As I listened to Raheem DeVaughn’s maturation through his latest LP, Love Behind the Melody, it became obvious that his CD will stay in perpetual rotation in my cars manual juke box. It sent me back to the 80’s, when my parents blasted their blown out speakers with ageless Motown hits. It reminded me of rocking a mullet with cut off acid washed jeans as I was force fed music that I would develop an appreciation for later in life. While listening to each song, I wished I could find a kid; any kid would do since I don’t have any, and punish their ears with masterful classics the way my parents did to me. I know one day, a long time from now, the child would appreciate DeVaughn in the same manner in which I value Motown.

It took me nearly two and a half hours to get through this instant classic. Typically, each song gets thirty seconds to impress, but this is the rare exception. It was difficult to move to the next track, as I became repeatedly consumed with each song. The tempos change, but the quality remains consistent.

Occasionally, a male artist will find himself moved enough to write a song about the value of his female counterpart. Successful in showcasing their strengths, Woman is the quintessential song expressing the beauty of women. Instead of capitalizing on the movement of how to exploit women, DeVaughn sings of a woman’s worth, which includes mothers and significant others. He has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Woman.

Every Neo-Soul CD needs at least one track that is so aurally appetizing that dancing coordination isn’t contemplated. You just blend in with your friends, and dance as inconspicuous as possible. If you become too frenetic on the dance floor from Friday, the fifth track on the album, you may embarrass yourself into feeling like Elaine Bennis (Seinfeld) at work the next day. My advice is to remain calm if you’re out with your friends, and do as little dancing as possible if you’re rhythmically challenged when this song plays.

Energy also keeps the constant change in flow throughout the CD going. Sporting a slower tempo than Friday, it will still bring out the groove in you. Considering rap typically doesn’t mesh well with the smooth sounds of neo-soul, Big Boi, from Outkast, lays down a silky verse that won’t have your parents reaching for the skip button.

Four Letter Word has nothing to do with your boss giving you a condescending speech in your cubicle with you saying an expletive under your breath as he walks away. These four letters spell love. Uniquely, DeVaughn sings to love, and not about love. He harmonizes the possibility of love revisiting him, and all the things that indicate he is once again in love.

Love Behind the Melody is sensual, compassionate, and tender. Continuing with the neo-soul movement, this CD shies away from self eulogizing, and converges on love and happiness in relationships. Sure it’s not typical, but it is refreshing to hear DeVaughn seduce listeners with optimism, rather than beating the hell out of the “broken heart” drum. With thirteen songs, and three interludes, this CD could have survived during the Mecca of soul music almost forty years ago.

By Trent Hensley