Nick Hakim - I Can See (Earseed) [Soul]

*** This blog post first appeared in TSMM's August 16th Newsletter, where you can get all the tips (and more) first ***

I almost didn’t include this album by Nick Hakim, even though I supported his debut, mainly because I’m guessing he’s reaching a certain level of popularity where he can probably make a living from music, and is probably turning heads at major labels. It’s something of a personal issue, which I flip-flop about but am currently trying to address, that I continually tend towards the alternative and lesser known, probably to the detriment of my personal listening and recommendations.

But, being as I’ve come back to this album several times since release, and it’s sounding just perfect on this Sunday morning as the sun rises above the distant rooftops on what promises to be a scorching day, the lesser-known be damned - say hello to this great, Washington-born, New York-residing psychedelic soul singer.

Hakim has always had a low-key soul charm, a vocal delivery that invites you closer and encourages you to stop what you’re doing and pay proper attention lest you miss it, but he’s dialled up the intimacy even further on “I Can See”. His voice is a whisper at times, as if he’s not sure whether he should be sharing so much, his vocals either just floating over or melting into the nicely stoned arrangements that more often than not trade traditional form for atmosphere. It’s seriously sweet, soulful introspection for early mornings or late nights, don’t even think of hitting play between 10am and 10pm.

If you need a further soul injection then can I suggest you check out the criminally overlooked sounds of Sophye Soliveau and her Initiation LP.

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Playlist Companion

Find Hakim in the Slow Soul Playlist.