Rag’n’Bone Man is ready to put down some roots. New album ‘What Do You Believe In?’ is titled almost as a challenge to its maker, a sign that he wants something permanent in his life. Having moved from the underground to the mainstream in a breathless two album run, Rag’n’Bone Man feels ready to look to the light, with his family anchoring him in the process. An album that looks to his core influences, ‘What Do You Believe In?’ is a burst of buoyant maturity from an era-defining vocalist.
Stylistically, the record looks to the Soulquarian fusion of hip-hop, soul, and jazz for inspiration, reflecting the sound and feel of those coming-of-age summers. There’s a human – no pun intended – feel to the mixture, which often brings out the very best in Rag’n’Bone Man as a vocalist. Tracks such as ‘Iron’ or opener ‘The Right Way’ hinge on fantastic basslines, the three-dimensional structure of sound perfectly framing his voice.
Yet there’s also no small degree of emotion in here, too. Rag’n’Bone Man may have found his harbour of domesticity, but the challenges of adulthood remain. ‘Hope You Felt Loved At The End’ is heartrendingly beautiful, while ‘Put A Little Hurt On Me’ works due to its palpable intimacy.
Indeed, ‘What Do You Believe In?’ is perhaps the English artist’s most consistent album to date. A labour of love, it grapples with the energy of his live performances, while somehow finding a way to match this to studio perfectionism. ‘Chokehold’ points to those epic festival appearances, while something like ‘All I Know’ could only emerge from the intense conversation between artist and audience.
Haloed by the warmth of hip-hop’s golden age – and vintage soul – ‘What Do You Believe In?’ offers sonic comfort while still challenging its maker. At times caramel smooth, at others breathlessly open, it’s a song cycle that revels in quiet truths.
7/10
Words: Robin Murray
