Singer/songwriter/actor Martin Luther aka Martian Luther’s 2012 Love Is The Hero may be one of the most perfect R&B and soulful rock albums to ever go unsung in this modern era. Its lack of marketing push and the neglect by the commercial marketplace were a crime seconded only by the nightfall experienced by the album prior to it, 2011’s eclectic The Extraterrestrial Brother, Vol 1. With the release of a bright new soul single, “Finally (ft. Questlove),” in anticipation of Martin Luther’s forthcoming project, a proper rollout and promotional push appears to be upon us. That’s good news from the Rebel Soul singer who first came to prominence through his affiliation with Philly legends, The Roots, and his 2004 cult classic, “Daily Bread.”
While “Finally” doesn’t break any new ground or reflect the more experimental soulful rocker side of Martin Luther, it is a smooth and simple soul swoon with more than a nod toward ‘90s R&B. Its tempo is also one perfect for stepping or hand dancing, ideal for that autumn soiree or homecoming party. Vocally, Luther, as always, can do no wrong and handles both the sinewy leads and doo-wop backgrounds with his usual gritty grace. Tailor-made for the increasingly conservative Urban Adult Contemporary (UAC) radio format, the flexible “Finally” is definitely a song worth placing in DJs’ morning groove, afternoon drive, and Quiet Storm rotations. For the rest of us fans, we just hope it’s a sign of more commercial recognition and musical bliss to come.
By L. Michael Gipson
Martin Luther – “Finally” (ft. Questlove)