Soul music is a genre which usually gets letterboxed as an older genre, its success in the past almost hurts the genre. The greats did such a good job in the past; I feel that if people were going to listen to Soul music they would listen to the Otis Redding’s of yesteryear. However although it is not usually popularised there are always stellar soul influenced albums that come out every year and 2013 is no different. Here are some of my favourite releases this year.
Gregory Porter- ‘No Love Dying’ and ‘Hey Laura’
Just like Charles Bradley a couple of years back, Gregory Porter seemingly came out of thin air but in actual fact he won a Jazz Vocal album Grammy in 2010, although it is through his latest album ‘Liquid Spirit’ that he has attracted the most attention. He has elements of jazz, blues and soul on his latest album and here are two tracks which really display his greatest quality which is his remarkable voice.
Alice Smith- ‘Fool for you’
I first heard about Alice Smith after hearing one of her tracks feature on the end of an Entourage episode, she then fell away for a bit and it was all quiet until the release of her second album ‘She’ which performed pretty well in the US. The album is varied with jazzy arrangements followed by traditional rock songs, but the one thing that stays constant is her soulful voice. She also happens to be married to Citizen Cope who produced hits such as ‘Sideways’ and ‘Let the Drummer kick’
Mayer Hawthorne-‘Crime’ ft Kendrick Lamar
This is more blue-eyed soul and Mayer Hawthrone has become the new king of the genre following his latest album ‘Where does the Door go’ in which he played every instrument on the album. The track also features one of K.Dot’s hundredth feature of the year.
Cleveland P Jones- ‘Free Yard Sale’
Cleveland P Jones whole debut album ‘Ace of Hearts’ allows you to hear some fresh Southern soul music and with this track ‘Free Yard Sale’ we see the brilliant arrangements and Cleveland’s raspy voice.
Omar- The Man
Some British soul coming from the quality record label ‘Tru Thoughts’ ,the whole album from Omar Lye Fook exudes a new grittier take on soul music and the single ‘The Man’ of which the album gets it’s name is a definite highlight.
Booker T Jones- Sound the Alarm ft Mayer Hawthorne
Booker T Jones the multi-instrumentalist genius behind Stax records and of well-known hit ‘Green Onions’ released a solid album showcasing why he will go down as a legend of the genre. Mayer Hawthrone also features on this track and sounds as good as ever.
Cody ChesnuTT- Till I Met Thee
I only knew Cody’s work through The Roots and then I was put on to his latest album ‘Landing on a Hundred’ by an illuminating review and loved it. The guitar in the intro to this track is especially superb and his perfection of the Marvin Gaye ‘Hooneeeyy’ he is a new Soul Icon.
Charles Bradley- Strictly Reserved For You
Charles life really changed following the release of his debut album, he was no longer a James Brown imitator he was an artist in his outright. His sophomore album ‘Victim of Love’ explored his new confident swagger and this track ‘Strictly Reserved For You’ is one of the best soul songs to come out for years.
KJ's Music 