What do young people understand about soul music? On Good Things, Aloe Blacc, the faithful student, proves the hip-hop generation gets it. Blacc's second offering translates today's social issues within the consciousness of 70s soul music. With Good Things Blacc strays away from his hip-hop roots (his first album featured him mostly rapping) and transitions into a soul singer. Blacc even recorded in a way of times past writing with the in-house production team of Truth and Soul Records most recently known for producing Lee Fields and the Expressions My World (another gem) and writing for Adele's popular and critically acclaimed 19. Good Things is a present day soul album mixed with traditional soul influence. Blacc tackles everything: politics and capitalism on Politician, materialism on So Hard, and joblessness on I Need A Dollar, the first track and Blacc's most recognizable on the album (you may have heard it as the theme music for HBO's "How to Make It in America"). Upon hearing I Need A Dollar you will be pleasantly surprised that this young artist in this time created such an authentic soul song. While Blacc's voice is not the strongest nor does he have most varied range, his vocal flaws mixed with the production and lyrics of his songs easily convey the social message Good Things was composed for. Good Things is not all deep thinking as Blacc manages his own interpretation of the most misunderstood "social" issue of all time: love. You Make Me Smile and If I showcase the positivity of love while Miss Fortune and Femme Fatale (a Velvet Underground cover) feature its negativity. Overall, the album is not your typical modern R&B and soul musings as Blacc remains true to the light soul music shines on the topics most difficult to talk about. It is a well-done tribute with modern justification. Blacc's Good Things is a good thing.