Anthony David returns with his third album, As Above So Below. The Atlanta native stays in touch with his deep, Southern, soulful roots while paying close attention to the trials of life. A storyteller who weaves questions of moral fortitude into philosophical reflections, David compels one to engage in some thoughtful pondering.
From the title track David explores the metaphysical credo, “as above, so below,” with an ethereal harmony. The meaning of this eons-old belief is conveyed in a way that can inspire innumerable interpretations from his listeners. “All that is left / Are dreams and wishes / Come to accept / It is what it is,” he sings over smooth melodies.
The track, “God Said,” begins with audio from controversial The 700 Club televangelist Pat Robertson. In the sample, Robertson insinuates that Haiti was deserving of the devastating 2010 earthquake based on varied accounts of Haitian slaves making a pact with the devil in exchange for freedom from their masters. David’s message behind the melody highlights the self-righteous and indignant ways religion is used to condemn and vilify: “Don’t you put the blame on me / And he speaks to only me / I’m doing what God said.”
From the heavens to politics to love, David touches on an eternally amorous affair with his first single, “4evermore,” with another Atlanta local singer Algebra. The song also features an appearance by rapper Phonte. The radio-friendly track possesses the sugary sweet innocence of love, always. Fortunately, the instrumentation’s simplicity doesn’t undermine the sensual chemistry between David and Algebra.
The most compelling track is “Backstreet.” An acoustic “ghetto epic,” placing David’s soulful tenor, guitar and gritty storytelling in the forefront, tells the vivid tale of envy, greed, deceit, and corruption on a dark, sorrowful street. David paints a gruesome but undeniably realistic picture of crime and hatred that overtakes positivity in an everyday neighborhood. He intertwines social commentary with provocative street rhetoric.
David’s ability to captivate his listeners through harmonious vocals, stimulating critiques of policies and ingeniously detailed lyrics evokes a worthy comparison to master storyteller, Stevie Wonder. It’s been a while since the soul scene has been blessed with an artist that can create a narrative so vivid, you can almost see the story being played out in your mind.
