Second Listen Sunday : Eric Roberson, The Vault 1.5

One of the most talented men in indie music, Eric Roberson, kicked off his 30th-anniversary tour last night in Pittsburgh, so for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I decided to revisit Mr. Roberson’s third album, The Vault 1.5, which hit record stores in 2003. As Erro fans know, Roberson initially hit the scene with the lovely ballad “The Moon” while studying at Howard University. Roberson’s first record deal didn’t go as planned, but not one to just lay down, Roberson continued to build a name for himself by writing for the likes of 112 and Will Smith. Additionally, Roberson collaborated with Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Cam’ron.

Undoubtedly, a defining characteristic of this album is the intense soulfulness and finesse that permeates Roberson’s vocals. His proficiency in conveying emotional depth through his voice deserves due admiration. The dynamism with which he executes potent notes or produces fragile harmonies underlines the allure and engagement of his vocal performances. Upon revisiting The Vault 1.5 at age forty-two, another exemplary feature lies within Roberson’s songwriting skills. His lyrics emanate authenticity and reflective thoughts, which resonate deeply on an existential level.

As a guide through life experiences such as love and heartbreak, along with self-realization and societal themes, Roberson makes listeners feel intimately connected to his music. The production quality of the record is commendably exquisite, with every track displaying expert instrumentation backed by prudently executed arrangements. On top of this, Roberson’s dynamic musical prowess shines through with R&B embellishments complemented by elements drawn from Soul, Jazz, and sporadic Hip-Hop influences, resulting in a diversified sound spectrum.

Since the release of this album, Roberson has released numerous albums, and he’s arguably one of the best live performers in the game. Please check him out on his latest tour.

Final Grade: B+

The Vault 1.5. is available on all streaming platforms.