Anderson East With Another Touch Of Soul

The third studio album by Anderson East is a virtual glass globe of static electricity. We May Never Die is not only a perfectly arranged soulful basket of joy, it’s also a vocal masterpiece as well. The Alabama native is a proven vocal talent but these offerings are incredible. East produced the album alongside David Cobb, who is well known for his illustrious work with various artists.

East grew up in Athens, Alabama, a town without many opportunities for making music, and started singing hymns in his grandfather’s church. His fascination with R&B came from his adolescent job at a local record shop. He’d recycle his paycheck back through the store’s aisles. Skateboard video soundtracks piqued his interest, and he went down rabbit holes discovering music via hip-hop samples.

“I get jealous when people are able to exist in a readily understood framework,” East says. “Man, that seems like it could be nice.” But ultimately, East’s self-training and curiosity gave him his flair.

The album’s theme took shape as East watched his grandmother live with Alzheimer’s. He was in a “sensory deprivation tank,” and became preoccupied with existential questions: why better himself and keep going, if his mind may eventually fail? He needed a justification, some vision for an existence that continues after its physical container.

“I was hopeful and curious about the physical meat-bag we’re dragging around,” he says. “There’s so much mystery out there, and I wanted to find comfort and solace in so much uncertainty. How do you look into the void with a smile on your face, and still walk through?”

A truly remarkable artist, perspective, and talent. One of the best R&B albums of the year, of which we’ve only enjoyed a few. Check out our favorite songs from the project below.