Good Things
by Aloe Blacc
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
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  1. PD1769
    Mar 3, 2011
    9
    Even though he's apparently been around for the past 4-5 years, I had not heard of Aloe Blacc...until I caught the theme to HBO's "How To Make It In America". Being a fan of old 70's soul, I thought that "I Need A Dollar" was unearthed from some lost Bill Withers tapes circa 1972. It was stripped bare, burned with desperation, yet chugged along with so much simplicity....characteristicsEven though he's apparently been around for the past 4-5 years, I had not heard of Aloe Blacc...until I caught the theme to HBO's "How To Make It In America". Being a fan of old 70's soul, I thought that "I Need A Dollar" was unearthed from some lost Bill Withers tapes circa 1972. It was stripped bare, burned with desperation, yet chugged along with so much simplicity....characteristics unheard of with today's R&B. Then I came across his soul cover of the Velvet Underground's "Femme Fatale" and was blown away at how Blacc had grasped the essence of Philly soul and Gil-Scott Heron style protest anthems. Hey, today's tough economic times call for it, making these songs even more welcome. All of "Good Things" simmers with both a retro vibe and a fresh sound that is nearly unmatched. I am hoping that he continues to move in this same direction as he creates more of his own brand of modern soul.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best Album of 2010
92
#92 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Dec 23, 2010
    70
    For those, like me, who previously dismissed Aloe Blacc, Good Things warrants our reconsideration. Blacc's changed his tune. We probably should, too
    Read full review
  2. The A.V. Club
    Dec 21, 2010
    91
    Blacc's charismatic blend of gravitas and ease is what humanizes and vivifies Shine Through's ageless appeal.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    80
    Blacc's wise-beyond-his-years tenor, sounding eerily alike a young Bill Withers, perfectly fits I Need A Dollar's dignified mourn. Elsewhere, he skillfully evades mawkishness or trite sentiment on the moving Momma Hold My Hand. [Sep 2010, p.106]
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