The past is present on Lalah Hathaway’s new album Made In Chicago. Released on what would have been her father Donny Hathaway’s 81st birthday, the album is rooted in the soil and soul of Chicago that molded her. Lalah’s ninth long-player is as familiar as it is fresh, with nine songs that feel as good as they sound.
Hathaway enlisted her go-to production partner Phil Beaudreau on the album, and they co-produced all tracks and co-wrote all but one song. Spoken word artist J. Ivy is the only featured artist (on the lead single “47th Street”), but a talented list of contributors worked behind the scenes, including Moonchild’s Amber Navran, drummer Justin Tyson, flutist Elena Pinderhughes and bassist Eric “Pikfunk” Smith. This dream team assisted Lalah in crafting an album that sounds like soulful comfort food.
Her honey-coated vocals captivate listeners throughout the set, beginning with the built-in nostalgia of her love letter to Chicago on “47th Street.” She learns some love lessons on “So Smart,” burns for a lover on “Follow,” yearns on the second single “Can’t Let Go” and turns up on “Rainbo” with a little something to two-step, line dance or roller skate to. This no-skips album starts strong and ends even stronger with “Time” and “Magic,” an exquisite pair of tracks that incorporate more jazz into the affair.
Inspired by her birthplace and a solid foundation of Black music, Lalah Hathaway is right at home on Made In Chicago. Leaning into her past while looking to her future, she has delivered another classic album.
Lalah Hathaway Made In Chicago [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
