For a chap nearly pushing 50, the artist once (and still popularly) referred to as ‘the voice of house music’ still has it. In droves. That unmistakable voice, those rich, honey-tones that first emerged in the 1970s when Robert Owens started singing at his church in Ohio are as smooth as ever on his new LP Art.

Beautifully-written, heartfelt songs and crisp production supplied by former Fingers Inc collaborator Larry Heard, the UK’s Atjazz and others culminate in 19 tracks over two discs which remain true to the dancefloor but retain strong R&B and urban influences. Gospel elements also permeate powerfully to deliver a wonderful release right at home on Munich’s fine Compost label.

The house element is always going to be strong simply because, to many people, Robert Owens is house music. Since forming Fingers Inc with Larry Heard and Ron Wilson in Chicago in the mid 1980s – and releasing classic singles like Can You Feel It during the golden age of Chicago house – Owens has since established himself as an ever-dependable vocalist and has been responsible for some of the most enduring, deep club cuts ever produced. Tears, I’ll Be Your Friend and, to a lesser extent, yesteryear’s A Greater Love released on London’s MN2S, have all been added to that exclusive but difficult list to crack – that of the house anthem.

It’s been over three years since Owens’ last album Night-time Stories, but Art demonstrates he remains an artist at the top of his game. Heard, Atjazz and Compost label producers Beanfield and Show-B (who feature on the tech-edged It Takes Me High and Exhale And Breath ) demonstrate a knack for producing powerful tracks that support Owens’ strong vocal performances.

The powerful Be Your Own Hero and title track are two of Heard’s strongest contributions on the release, while Atjazz demonstrates his enduring nous on the stripped-back, emotional One Love, the late night Moments (sure to create a few on dancefloors) and the Sunday afternoon, down-tempo pearler Same Old Thing.

Every track, however, benefits greatly from Owens’ empowering, positive outlook on life and obvious spiritual connection he continues to champion after decades on the scene. Vocal tracks with that emotional element have been glaringly absent from the international scene in recent years but Owens confirms their enduring relevance on Art. Wonderful.

Art is out now on Compost through Inertia.