wonderfully potent cocktail of electro rhythms and hip hop beats.
The centre-piece is undoubtedly Womack’s voice, which in common with performers as diverse as Leonard Cohen, Marianne Faithfull, Al Green and the aforementioned Heron, is able to express a remarkable mix of experience, pathos, heartache and resilience. The singer delivers his stirring performances over an exquisite musical landscape that constantly shifts and surprises: there’s the Gorillaz-like electro groove and funky guitar of the title track; the acoustic blues of ‘Deep River’; the dubstep-inflected ‘Love Is Gonna Lift You Up’; and even a touch of South African shangaan electro on ‘Jubilee (Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around)’.
Perhaps best of all is ‘Dayglo Reflection’, a masterful blend of synth pulse, skittering beats and elegant piano. The track also boasts beautiful guest vocals courtesy of Lana Del Rey, once again suggesting that the performer of the 21st century masterpiece ‘Video Games’ is set to become one of the most interesting pop stars of her generation.
But of course the album belongs to Womack, who in the ’70s sang unforgettably of urban sturm und drang on ‘Across 110th Street’. Over 30 years later, he’s still welcoming you to the jungle. It’s great to have him back.