Free Nationals – Free Nationals

Review

You know the vibe when a band that’s been behind the scenes decides to step into the spotlight and absolutely nail it? That's exactly the journey the Free Nationals underwent with their debut album, released on December 13, 2019. Once known as the powerhouse backing Anderson .Paak, they’ve now taken center stage, and with flair. This album’s dropping some serious swag with its vibrant and soulful creations, and it absolutely solidifies their musicianship and selection style.

What's especially cool about this album is its homage to the OGs of funk and R&B. It's got a classic vibe mimicking the likes of Stevie Wonder and Parliament-Funkadelic, but it’s not just living in the past. The modern twist, paired with the warmth that comes from using a tape recorder, means every tune feels like it's been set to ageless finesse. Sprinkle in some dope guest features like Mac Miller, Kali Uchis, and Anderson .Paak himself, and you've got yourself a myriad of voices grooving together seamlessly.

Lean in on jams like "Time," which is draped in nostalgia with Mac Miller and Kali Uchis chiming in, or "Eternal Light," which bask in a soul-funk glow courtesy of Chronixx. These songs pump versatility and prove the Free Nationals can do both feel-good tunes and slow, soulful jams. The shine doesn't end with the vocal tracks; “Lester Diamond” stands as an instrumental high point, softly reminding you these guys can let their instruments do the talking too. Critics caught on to the astonishing sonics and gave it some love, observing an album that's chill but incredibly impactful. - Asher