December 14, 2012

Link

Bilal rekindles the flame on “Back to Love,” the first single from his upcoming album A Love Surreal.

The Philly crooner sings about reconnecting with a lost love on the funky song, which takes listeners on a journey through the trials and tribulations of a relationship.

A Love Surreal is set for release on February 12. The album was inspired by the surrealist paintings of Salvador Dalí and will feature appearances from Robert Glasper and the musical trio KING.

[Edited 1/15/13 4:50am]

A spot of good news on an extremely sad day.

Thanks!

I love this groove. Did you say the album will feature KING and Robert Glasper? Oh bring on February, definitely buying this album, hands down.

Identity said:

I ended up getting the song from iTunes the day it was released and I love it. hopefully the new album won't put me a depressed mood like Airtight's Revenge did. it was good but I always felt down once I played it.

Thank GOD

This is awesome. He is one of my most favorite artists ever.

I'm very excited for a new album from Bilal. Dude is the truth.

ABeautifulOne said:

I ended up getting the song from iTunes the day it was released and I love it. hopefully the new album won't put me a depressed mood like Airtight's Revenge did. it was good but I always felt down once I played it.

I agree with you 100%. Airtight's Revenge is a good album, but I don't really feel like listening to it too often.

I have to admit that regardless of what the album is going to be like, I'm going to buy it, because that man's voice is like a warm cup of coffee in the morning.

Diss shit izz off the CHAIN! It's good 2c somebody bringin' back REAL R&B!

ABeautifulOne said:

I ended up getting the song from iTunes the day it was released and I love it. hopefully the new album won't put me a depressed mood like Airtight's Revenge did. it was good but I always felt down once I played it.

I see what you mean, this sounds like its going to be a happier album though.

Thanks for sharing, I like !

very nice

Like the groove but I find his voice has changed and I find it on this song - irritating. Just me?

Red said:

Like the groove but I find his voice has changed and I find it on this song - irritating. Just me?

You think his voice has changed? In what way?

mmm I hear a gravel and strain in this song that I haven't heard before. I love the smoothness and range of Bilal's voice; he's definitely a gifted singer - as proven in much of his past work - but my ear is detecting something like cigarettes and jack on Back To Love. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.

missfee said:

Red said:

Like the groove but I find his voice has changed and I find it on this song - irritating. Just me?

You think his voice has changed? In what way?

Red said:

mmm I hear a gravel and strain in this song that I haven't heard before. I love the smoothness and range of Bilal's voice; he's definitely a gifted singer - as proven in much of his past work - but my ear is detecting something like cigarettes and jack on Back To Love. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.

I hear it too Red, theres a rattle when he sings the word "Looove" and he kinda sounds out of breath maybe he had a cold when he recorded. Still loving the groove though.

duccichucka said:

I'm very excited for a new album from Bilal. Dude is the truth.

Agreed. The cat is legit. Airtight's Revenge was an achievement. He's putting together quite a body of work.

I likes.

The official vid is here.

Identity said:

The official vid is here.

Nice vid...not bad. Nice to see him smile.

Bilal Reveals A Love Surreal Track List and Cover Art

January 15, 2013

Bilal's A Love Surreal album is now available for pre-order. The disc is due out February 26, and, according to the official track list, features one guest, Robert Glasper. Initially, the set had been due to arrive in stores on Feb. 12, just in time for Valentine's Day, but the project has since been delayed.

The cover art for A Love Surreal features a photograph of Bilal, who is shown standing against what looks like a painted background. Across from him is what appears to be a large pink flower, but upon closer inspection, fans will see several images of a nude woman.

Her legs appear to be the stem of the flower, while repeated images of her curled up body appear to be the flower petals.

Bilal has said that the music and cover art for A Love Surreal were inspired by the surrealist paintings of Salvador Dali.

Here's the A Love Surreal track listing:

1. "Intro"
2. "West Side Girl"
3. "Back To Love"
4. "Winning Hand"
5. "Climbing"
6. "Longing and Waiting"
7. "Right At the Core"
8. "Slipping Away"
9. "Lost For Now"
10. "Astray"
11. Never Be the Same
12. "Butterfly" feat. Robert Glasper
13. "The Flow"
14. "Outro"

This is really good news.

With Van Hunt, Raphael Saadiq, and Bilal all crafting very fine albums recently,

I do not miss D'Angelo and his abortive attempts at coming back.

This could be good. I might have to check it out.

His last album on Plug Research, Airtight's Revenge, is a treasure trove of vocal highlights and melodies. I feel like we're on the verge of something even better.

Awww hell yes!!!!

I wonder when Saadiq will be releasing his new joint this year?

I changed my mind about this album, I feel like this one is going to be even more experimental than the last 2 (Love For Sale & Airtight's Revenge). I hope he has enough of a fan base to support him because I can't see him winning any fan with that new direction.

That being said, I will definitely buy this album and go to his show if he stops near my city.

[Edited 1/16/13 1:43am]

Bilal Talks A Love Surreal In Wax Poetics Interview

Read it

Bilal shares creative process of A Love Surreal album.