“My album is for everyone told they’re not black enough, too black, too queer, not queer the right way … it’s a clapback,” announced Dev Hynes, AKA Blood Orange, before releasing his third album (as Blood Orange), Freetown Sound. The British singer-songwriter, who is based in New York now, puts together a deeply personal album that explores the status quo of race, politics, religion, & sex through 17 elevated, poised and pointed tracks informed by dance and r&b from the ‘80s. With Hynes’ falsetto as the urgent and delicate driving force, the album “unspools like a piece of theatre, evoking unexpected communions of moods, voices and eras.” It’s such a pleasant listen, from the opener “By Ourselves” with an assist from poet Ashlee Haze to the echo-drenched “Better Numb.” Check out “Chance,” “Best to You,” “Love Ya,” “Desirée,” “Hands Up,” “Juicy 1-4,” and “Thank you.” Highly recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• music label: Domino 2016

reviewed by donut savage 08/2016