Aaron Abernathy has been firmly established in the modern soul scene for almost two decades, and he continues to elevate his craft as a songwriter and performer. His latest LP From the Throne Room once again demonstrates a rare ability to seamlessly shift between lyrical themes and musical styles, and it is his most inspired and uplifting album to date.

The turmoil caused by the pandemic was especially hard on touring musicians, and as a veteran musical director and bandleader who has regularly traversed the globe, Abernathy was certainly affected. Instead of wallowing in grief and darkness, he tapped into his gifts as a songwriter and lyricist to manifest light and optimism in his own life. As expressed on the opening track New Relationship, this new way of seeing kicked open some new creative doors for him as a musician and producer, with a wide variety of influences. The four-to-the-floor push of A Reason to Smile brings to mind 80s post-disco boogie, Show Off shows off a modern rock edge, and the booming, driving energy in tunes like Hope Song and Joy is reminiscent of the electric 60s soul of Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding.

With its catchy hooks, powerful lead vocals, and slick self-produced arrangements, From the Throne Room proves that Aaron Abernathy remains one of the most talented singer/songwriters of his generation in contemporary soul music.