Human Love

Released in 2015, Human Love marked a significant aesthetic and sonic transition for Newton Faulkner, famously coincided with him cutting off his signature dreadlocks. This fifth studio album sees Faulkner moving away from the purely 'beach-folk' associations of his debut toward a more robust, soul-influenced sound. The opening track, a cover of Major Lazer's 'Get Free', sets the tone with its heavy use of African-inspired percussion and layered vocal harmonies, signaling a departure from the sparse arrangements of his previous work. Recorded with a focus on rhythmic complexity, the album showcases his evolution as a multi-instrumentalist who views the acoustic guitar as a holistic rhythm section. Critically, it was noted for its increased production values and Faulkner's vocal maturity, blending his folk roots with contemporary pop and world music influences. It stands as a pivotal 'mid-career' record that redefined his identity beyond the 'acoustic boom' of the late 2000s.