Amos Lee’s new album, Mission Bell, is his most realized work to date. In a fusion of R&B, folk, acoustically driven soul and jazz, he transcends the aforementioned genres in 12 tracks. The pace is easy on the ears, almost Ben Harper sounding before Live from Mars. The opening track, “El Camino”, is a melodic start demonstrating country styles and a gentle toned bridge incorporating light trumpet before a piano solo. Particular tracks will prompt goose bumps, namely “Out of the Cold,” which depicts a war veteran with politically charged undertones. “Violin” is also a hair-raiser. What would an album be without a romantic love ballad? “Stay with Me” is the closest anecdote to the conventional love song. It features Priscilla Ahn in a bluesy sound with enticing, yet meaningful lyrics and also a rich riff. “Cup of Sorrow” encompasses a sing-a-long beat; a folksy hand-clapper if you will and “Learned A Lot” includes a head-bobbing electric guitar solo.
There is not a signature upbeat song on the album, per say. You won’t find a “Listen.” It was not recorded to be calm before the storm in musical personality. When mentioning electric guitar solos, it’s in a Ray LaMontagne manner and chock full of R&B. That’s why Mission Bell is considered neo soul. By contrast, industry critics deemed Lee’s second album --Supply and Demand -- louder because it’s folk rock.
Mission Bell is an eclectic mix that can’t be singularly defined. It’s difficult to gauge how soft-sounding an album is, or if that’s characterized as a slower pace. It all depends on the perception of the listener. It’s Lee’s best album in my opinion and I have not scratched the surface of its beauty.
It’s easy music to fall in love with. It makes you believe.
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