Mike Love uses his spectacular voice to inspire a call to action around societal issues that matter in “Leaders”

When I think of Mike Love I think of a near musical perfectionist.

Love’s voice matters and his one of a kind talent has earned its well positioned spot touring internationally.

I’d have to say that Mike Love deserves an even bigger audience expanding the reggae scene and trickling into popular radio.

He is that talented of a musician and singer-songwriter but also he writes music from the heart and doesn’t try to just get radio hits, which he could easily try to obtain.

Mike’s highly anticipated new album, “Leaders” is another perfect addition to his stunning music catalog and is a must-listen for music fans around the world.

Take one of the album’s first tracks, “Children Of The Heart”. Every note and syllable is pitch perfect and leave it to Love for kicking off the early stages of the album with an over 10 minute track. He has so much to say and as a recent father I completely connect to the song’s inspiring message to put our best foot forward for our children and future generations.

Love’s vocals are gorgeous and this masterpiece song is filled with incredible bass, drums, horns and guitar that will have you grooving the whole way through.

You’ll feel Love’s voice and the groove pick up in “Remember”. This is a great example of Love’s unique songwriting ability where he tells a story and inspires listeners to see life in new ways.

The track has me reflecting on earlier days and how through ups and downs it’s important to stay true to our values. Love’s honest reflection is refreshing and inspires us to follow his lead. The horns on this track are so nice, and it’s the first song showcasing Mike’s out of this world guitarist talent via the solo. 

“Humble”, the album’s first single is one of the best reggae songs of the year, and is another Mike Love reggae masterclass blending reggae, rock, pop into a beautiful mix that really doesn’t sound like anyone else. That’s the ultimate artist compliment when you are so unique you can immediately recognize an artist’s innovative sound. The song packs a punch and message that motivates and sends a wake up call to put our egos aside to unite and make an even better world. 

Speaking of envisioning a safer world and taking steps to bring that vision to fruition, Love’s “Blue Skies” is a thoughtful tune reminding us to protect our planet at all cost and to not take our blessings for granted.

Love’s voice immediately captures your attention in “Temptation” - a song about balance and finding your way in a complicated world. The song is nearly ten minutes long yet it deserves the time and Love nearly makes time stand still through his music that is both meditative and eye opening.

The horns are so lovely in the track and his lyrics truly make you think differently about societal issues that we need to continue building new solutions around. 

You feel like you are listening to an orchestra perform when “It’s Gonna Be Alright” kicks in. Love brings us a sense of peace and calm following the heavier lyrics of previous songs. It’s a welcome distraction heading into the LP’s final songs.

Love teams with longtime collaborator and fellow Hawaiian artist, the great Paula Fuga in “We Are One”. I love the smooth jazz like vibes in this song’s intro. That vibe continues while Love layers in the reggae riddim and horns. Love’s ability to layer music is so special and you really hear that on this one.

Fuga throws done an amazing verse and I love when her and Love duet together (please make a duet album you two!). The song has some cool effects and keys that make me really want to hear the track live sometime. The song speaks to the need for people to come together and how that is more important today than ever before. 

Love finishes the song with “Dark Days” another beautiful yet somber tune that paints an honest portrait of difficult days. But in true Mike Love fashion he leaves us with hope.

Mike Love has a vision for a greater future filled with love - a universe with peace and no war. This gorgeous track highlights Love’s big heart, pitch perfect vocals and simple yet powerful uke. 

Love is the way forward paving a path for leaders to stand tall and to create needed improvements in this wonderful world. Thanks for the inspiring messages Mike.

Your voice matters and people around the globe can see light thanks to your music.

By CB.