Record Review - PJ Morton: Walk Alone

With Walk Alone, Atlanta-based artist PJ Morton returns with an inspiring third set that is nothing less than a triumph. Morton daringly refreshes his distinctive sound again, possibly reclaiming those lost R&B fans from his pleasant but brief foray into ’70s soft rock on Perfect Song, the follow-up to his stripped-down soul classic Emotions. This go-round, Morton thickens his soulful stew with epic, musically dense, genre-jumping compositions still bearing his uncanny knack for infectious R&B/pop melodies. His musicians and musicianship shine throughout Morton’s progressive arrangements, whether it’s the Earth Wind & Fire-like horns on the rocked out “She’s Gone,” insistent percussive rhythms of “I Need Your Love,” or the ’30s juke joint jamboree of “Girlfriend.” Respective reggae and gospel guest spots by Tweet and Morton’s pops, the Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr., nicely round out a comeback with very few missteps and nearly a dozen dizzying delights. 4 out of 5 stars.