Review: 'Be The Love You Want' Southern Avenue

Southern Avenue

By Mike O’Cull

Memphis-based Grammy-nominated, BMA-winning soul percolators Southern Avenue get big air on their new full-length release Be The Love You Want. It’s their third album and it’ll begin blowing minds August 27, 2021 thanks to Renew Records/BMG. Co-produced by multiple-Grammy-winner Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Deer Tick, Susan Tedeschi, Jackie Greene) and band guitarist Ori Naftaly, the set is a masterpiece of funk, soul, and intention that creates its own brand of American music built on Memphis grooves, jammy freedom, R&B, gospel, and the blues. The band speaks each one of these languages so well that the lines between them disappear during the course of each track and all you notice when listening is a whole lot of greatness going on. Guest spots from pop star Jason Mraz, platinum producer Michael Goldwasser, and Cody Dickinson from North Mississippi Allstars, only add to the set’s already-considerable flavor. Be The Love You Want is an exciting experience from end to end and will absolutely put this bunch on your screen.

Southern Avenue is a relatively recent phenomenon, having only released their self-titled debut album in 2016. The set went to number one on iTunes’ Top Blues Albums chart and went on to win a Blues Music Award in 2018 for Best Emerging Artist Album. Their sound is conceived and written by Israeli-born guitarist Ori Naftaly and lead vocalist Tierinii Jackson to link the group to Memphis’ immortal musical history while evolving its influences into a modern style that speaks to everyone out there listening right now. Also onboard are top-gun players Tikyra Jackson (Drums, Background Vocals), Jeremy Powell (Keys), and Evan Sarver (Bass). Together, these musicians are sending soul music into a future that’s as glorious as it’s past ever was, perhaps even better. They make seriously funky music that’s vibrant, kinetic, and sophisticated with the good vibes required to make the planet dance.

The record opens with its ebullient title cut “Be The Love You Want.” It’s an ultra-smooth and funked-up anthem for everyone who needs to find some self-love, forgive themselves, and get on with living. Tierinii Jackson is in spectacular form from the jump-off, displaying a voice that can channel any and all emotions from a rumble to a roar. Crunchy guitar kicks and a huge pocket conspire to make this one a traffic-stopper. The best part? It’s only the first song.

“Control” downshifts a little as far as its tempo but delivers another strong message of life and empowerment. Guitarist, Ori Naftaly goes from floating, ambient chord work to gravelly power chords to inventive melodies without a slip and plays with the other musicians as if they shared a single spirit. The entire ensemble positively slaps on this groove and every other, giving us all lessons in feel and connection.

“Push Now” is the album’s first single and takes a long drive through vintage soul territory. It’s a gritty song of encouragement and the will to survive. “It’s for every wild heart out there willing to fight to create their own opportunities, instead of riding the wave of life’s circumstances,” says vocalist Jackson. Outstanding backup vocals and more hot guitar from Naftaly make this a stunner. As usual, Jackson leans all the way into her lead vocal take and owns the spotlight. The track is an obvious hit waiting to happen. Put some weight on it, just like it tells you to do.

“Heathen Hearts” is a co-write with Cody Dickinson and kicks off with clap-and-vocal magic and a deep gospel atmosphere. The song builds its skeletal, a capella beauty and emotive strength from its first beat to its last in an unforgettable way. You’re going to be moved by every cut on Be The Love You Want by Southern Avenue but double down on “Move Into The Light” and “Pressure.” Judging by the sound of this record, Southern Avenue is on the verge of a major come-up. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this party.

Watch “Move Into The Light”