The [R]evolution of Bilal: Airtight’s Revenge

By Brian Bowers
It’s been 9 years since Bilal Sayeed Oliver released his debut album 1st Born Second. The follow-up album Love for Sale, though regarded by many as some of his greatest work, was never officially released due to label issues and a devastating leak online. On September 6, 2010 the singer officially released his second studio album via Plug Research, an independent label based in LA.

Titled Airtight’s Revenge, the album gives us characterstic Bilal with thoughtful lyrics painted on a musical canvas some have called “alternative soul.” Regardless of the genre or style Bilal is simply in his own lane and his music stands alone. To say he has changed would be to minimalize the evolution he has taken artistically. He has grown, matured and he has evolved.

Most of the production is credited to Bilal himself along with Steve McKie, Shafiq Husayn, Conley Whitfield and 88-Keys.  The album is really a mélange of ‘retro’ sounds, styles and motifs fused together that create a soundscape that is wonderful and refreshing.  On some of the tracks, the melodies draw from a free structure and give a sense of wandering and winding—that is meant in a good way.

A skillful songwriter and master of expression,  there is a flow and vibe that makes it all cohesive both in terms of content and style. As the age old adage says, “not all who wander are lost,” and with his latest release he seems to know exactly where he wants to go artistically.

Track listing and Cover for Airtight’s Revenge

1. Cake & Eat It Too   2. Restart   3.  All Matter 4. Flying  5. Levels  6. Little One  7.  Move On  8.  Robots  9.  The Dollar  10. Who Are You  11. Think It Over

Standout tracks on the album include Think It Over, Cake & Eat it Too, Little One and definitely Who Are You. On Who You Are Bilal contemplates identity, human behavior and blatantly asks the question throughout the song  in a way that lingers with the listener. The artist opens the song by gently conversing with the listener:

Ever told you about the boy, who said he was a Virgo, he walked around doing every little thing he thought a Virgo does. Until he read in the paper, that he might be a Leo, so he started acting out on every little thing he thought a Leo should.

Ever the storyteller, the album certainl Dark and deeply personal, Airtight’s Revenge shows Bilal at his best. All of his work shows a vulnerability and openness that you don’t find too often in today’s complex music industry. He is Bilal, and he is Bilal unabshedly. He bares his soul shamlessly with an effortless lyricism and the conviction that strikes to the core with precision. On the whole, the album is pretty solid and is definitely a good listen for those who enjoy him as an artist and progressive music. In Airtight’s Revenge, we gain insight in to the complex but purposeful evolution of man who is a brilliant artist, but very much human in every sense of the word.