R&B and soul are two of those classic sounds that haven’t wavered over the years, instead they’ve continued to evolve and branch out into exciting new frontiers. So without further ado, let’s have a listen.
Igniting the senses with its squelching synth keys and hypnotic trip-hop beat, ‘Ice On Fire’ is a smoldering masterpiece of electro-funk and contemporary R&B. A standout from Th&o.’s sophomore album Emlotheni, the track weaves emotional depth into its genre-bending soundscape, showcasing Th&o.’s fearless artistry. The song explores the duality of love’s warmth and destruction, capturing both the sweetness and bitterness of connection. With ‘Ice On Fire’, Th&o. proves he’s not just pushing boundaries—he’s redefining them, creating a lush, emotionally charged sonic experience that burns bright. This is the sound of a South African visionary in full stride.
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Rio Sterling’s debut single ‘POV’ is a vibrant blend of soul-pop and R&B, showcasing his powerhouse vocals and emotional depth. The track explores themes of young love, forgiveness, and self-awareness, as Rio passionately pleads for understanding, seeing the situation from her perspective. Backed by his youthful, energetic band, ‘POV’ brims with drama and an infectious groove, merging classic soul roots with a fresh, modern flair. After honing his voice singing in Raye’s choir over the summer, Rio Sterling steps confidently into the spotlight with this upbeat, heartfelt debut, proving he’s ready to make his mark.
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‘Counting Sheep’ is a soul-stirring exploration of uncertainty and the search for belonging from talented songwriter Sam Hudgens. Built on a foundation of indie-fueled guitars, the track creates a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements Sam’s mesmerizing vocals. Blending elements of indie rock, psych, and indie pop, ‘Counting Sheep’ strikes a delicate balance between introspection and sonic energy. The artist’s ability to craft a haunting, emotive tune draws listeners into his world, inviting them to reflect on their own questions of right and wrong. With this release, Sam confidently carves out a space in the indie scene, offering a track that lingers long after it ends.
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Blending humor, heartbreak, and raw vulnerability into a soulful anthem for the romantically reluctant, Chris Jobe grips out attention with ‘Don’t Make Me Fall In Love’. Born from a real-life adventure in the Costa Rican jungle and polished in his L.A. garage studio, the track carries an authentic, lived-in warmth. Live instrumentation from close friends adds texture, complementing Chris’ self-produced sound and heartfelt delivery. The song’s charm lies in its balance, sarcastic yet sincere, upbeat yet introspective, capturing the complexity of opening your heart again post-heartbreak. Equal parts playful and poignant, it’s a reminder that love, no matter how scary, is always worth the risk.
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Rumer’s reimagined ‘Slow’ is a lush, soulful revival of the hit that catapulted her to fame. Featuring the masterful Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, this rendition breathes new life into the beloved track, infusing it with warmth and sophistication. Rumer’s velvety vocals glide effortlessly, capturing the song’s tender exploration of infatuation and restraint. The updated arrangement adds depth while honoring the original’s timeless charm. As part of her forthcoming In Session project, this version of ‘Slow’ feels both nostalgic and fresh, celebrating Rumer’s signature honeyed sound. It’s a stunning reminder of her artistry; soulful, elegant, and effortlessly evocative. A must-listen for old and new fans alike.
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‘Necesito (Más de ti)’ is a captivating blend of organic and electronic sounds. The song showcases Polina Grace’s powerful vocals, seamlessly transitioning from sultry lows to soaring highs. The bilingual lyrics flow effortlessly, and the collaboration with musicians from Argentina and Spain adds a unique cultural richness. ‘Necesito (Más de ti)’ stands out as a refreshing addition to Spanish pop music, offering a commercial sound while maintaining an authentic and soulful feel. Polina Grace’s distinct voice and international background make her a rising star in the global music scene.
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Fairy Best Life’s single ‘New Religion’ is a soulful ode to spiritual transformation and romantic enchantment. The artist’s ethereal vocals, layered over lush R&B melodies, weave a spellbinding atmosphere that feels both otherworldly and deeply grounding. With lyrics that shimmer like incantations, the track invites listeners to explore a new paradigm of belief – rooted in love, magic, and self-discovery. True to her role as a guide to the fae realm, Fairy Best Life bridges the mystical and the tangible, crafting a song that feels like a portal to a more enchanted reality. ‘New Religion’ is a sonic spell, leaving hearts awakened and inspired.
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With smooth, emotive vocals, Gabby Onme captures the raw need for reassurance in a relationship built on loyalty and trust in new single ‘R U Sure?’. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities, blending contemporary R&B with soulful vulnerability. The song’s understated production, featuring gentle beats and lush harmonies, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows the emotional depth of the lyrics to shine. Born in Seoul and raised in Texas, Gabby infuses his unique background into the music, delivering a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. ‘R U Sure?’ is a tender reminder of love’s fragility and the strength it takes to ask, “are you sure?”
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Blending timeless grooves with modern vibrancy, Rita Satch’s ‘Joyride’ is a lush, sun-drenched homage to 70s R&B. Her silky vocals float effortlessly over Felix Bloxsom’s polished production, driven by funky clavinet, rolling beats, and dreamy melodies. Co-written with Daniel Mougerman, the track celebrates freedom and presence, radiating pure escapism. Lyrics like, “under the moon and the stars in the sky, be in the moment just open your eyes,” embody its carefree essence. With Ben Kane’s expert mix and Rita’s soulful delivery, ‘Joyride’ is a sophisticated, playful teaser for her upcoming debut album Meet Me in the Garden.
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Showcasing his afro-R&B prowess alongside Ghana’s KiDi, Joshua Baraka shares ‘Someday’, a standout track from his genre-blending mixtape RECESS. With atmospheric production by P Priime, the track seamlessly marries 90s R&B nostalgia with fresh afro-soul sensibilities. Reflecting on themes of acceptance and moving forward, Joshua’s smooth vocals intertwine beautifully with KiDi’s golden touch, creating a heartfelt yet danceable groove. RECESS cements Joshua Baraka as a rising star, blending diverse influences from his global travels while staying rooted in his Ugandan heritage. At just 22-years-old, his artistry radiates maturity and innovation, making ‘Someday’ a soulful highlight of his meteoric rise.
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PURPLE MELON 