Album Review: Can’t Make My Heart Understand / Two Years Ago Today by Dean Scott
Alright, let’s talk about this gem—Can’t Make My Heart Understand / Two Years Ago Today by Dean Scott. It’s one of those records that sneaks up on you, like a soulful breeze on a sticky summer evening. Released under the Shane label with Huey P. Meaux at the production helm, it’s got that raw, unpolished charm only US funk and soul can deliver. And honestly? It feels kinda timeless.
First off, “Two Years Ago Today” hits different. The groove is smooth but packs an emotional punch, y’know? You can almost picture Dean sitting there, pouring his heart into the mic, thinking about whatever went down two years prior. The bassline just sits in your chest, vibrating with all the feels. I mean, who hasn’t had one of those moments where something from the past creeps back in? This track doesn’t overstay its welcome either; it keeps things tight and lets the melody do the heavy lifting. By the time the horns kick in, you’re already hooked. Damn, man—it sticks to your ribs.
And then there’s “Can’t Make My Heart Understand.” If the first track was a quiet confession, this one’s more like a plea shouted into the void. There’s desperation in Dean’s voice, but also a stubborn hopefulness. That guitar riff? Chef’s kiss. It’s simple yet so damn effective, looping around your brain long after the needle lifts. Something about how the drums shuffle along makes me wanna grab someone and slow dance in a dimly lit room. Like, yeah, life might be messy right now, but at least we’ve got this moment.
What really stands out here is the authenticity. No autotune, no flashy tricks—just good ol’ fashioned soul music made by folks who clearly cared. Huey P. Meaux knew what he was doing behind the boards, letting Dean’s vocals shine without drowning them in studio gloss. It’s the kind of record that reminds you why people fell in love with soul in the first place: real stories, real emotions, zero pretense.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. But not as some polished artifact for audiophiles to geek over—it’s way too human for that. It’s the type of thing you throw on when you need company during a late-night drive or when you’re trying to figure out why your own heart won’t listen to reason.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: listening to these tracks made me realize something weird. Soul music isn’t just about love lost or found—it’s about understanding that sometimes, your heart’s gonna be a stubborn little jerk no matter what. And maybe...just maybe...that’s okay.
