Chris Black Changed My Life is the ninth studio album by American rock band Portugal. The Man. The 34-minute-long album is titled in dedication to a friend of the band, who served within the group as a hypeman, among others, and lost his life in 2019. On the album, the Portland-based band (originally hailing from Alaska) collaborates with producer/writer Jeff Bhasker, known for work with such
… luminaries as Beyoncé, SZA and Harry Styles. The result is an emotionally charged record with a full, groovy sound. Like the danceable single Dummy, featuring a driving production that leans on wobbly, thick bass lines. Thunderdome, including guest contribution from Black Thought (lead rapper of The Roots) provides a fresh combination of elements. The melancholic and melodic Plastic Island also grabs attention. Resting points the group delivers with the warm introduction Heavy Games, the hopeful Time's A Fantasy ("I've got a feeling that things are gonna be just fine.") and the sprawling closing track Anxiety: Clarity featuring Paul Williams. (SD)more
