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Cee-Lo is a figure of grace, a pillar or strength, a reviver of faith. When I listen to him sing, I remember that after pain there comes pleasure. After death, new life. That there are countless unwritten chapters to look forward to.

Cee-Lo humbles me. His words guide me. Lately I’ve had his “best of” album in heavy rotation, especially on good days. Listening to it recharges me emotionally, and reminds me that there are so many things much bigger than I.

I’m standing on the other side of a great deal of pain, looking back on it with new eyes. If only we had the perspective of hindsight in the midst of coming unhinged. I was too sensitive and self absorbed by what I was going through to see straight. Too self righteous to be patient. With my new eyes, I can embrace this and forgive myself.

Many of you may be familiar with Cee-Lo’s project Gnarles Barkley (w/ Dangermouse.) I’m drawn to the complexity of his rythym and the soulfulness of his voice. By a simple change of tone, he can make you feel his heartbreak, or just as easily his brightest moments with the same intensity that he does. He sings like that of an angel.

The Art Of Noise - ft. Pharell
Gettin’ Grown
Living Again

And for something a little more edgy:
Closet Freak
I’ll Be Around - ft. Timbaland

I’ve been on a girlie kick lately. Pop/R&B is a guilty pleasure of mine. I didn’t want to admit it at first, but I really like the new Rihanna album.  Shhh, I’m a closet fan of slow jamz too.

I thought it was time to give you an idea of what I think is good r&b.  My taste for this genre is rather transient, but some elements I look for are beats that make me want to move, plush baselines, and good vocal harmonies I can sing along with.  

These are some of my favorites as of late.

Umbrella - Rihanna
Like This - Kelly Rowland
Rehab - Rihanna
Deja Vu - Beyonce