Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

The EP: Aloe Blacc – Wake Me Up

January 22, 2014 By Tim Johnstone | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Aloe Blacc: Wake Me Up – $4.99

Chances are you had never heard of Aloe Blacc until last summer. I’d venture to say that many are still unfamiliar with the man who’s voice elevated one of last year’s biggest hits. Blacc’s song “Wake Me Up” was refashioned by Avicii and became a number one hit in nearly 40 countries. If you watched any of the recent NFL playoff games, then you heard Aloe’s new single “The Man” in a series of ads for Beats by Dre.  That track is from Aloe Blacc’s excellent new ep Wake Me Up.

A graduate of USC, Aloe Blacc (real name Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III) is a So-Cal native of Panamanian parents, which I only bring up because Blacc’s musical identity is fluid and multicultural. And this style conscious, self managed artist is bound for something big. “The Man” opens the ep and highlights Blacc’s effortless segue from style to style as horns, a shuffling beat, and a big backing choir bolster the positivity inherent in the song.

The version of “Wake Me Up” included on the EP is acoustic. Violins and piano replace the synth-washes prominent on Avicii’s album. It becomes evident that the Swedish DJ/model merely added a few EDM bells and whistles to what was an already fully formed piece of music. That this version is more organic and Americana-esque illustrates Aloe’s ease in blurring genres. And while you’ve probably heard the original more that you’d want, hearing this made me appreciate the song in a whole new way.

“Love Is The Answer” is undeniably sexy, as dub-style horns and a sauntering groove propel this track that brings to mind some of the classic soul sides of the seventies. “Can’t Do This” sports a retro R&B feel and would sound great as a duet with Janelle Monae. And “Ticking Bomb” brings to mind a spiritual with terrific percussion and passion.

aloe-blacc1

Despite two previous full length albums, this ep feels like a statement of intent. Confident, strong, and natural. There are no borders for Aloe and no boundaries as to where he can go from here.

Tim Johnstone is a former Virgin Records Label Rep and current award winning Program Director and on-air host at KRVB, which was awarded the FMQB AAA station of the year markets 50+. He also writes our weekly best-of-the-web Dossier, which you can find here on Dappered every Friday.

Filed Under: Etc. Tagged With: Aloe Blacc, The Album, tim johnstone

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

They’re calling it their Red Label line. So… why another line? And how?

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Idea starters including neck massages, pickleball, and a little Sherlock Holmes.

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

Why having Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT as stylists probably isn’t a great idea.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.