Calgary-based musician Ace Love, born Asher Azeem, is crafting a sonic universe where funk, pop, R&B, and disco collide in an electrifying mixture. With his debut album, Valor & Honor, he delivers a project that is as personal as it is infectious, a testament to his relentless drive and artistic evolution.
From the very first note of “Valor,” the album’s opening track, it’s clear that Ace Love isn’t interested in playing it safe. The song’s melodic foundation, which he describes as a near-divine moment of inspiration, sets the tone for the rest of the record. What follows is a whirlwind of grooves, soaring vocals, and emotionally charged storytelling that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.
Ace’s ability to weave intricate rhyme schemes and lyrical cadence into his music—something he’s honed over years of practice—elevates Valor & Honor beyond a standard funk-pop album. Each track is a meticulously crafted piece of his journey, reflecting themes of love, redemption, and self-expression.
While Valor & Honor borrows elements from disco and classic R&B, this is far from a retro throwback album. Ace Love injects his own modern twist, making the record feel fresh rather than derivative. Songs like “Remedies,” inspired by Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” carry a timeless energy, yet Ace’s delivery ensures they belong firmly in the present. His vocal approach—at times reminiscent of Prince’s early work—demonstrates his ability to channel legends while remaining uniquely himself.
What sets Valor & Honor apart is its emotional depth. The album was crafted in the wake of personal loss, and that raw honesty seeps into every lyric and melody. Tracks like “Karma” showcase Ace’s ability to channel grief into art, turning pain into something both cathartic and universally relatable. At its heart, the album carries a message of resilience: that love, in its purest form, triumphs over all other emotions.
If you think Valor & Honor is Ace Love’s final form, think again. He’s already looking ahead, with plans for both a rap album and a synthwave-pop project in the works. His approach to music—meticulous yet spontaneous—suggests that whatever comes next will be just as compelling.