Have you ever listened to a good '70s R&B or soul track and wondered, “Man, where did all the good times go?” I think Ari Lennox can show you where they went and also where they are going with her new release “Get Close.”

With the furthering of technology, producing music is now easier than ever, at least when starting out. I think a lot of people fall under the impression that making industry-quality music is easier than it used to be these days due to the quality of tools available. I personally think that the competition has never been harder. The difference between an up-to-industry-standard track and a rough demo from a bedroom producer who needs a few more years of training is something that the general public will not always be able to tell. Now, don’t get me wrong; the audience always knows best. But having listened through thousands of demo songs as well as popular releases, I can safely say this track was masterfully produced and written by Ari Lennox and her partners.

Co-writers on "Get Close" include Courtney Salter (Ari), Kelvin Wooten, and Michael Holmes. The track is produced by DZL and Wu10. Production on this track is typical of modern Soul/R&B with a thick low-end bass/kick, backed by tasteful melodies as well as perfectly clacky percussion. All the individual sounds are mixed/mastered so that it is like they scratch an auditory itch. Ari’s voice really completes the picture and fills in the gaps in just the right places with her sultry and soulful vocals. If you enjoy songs from H.E.R, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, SZA, India.Arie, Jorja Smith, Kehlani, or Mereba, then you might be able to find a place in your heart for "Get Close" as well.

The overall picture of "Get Close" is dreamy, laid back, and sensual. Now what can we do with that information? At least we can safely say that for your next dinner date, late-night car ride, bubble bath, or cozy reading session, there is a song to go along with it. Personally, I don’t think this track marks the beginning of something great in R&B or Soul history. As in, the sound is very much up to date but does not have any qualities that mean it will push the envelope in the genre significantly. It is, however, a top-quality track that flows right into the stream of other top-level tracks with a similar style. Just achieving and maintaining that, like Ari Lennox does, is extremely commendable. I would recommend this track to absolutely anyone.

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!