Gil Scott-Heron I'm New Here

One of the most conscientious, perceptive talents of our time has re-emerged after 16 years of silence (while he battled drug addiction) with his talent undimmed, although this album presents a bit of a challenge.

There's none of his inspiring jazz-funk and soul or social and political comment – in their place is a mixture of sadly beautiful poem-songs and ultra-short spoken work interludes, in which he reflects on his childhood, his upbringing and various relationships.

Several – Me and the Devil, Your Soul and Mine, Running, The Crutch – are half-spoken meditations over dark drones lifted from hip-hop, but Scott-Heron also offers a snippet of piano soul with I'll Take Care of You, simple fingerpicking folk in the title track, and blues driven by percussion and vocal effects for New York Is Killing Me.

He's still extremely serious, and maybe mellowing with age, but as interesting and affecting as ever. Welcome back.

Best tracks: Me and the Devil, New York Is Killing Me

- © Fairfax NZ News