I did not immediately spot the unique value in Real J. Wallace and Dayfade's album "Aloe Ver,a," despite the cloud parting, tear-tasting introduction. Upon writing a private critic to Real J, I learned about the recording process behind this album, heard unreleased music and watched his mini documentary, "Spiritualized." It was then that the significance of “Aloe Vera” was revealed to me.
SPIRITUALIZED from Benjamin Huerta on Vimeo.
These 13 songs are Real J’s slowing laps around the comfortable “loop.” The project is nothing new for his listeners as far as quality lyricism and self-sung hooks, both on and off key. Dayfade’s production on this album is reminiscent of the smooth sounds of French producer Dela. (It’s a nice addition to the catalog, and must listen to songs on “Aloe Vera” include a tranquil and fluty song called “Moon,” and “Go,” which there is a video for, posted below.)
He understands that creativity is limited by the typical-16 bar, free-chanting chorus, and repeatedly looped-sample structure.
One of the most potent topics on “Aloe Vera” lies in track 11, “A Thousand Knives.” Real J. says: “thought you were fly until you looked me in the eyes and lied a thousand times. Damn I thought that you was mine, until I found you with another guy. It’s like you stabbed me in the back with a thousand knives. That day I learned so much it’s like I lived a thousand lives. I never felt so low, it’s like I lost a thousand highs. ”
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