Exclusive track premiere of ‘I Believe in You’ by Steve Baskin, taken from the upcoming album, ‘Love Is Hard,’ out April 12, 2024.

Steve Baskin and his band, the Fourteens, present their latest album, ‘Love Is Hard,’ embodying a refined blend of soulful melodies and profound reflections drawn from years of life experience. Baskin describes the album as a mature exploration of love and relationships from various perspectives, including marriage, family, loss, and societal divisions.

Musically, ‘Love Is Hard’ traverses genres such as California country, blues, folk, and roots rock, yet retains Baskin’s distinctive blue-eyed Americana soul. Collaborations with Atlanta’s FunkCake Horns add a dynamic brass element reminiscent of classic soul, drawing parallels with artists like JJ Grey & Mofro and Leon Bridges. Baskin’s upbringing, backing legendary soul artists in his youth, informs the album’s rich musical tapestry.

Central to the album’s success is the synergy among Baskin and his bandmates, including guitarist Roger Brainard and co-producer Rich Herring, with whom he shares longstanding musical relationships. The recording process, spanning sessions in Maysville, GA, and Baskin’s Atlanta-based home studio, reflects the band’s tight-knit chemistry and effortless musicality.

At the heart of the album, ‘Love Is Hard,’ lies the soulful track ‘I Believe In You,’ borrowed from Baskin’s former Sam Moore bandmate Barry Best, seamlessly bridging the Northern/Southern soul gap with its poignant lyrics and evocative melodies.

Baskin says about the track, “‘I Believe in You’ is about a close friend who’s trying to decide if it makes sense to leave the relationship she’s in – most likely for the singer of this song. I love the simplicity of the lyrics, how clear it is that he loves her, cares for her and knows that she’ll figure out what’s best for her – without putting demands on their relationship. The song that was written by Barry Best, the keyboard / organ player for a band I was in very early in my career. Barry and I reunited on my last record where he played piano and organ and arranged horns for several tunes. I asked Barry if I could include ‘I Believe in You’ on the new record. I lightly rewrote the lyrics and updated a couple of melodies, but it’s very much the same song I fell in love with originally. I brought in the Funk Cake horns to play the five-part horn arrangement, and they played it beautifully. That’s Barry on the organ and solo. And that’s me and the Fourteens laying down that soulful groove. It’s a song that I’ve loved since we first played it in the 80s. And When I listen to this recording, I’m floored by how well it all came together.

‘Love Is Hard’ unfolds a diverse thematic narrative, exploring themes of enduring love, political divides, and personal growth. From introspective ballads like ‘We Thought We Were Grown’ to soulful rockers such as ‘And You Want War,’ each track showcases Baskin’s songwriting depth and musical versatility. The album also features covers and collaborations that pay homage to Baskin’s musical influences and personal experiences.

At its core, ‘Love Is Hard’ encapsulates the complexities of love and commitment, emphasizing the rewards of nurturing long-term relationships. Through its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, the album serves as a testament to Baskin’s dedication to his craft and the enduring power of music to inspire and connect.

Headline photo: Kevin Garrett

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