Good Things

Released in 2010 on the legendary Stones Throw label, Good Things marked a pivotal shift for Aloe Blacc from his hip-hop roots toward a full-blooded soul revivalist sound. Produced by Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman of Truth & Soul Records, the album eschews digital perfection for a warm, analog aesthetic that mirrors the classic soul era. The record became a global phenomenon largely on the strength of 'I Need a Dollar,' which served as the theme for HBO's 'How to Make It in America' and became a definitive anthem for the post-2008 economic climate. Critics praised the album for its authenticity and Blacc's transition into a formidable singer-songwriter, often drawing comparisons to Bill Withers for his plainspoken yet profound lyrical style. While the singles are upbeat and rhythmic, the album's deep cuts explore more somber, introspective territory, cementing its status as a landmark of the 21st-century soul renaissance.