Album Review: Ways of Knowing by Navy Blue
With Navy Blue's major-label debut, velvety gospel-infused soundscapes pave the way for a reverential journey into the knowledge of his ancestors, which shapes his present-day experiences.
At the core of Sage Elsesser's life and music lies the profound influence of family. For the past eight years, ever since his initial foray into the music scene as Navy Blue on SoundCloud, his kin have consistently illuminated his introspective, minimalist compositions. With his major-label debut on Def Jam, Ways of Knowing, Elsesser elevates his family's prominence, drawing upon their wisdom to navigate the intricacies of growing up.
The mesmerizing musical loops persist throughout the album, accompanied by a hint of bass-driven funk. Yet, the enigmatic quality that pervaded Elsesser's earlier creations has given way to the unpretentious confidence of someone who finds strength in their familial roots. As Elsesser delves further into this heritage, he simultaneously reaches for the stars.
Communications from his ancestors interlace with the lessons gleaned from romantic relationships. Elsesser's candid, introspective style—sincere and transparent, devoid of sentimentality—bestows upon him a level of maturity that belies his 26 years. One might wonder how such a young man has attained this level of transparency. Ways of Knowing unveils the answer: a family that has provided him with spiritual sustenance, as well as the liberty to develop, acquire knowledge, and learn from his errors.
Pillars serve as the bedrock for the album's thematic exploration, magnifying fleeting moments shared with Elsesser's grandmother: a tender kiss on the forehead, her late husband's visage mirrored in her grandson, and vibrant flowers adorning her resting place. These cherished memories inspire acceptance of the inevitable parting, marking a profound sign of maturation. Navy Blue transcends the shadows of the past and discovers solace in solemnity.
As Elsesser lays open his vulnerabilities and imperfections in The One and To Fall in Love, recounting the disarray of his real-life relationship with model Binx Walton, he peers into the past not with remorse but with optimism for brighter days ahead. His mother's voice reverberated within the recording studio, gently reminding him that "expectation presents grounds for disappointment," catalyzing growth and self-awareness.
More than any of Elsesser's previous albums, Ways of Knowing exudes an aura of reverence. This veneration is not directed towards a specific deity—despite mentioning the Yoruba Orishas, who serve more as guiding spirits than divine beings—but rather towards the self, one's ancestors, and the connections that unite them. In producer Budgie, Elsesser discovers a kindred spirit, best recognized for his multi-volume collaboration with The Alchemist, The Good Book, and his Panty Soakers and Holy Ghost Zone series, showcasing a treasure trove of the lesser-known gospel and R&B tunes.
Throughout Ways of Knowing, Budgie's production is sophisticated and concentrated, marked by delicate textures and artistic embellishments that linger at the edges without detracting from the central message. This creative partnership results in an enchanting, introspective musical journey that unearths deep connections between the past, present, and future. Amidst the recent releases of Sage Elsesser's and Maxo's Def Jam debuts, with the latter's Even God Has a Sense of Humor launched just last month, it appears this legendary label persistently champions the fusion of underground talents with mainstream appeal, providing these artists the momentum they rightly merit. Intimate lyrics captivate new listeners, while Budgie's exceptional array of instrumentals—drawing from jazz rap, drumless, and chipmunk soul—showcases some of his finest work to date.
The result is a stunning album that balances serenity without inducing drowsiness and intellectual depth without devolving into esoteric jargon. Elsesser's lyrics bear the gravity of wisdom—some originating from his own experiences lived fervently, while his forebears bequeath the majority. He inherits rhythm from his Rastafarian drummer father, gains perspective from his grandfather who urged young Elsesser to read Frederick Douglass to comprehend his people's struggles, experiences the warmth of his mother whose words inspire self-love, and observes the subtlety of pride from his grandmother who nurtured a lineage of artists, models, and fashion icons. The collective influence of these cherished individuals and more coalesce to forge the essence of Navy Blue.
Great (★★★★☆)
Standout Selections: The Medium / To Fall in Love / Pillars