Album Review — After Hours, Mack Wilds
“I don’t remember a time in my life when music wasn’t a factor in my life” — Mack Wilds
You ask any of my friends over the age of 30 about the current state of R&B compared to the 90s and they’ll usually reply with an incredulous look, perplexed that you would even ask such a question. They’re probably riding on a nostalgic high or they genuinely feel like today’s Rhythm and Blues is no longer the creme de la creme, hovering around to them, just above trash. I typically point to talented new acts like Anderson.Paak or Mack Wilds to undermine their claims of today’s music being trash. Most times, to no avail. Fortunately, that hasn’t stopped me from talking about AfterHours — an incredible body of work that deserves recognition.
It has been four years since Mack Wilds released his grammy-nominated debut album, New York: A Love Story. An album that sonically took listeners on a sojourn back in time. An era that gave music lovers endless love songs and limited excuses for romantic ineptitude with their significant others. By soliciting help from legendary producer Salaam Remi who has produced for Nas, Amy Winehouse, the Fugees, and Miguel — Mack was in safe hands. Ironically, what made that album special were the elements my friends had fallen in love with during their coming-of-age years. Soulful productions coupled with lyrics that were sexual but did not feel inauthentic. Those qualities provided the framework for that album.
But, one question still remained: Would Mack deliver on his forthcoming album or would the sophomore jinx reign supreme?
From the beginning of this album, he sets the tone by stating that “This ain’t no club shit.” A stark departure from some of his contemporaries who feel that in order to be viable in today’s music industry whilst making R&B music, they must make songs that will get spins in the club. AfterHours draws a line in the sand and refuses to venture off or capitulate to those demands.
Thematically, this album deals with touchy subject matter such as isolation, lust, regret, adultery, conflict, and affliction. On Obsession, the third song from the Album, Mack sings:
All I want is some time…
The time to change up your mind…
But you ain’t with it, babe…
All we need is some time.
His sexual encounter with a girl he has fallen in lust with has clouded his judgment. His obsession could cost him his relationship and he’s grappling with this reality.
On the next song, Senses, two lovers are expressing their affinity for one another. And, what each partner has to offer sexually to their partner. A song that will no doubt be added to the bedroom playlist. But, it’s this growth and maturity in Mack’s sound that has surprised many onlookers. This ability to tackle these complex subject matters and execute them well is astonishing. So much so, that even “ Contrarian Joe” gives this album a thumbs up.
On one my favorite songs from the album, Explore, Mack, talks about his isolation and the inability of his friends to help his tumultuous love life. What makes the song powerful is its implicit acknowledgment of male bravado and ego. The lyrics suggest that intimate conversations amongst men in society are considered taboo, so he says to hell with it and tries to figure it out himself.
I tried to talk to my friends
Just to get some help
Too many problems of their own
So I guess I gotta help myself…
What do you do when you love her
But you know she love somebody else…
AfterHours is a courageous and successful step forward in the young crooner’s career. He demonstrated that he can make “ Grown-Folk music”. A requisite in this genre. I encourage music lovers from all generations to this give this album a thorough listen.
4 stars out of 5
Watch AfterHours Episode 1 and 2 below
