Bleuphoria

Rahsaan Patterson's first proper studio release in nearly four years is his boldest and most scattered album to date, which — in the wake of Wines & Spirits — is saying something. It could not get much more daring than a drastic, uptempo overhaul of “I Only Have Eyes for You,” with Patterson performing all the vocal parts over slippery drum programming, synthesizer bass, strings, and horns. And that is what opens the album. The following three songs, boasting assists from Jody Watley, Faith Evans, and Shanice Wilson, are among Patterson’s funkiest and friskiest work, while the overjoyed “Stay with Me” is trailed by “Miss You” — mostly finger snaps and aching falsetto — and the sorrowful yet somewhat sweet “Goodbye,” a touching seven-minute ballad. The album’s second half is highlighted by two tremendously disparate numbers. The love hangover “6AM,” featuring Lalah Hathaway, is an irresistibly liquid but bumping groove reminiscent of Nick Martinelli's mid-‘80s productions with Loose Ends (among many others). “Mountain Top,” however, is a large gospel number, beginning with Patterson at ground level and escalating as he is joined by Tata Vega, Andraé Crouch, and the Andraé Crouch Singers. It sounds as if Patterson has never had more fun making music, indulging in his whims. It’s too bad he can’t do it more often.