R&B/ Soul singer and songwriter ELHAE recently released his third LP, “Lotus Ave,” and it is a melodic masterpiece as the singer-songwriter discusses his love life on a train with a therapist he doesn’t even know.
The 12-track album is on another level, not just musically, but because of the storyline. The album starts with an intro and ELHAE being approached by a lady on the train asking how he’s doing and “why the long face.”
ELHAE initially assumes the woman is flirting with him and thanks her for showing interest. But she quickly sets the record straight—she’s not hitting on him. As a therapist, she’s simply tuned in to the emotions of others and genuinely concerned about his well-being.
She asks where he’s headed, and he tells her “Lotus Ave,” which is a long stop. She asks if he wants to talk about it, and the album begins.
At the end of the song, ELHAE and the therapist have a conversation about how he’s feeling, and it acts as an introduction to the next song.
The whole strategy of implementing the therapeutic interludes speaks volumes because it shows black men that it’s okay to be vulnerable with their feelings and expressions. Get it out and talk to someone instead of holding it inside.
How many relationships and friendships could be saved if there were some real dialogue around the issues collectively and individually?
ELHAE takes you on a ride of his love life. From the beginning of bliss to the ups and downs. He’s not sure where things are going with the relationship.
The album has an R&B, Soul, LoFi vibe. An electric guitar is used in a lot of the songs. These songs sound like you would hear them in a spoken word bar with the snaps to follow.
It’s smooth and relaxing, but the songs are about real life, which makes it even more intriguing. This album prompts deep thought and reflection, yet it also has a calming effect. You can break out the candles or cruise to the album. You can even dance to some of the songs.
ELHAE doesn’t disappoint with his vocals either-his voice is effortlessly smooth and captivating.
The album is strong from start to finish, with no skips. ‘Touch’ stands out with its infectious groove and subtle Afrobeats influence. It’s a feel-good track about living in the moment on the dancefloor—wanting to be with someone, just for the night.
Before the song begins, ELHAE tells his impromptu therapist that the way they met may be the problem.
“She wanna dance/I’ll be your man/Just for the night, I’m yours.”
“Change My Way” really hits home- it talks about being in a situationship. It’s toxic what they’re doing, but the physical outweighs the feeling of wanting to let it.
ELHAE knows she wants him to change and commit, but more than likely it’s not happening. They just keep enjoying the brief moments they have, with no promise of a future- sound familiar?
“Breaking My Own Heart,” featuring Hydra, has a Neo Soul vibe to it and really hits home!
Imagine staying down for someone, being there for them when they need, but they don’t do the same for you. But you keep holding on and hoping they’ll change.
“Breaking my own heart, trying to keep up with you/Breaking my own heart, trying to stay/Breaking my own heart, trying to get you to see/That you should never treat me that way.”
This song is deep. Most people have been there. You see the signs, but you keep trying.
“Lotus Ave” is a work of love, emotions, and vulnerability. Get ready to be in your feelings and release your emotions.
ELHAE released his last album, “Trouble in Paradise,” in 2019.
Take a listen to “Lotus Ave” by ELHAE here, and let us know what you think about the album in the comments.
ABOUT ELHAE
ELHAE, also known as Jamaal David Jones, is a Minot, North Dakota native. ELHAE (pronounced “ɛl a”, acronym for Every Life Has An Ending).
The singer-songwriter moved around a lot as a child because his father was in the military. The military family settled in Warner Robins, Ga., with ELHAE also spending time in Savannah, Ga.
In 2015, he was nominated for two rap albums at the Dove Awards, with Andy Mineo’s “Uncomfortable” and Tedashii’s “This Time Around” for Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year, being a joint winner with Andy’s album.
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