Keb’ Mo’: The Breakdown Review

Few artists are able to exude a charismatic presence on stage that radiates outward through the crowd. And fewer still are able to capture that palpable quality in a recording.

Keb’ Mo’ (Kevin Moore) is one of those extraordinary individuals who manages to do just that, with his new album, The Breakdown. It is a masterful work of acoustic art, matched by “miraculous” themes of hope, love, and redemption.

The album features 10 tracks of simple melodies with clear, rich vocals backed by minimal instrumentation. It presents deep soulful tunes and lyrics which are readily embraced by listeners who are open to the intimate, transcendent offerings.

Moore recently suffered a heart attack and a divorce. The album is a reflection on personal physical and spiritual well-being and recovery. “Every Step of The Way,” the second track, in particular, celebrates his new outlook on life, reflecting on his gratitude for his renewed life journey.

Currently on tour with Taj Mahal and Anne Harris, he is no stranger to collaborations and on this one, Moore is accompanied by The Soweto Gospel Choir for an uplifting reworking of his gospel tune, “Hand It Over.” And, along with a cappella master group Take 6, he reflects on the modern woman on “Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To.” These two tracks are the only ones featuring more than Moore and his acoustic guitar.

The first track, “Fussing and Fighting,” is an upbeat tune accompanied by National Steel guitar. Even though it describes conflict between men and women, it manages to carry the hope that people can still connect in a human, meaningful way at a time when division seems to be the prevailing trend.

“More Yesterdays” is a further exploration of his continued journey following his health scare. He vows to enjoy life more and stop wasting time on trivial matters. In it, he promises a constant reminder: ‘I tell myself: Lighten up, You might have more yesterdays than tomorrows.’

The fifth track, “We Make Love,” affirms that humans can create meaningful, intangible things like love, peace and compassion and not just material goods. Co-written with John Lewis Parker, they cleverly draw comparisons between the conditions and places where we can produce these ethereal, important qualities to those of manufactured goods.

Co-written by Jill Colucci, Rita Coolidge and Moore, “Walking On Water,” invokes the spiritual path of finding what’s important and recognizing the illusion that seeking ‘solid ground’ is the ultimate goal.

“Living In The Moment” is a beautiful tune backing the often forgotten tenet of focusing on the present, even if you’re ‘In love with some who loves someone else.’

In “Stitched Up Heart,” he recounts the “angelic” female surgeon who saved him and his pre-operative quip that he was falling in love with her.

The album closes with the promise of hope and the possibility that miracles can happen and may be closer than you think, in “One Day Away,” a song co-written with Colin Linden.

Listeners can take comfort while letting the powerful positivity of these lyrics wash over them. Destined to stimulate introspection, self-examination and pursuing important goals, this warm and dulcet collection can instil calm and a sensation of pure, peaceful joy.

The Review: 10/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Walking on Water
– Stitched Up Heart
– More Yesterdays
– One Day Away
– Hand It Over
– Fussing and Fighting

The Big Hit

– Fussing and Fighting