Blacc,Aloe Good Things CD

Good Things marks a shift in methodology from personal to political for Aloe, who refers to the project as his report on present conditions-joblessness, homeless, the misappropriation of wealth, pillaging of resources, and a universal lack of compassion from the capitalism at-large under which we all function, but some struggle to survive. Song titles such as "You Make Me Smile" and "Miss Fortune," coupled with airy, ethereal production from Truth & Soul's Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman mask a foreboding undercurrent in which Aloe crafts lyrics both thoughtful and thought-provoking. Nowhere is this more evident than on lead single, "I Need a Dollar"-commissioned by HBO as the theme music for the series How to Make It in America and screening in the UK in 2011-because ultimately, that is how to make it in America.

1. I Need a Dollar 2. Green Lights 3. Hey Brother 4. Miss Fortune 5. Life So Hard 6. Take Me Back 7. Femme Fatale 8. Loving You Is Killing Me 9. Good Things 10. You Make Me Smile 11. If I 12. Mama Hold My Hand 13. Politician (Reprise)