Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (2010)

Less than a year after The Satanic Satanist was released and became one of my favorite albums, Portugal. The Man is back with American Ghetto and as a fan, I couldn't be happier. American Ghetto is moodier album than the Satanist, more likely to ride a groove than build up to a soaring chorus. While the album still feels retro and soulful, the songs rely more a pulsing beat and backing harmonies. They've toned down the pop hooks, added atmosphere and electronic blips, and it works; the album is consistently good and cohesive. "The Dead Dog" is still my favorite, but "60 Years" and "All My People" aren't far behind. And that's just the first half. As the songs progress they settle into sound somewhere between chill soul and fluid psychedelic funk. "When The War Ends" closes the album out by picking up pace and almost heading back to the dancefloor. Very cool.