>This post is pretty timely since I've revisited both of
>Bilal's last two releases in the wake of listening to Black
>Messiah almost non-stop.
>
>Both Airtight and Love Surreal are near-masterpieces, in my
>book, so I disagree w/ anyone who questions Bilal's artistry
>or ability to create a cohesive and compelling full-length.
>
>Both D and Bilal are brilliant musicians who come from a
>similar musical linage yet come with two very different
>approaches.
>
>D is a musician to the bone while Bilal is more of a
>songwriter and vocal stylist. Apples and oranges.
>
>
>
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I agree with these sentiments . A Love Surreal is masterful. Bilal's GREATEST instrument is his voice. He bends it in fascinating ways and has a raw, human quality to his voice. I don't see the comparison between Bilal and D'Angelo at this stage. I think comparing A Love Surreal and Black Messiah serves as a good starting point--Bilal, I wholly consider a narrator with fascinating vocals and some killer narratives. Slipping Away is a fave and that record was easily my favorite that year. D'Angelo though, admittedly, his appeal lies more in his arrangements and harmonies. Also, Bilal is weird (which I love the shit out of) and his performances are more engaging by far.