It’s been way too long since I’ve heard that kind of R&B that makes me want to apologize to my woman even though she’s not even upset with me. That’s the good stuff, my friends. When you hear a song or album and think “I need to make sure me and my person are completely solid before they get this in their AirPods”. I had to conduct an extensive search, and by that I mean click a few more buttons than I normally would on Apple Music. That brought me to an extremely gifted singer-songwriter out of Katy, Texas who goes by Dende, and his latest release ‘95 Civic.

I’ve always felt like those who can sing had a cheat code. Even before the bass or piano keys come in the voice is already taking its place as the most important instrument. Dende is one of those cheat codes. As soon as I Wrote You A Song, the first track on the album, comes on Dende croons “I’ll always love the time that we shared” and instantly you're able to get lost in the moment. The first track makes a statement in letting you know he’s not just some R&B singer here to be carried by his production. He’s Michael, the beat is Scottie, not the other way around. “I know you're better off out here without me” echoed through and it's like this is his way of letting us know that we didn't download an album about fairytale love. We’re in for tragedy and heartbreak but at least he makes it sound nice from the start.

Before you can fully adjust Swerve featuring Eimeral Sol begins and it's a sharp turn from the formula we just heard. This time the vibrant vocals are accompanied by drums with a slight bounce to them and a head-nod-inducing snare. At first glance, it would have you believe this is a love song but the further it goes on the more you realize Dende and his lover are closer to the end than they are to the beginning. It was my favorite song on the first listen and it's still holding up a few listens later but that could be cause I’m a sucker for a good duet about relationship problems.

I have to tell you I went through this album with an open mind and open heart and I don’t think I could've had a much better experience than I did on the first listen. Songs like Nightmares, Lost, Ultimatum, and Selfish not only tell their own story but further connect the overall story Dende is telling. It's immaculate penmanship that isn’t lost on me. He made sure the album flowed like a late night ride in a ‘95…you get the point.

As far as vocal performances go Perspective is my favorite on the album. I’d die on the hill that it's the best vocal performance as well. From the harmonies to the strong emotions and tones he hits while repeatedly singing “If my cup’s half empty”. This is the one to see live. Almost playing like a gospel song from the lips of a lifelong sinner who has finally given his life to God. “If your cups half full I hope I’m Enough”. What a beautiful bar that you should file away and use later in a text. Even when backed by as on-point of a choir as you can find Dende’s voice shines through where it should and drives the emotions right into your chest.

‘95 Civic ends with I Drove By Your House Today. A good way to go out and put a bow on such a well-done project. One that recently got him mentioned on the Joe Budden Podcast. Dende’s trajectory is only up. If nothing else this album should tell you that R&B is in great, very capable, hands with him. If you have the extra gigabytes in your phone you should use it on ‘95 Civic. And if you don’t have the extra gigabytes just get rid of those albums you downloaded for nostalgia purposes that you never listen to. Don't lie to me I know you have them just like I do.