Nicolay’s surprise release of a new album was not on our bingo card, but here we are! The acclaimed producer and one-half of The Foreign Exchange, who last graced us with his presence on April’s “Roll Up (I Can’t Lose My High),” has indeed blessed us with a brand-new project entitled Terra Firma. His first solo production album in 18 years when he released 2006’s Here, the 15-track set takes us on a varied musical journey over the course of its hour-long runtime.
The compilation serves as a showcase for Nicolay’s undeniable skill as he gives different moods and feelings with each song included. Besides the electro-funk of “Roll Up” — which is also included on the tracklist here — we get a mixture of soul, dance, hip-hop and even a nod at house. We also get reacquainted with some familiar voices as the album’s tracklist is filled with guests from the +FE Music family tree and other talented friends.
The set, of course, has its fair share of standouts for any music lover. Opener “A Thousand Miles” utilizes the dreamy vocals of Sy Smith to create a vibe perfect to two-step to with the one you love. Then there’s the gorgeous “Sunflower,” an obvious homage to Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants that features an amazing vocal from Eelco van Zanten (who surely does Stevie proud here). Oh, and posse cut “Light Another One” — which sports an impressive roster of Phonte, Darien Brockington, Carlitta Durand, BeMyFiasco and JJ — is another jam that will be sitting with listeners well after its final notes.
But honestly, this is a Nicolay joint. There are so many great tracks and features here that we’d be writing all day singing the set’s praises. Instead, we’ll just say that Terra Firma is one of the best things we’ve heard all year and another solid addition to his already stellar catalog.
Nicolay Terra Firma [Amazon][Apple Music][Bandcamp][TIDAL]
