
Since my discovery of PJ Morton, during a live show in Atlanta back in 2006(Kings of Underground Soul), I have been ADDIKTED to his music. There is something about his voice and the quality of his lyrics that make me support whatever he does. He’s also a pretty nice guy, which doesn’t hurt. PJ Morton has returned with his highly anticipated album, Walk Alone. My first thought was, ‘hmmm, what an interesting title’ and I was quite curious as to which direction he would go with this album. So being the eager beaver I am, I pre-ordered and got the album in no time! I ripped it open and immediately put it in the player. *Disclaimer: These are my own personal interpretations as I hear it. The beautiful thing about music is, you can have your own.*
The beginning of the album sets the tone for describing what we can assume is a relationship gone sour and now he realizes he’s left to “Walk Alone”. However, it can also be interpreted as any relationship, not only a romantic involvement. After my first listen, I thought – “how sad”. PJ Morton surely has had to “walk alone” especially with him choosing to follow his musical career and not sing gospel music. Growing up in the church can add a lot of pressure to life, especially being a “PK” (Preacher’s Kid). This song has depth. If anyone has ever walked out on you(especially after claiming they’d always be there), you can identify with this song. It’s pretty touching and more than anything-real.
And why is it every time you end up being happy with a new significant other, people come out of nowhere? Riddle me that! PJ’s song “Girlfriend” puts a cute spin on something many of us have experienced. One of my favorite songs on the album is definitely, “Don’t Ever Leave”. This song hits me a little personally and it’s reminiscent of classic PJ material. And after he’s asked her not to leave, he turns around and “She’s Gone.” This song is big. I mean he explicitly describes *insert expletive here* up and admitting it. How many people really do that? Thank you for recognizing your mistakes. Men, take notes. Ladies too! When I listen to “The One”, it makes me want to two-step. I dig it. The soul-clap infused “I Need Your Love” continues the theme of missing someone you once loved and the expression of longing for them. Missing and longing – two concurrent themes I immediately recognized in these melodies.
The next few tracks take the album in a different musical space. More happiness. More inspiration. With songs like “Love You More” ft. Tweet and “Mountains and Molehills”, it gives the album an emotionally balanced feel. To change lanes a bit, we get some encouragement on the last song. If you know anything about Gospel music, you are no stranger to Bishop Paul Morton. As an added bonus, PJ collaborates with his father to deliver an enlightening message, called “Let Go”.
The album is honest. An aural investment. This has been officially approved by an ADDIKT!
Please support honest music! You can get the album on iTunes, in-stores and on his website. Also be sure to follow PJ Morton on Twitter.
keep your soulHIGH!