I’ll be honest - I’ve had a mental road block with Grieves. I don’t have anything against him, and his music never offended me. It was really just that I couldn’t ever remember what his music sounded like and didn’t understand why other artists I liked kept praising him. He just seemed very forgettable and inconsequential to me. That’s changed, though, because with Together/Apart, I can finally say that Grieves has made an album that moved me.

This is the first release for the Seattle-based emcee since being signed to Rhymesayers, but he continues his long-time collaboration DJ Budo. The production and songwriting are definitely stronger than anything they’ve done in the past. Maybe they’ve picked up a few things from being around artists like Atmosphere, Blueprint, and Brother Ali. Maybe they’ve just grown and matured as artists. The why isn’t really that important, though. What’s important is the album at hand, and it’s a good one. Grieves isn’t going to wow you with his verbal dexterity, but he is good at candid storytelling. When combined with his ear for hooks, it all comes together to create a style that’s all his own. “Light Speed” starts the album with the story of how he grew up and got involved in music. The chorus evokes a sense of ‘90s nostalgia, making me think about those times in high school when I’d drive around in my pick-up blasting Bran Van 3000’s “Drinking in L.A.” “Falling From You” paints a complex picture of a dysfunctional relationship. “Sunny Side of Hell” is a really moving tale of tackling personal demons with a chorus that manages to be uplifting and encourages others to seek help, all while somehow not sounding cheesy or preachy.

Budo works extremely well with Grieves as producer on this album. There is a certain amount of influence from Ant, with some simple but effective keyboard riffs and big snare hits, but he still manages to bring in other influences and make it his own. “No Matter What” channels some G-Funk with its low bass line and high pitched keyboard line and Nate Dogg-inspired hook. “Heartbreak Hotel” is jazz/blues number with Rhodes and guitar trading licks. “Speak Easy” is practically a classic rock song with its guitar solo and Deep Pruple-esque organ. “Prize Fighter” channels some Neptunes’ drums. It all comes together coherently, though, making it a very fulfilling journey throughout the album.

My only real complaint about the album is that it runs a little long. The sixteen tracks is just too much to digest in one sitting. Otherwise, this is a solid album and a major leap forward in Grieves’ career. His storytelling is excellent, and he makes interesting musical choices and writes choruses that stick in your head. Together/Apart is Grieves’ best album to date and another in a great run that Rhymesayers has had this year.