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.
Our Sounds of R&B & Soul is back are starting on a high note with Rebel Rae’s ‘Don’t Let the Smile Fool Ya’, a vibrant ’90s neo-soul pop vibe. From Washington D.C., this rising star brings a diverse cultural perspective to her music. With a rich performance history, including touring with Ari Lennox and collaborations with Katy Perry and Sheryl Crow, Rebel’s talent shines. She’s also supported charitable causes, performing for the Red Cross and cancer research. Her sound blends retro soul with modern alt-pop, demonstrating her versatility. This single, like her previous EPs and album, showcases Rebel Rae’s captivating voice and engaging stage presence.
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Perfect for setting the romantic mood, ‘I Wanna Be’ is a smooth, sultry R&B gem from collaborative duo Freroq and Lewy V. Those velvety vocals courtest of Lewy V glide effortlessly over lush, retro-tinged instrumentation, delivering romantic lyrics with passion and finesse. The track blends contemporary R&B with touches of neo-soul, evoking a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. ‘I Wanna Be’ solidifies the duo’s chemistry, capturing the longing and devotion of love. With its sensual groove and heartfelt emotion, this release sets the tone for an exciting 2025, proving freroq’s production mastery and Lewy V’s undeniable star power.
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Dylan Cartlidge returns with ‘Show Up’, the second single from his upcoming album Lucky Shot. Produced by Eg White and Engine Earz, the track confronts personal failings and the struggle to break negative cycles. With raw honesty, Dylan explores themes of neglect and the importance of showing up for others, drawing from his own experience in the care system. Following the uplifting ‘New Day’, this new single offers another taste of Lucky Shot, an album about taking risks and overcoming fear. Dylan Cartlidge’s unique blend of alternative, soul, and hip hop has earned him widespread acclaim, with comparisons to Beck and praise for his “life-affirming” music.
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Grete’s delivers is a bold, glitzy statement, showcasing her most quintessential sound to date. Influenced by artists like Tove Lo, MARO, and The Weeknd, ‘Different’ layers distorted effects and a sultry guitar part over glassy percussion and a powerful bass line. Lyrically, this track explores the painful possibility of leaving a loved one due to growing distance and unfamiliarity. The Lithuanian-born, Manchester-based singer-songwriter previously released the EP Grey and the single ‘Skinny Bones’. Fans of soulful, alternative music with personal stories and jazzy harmonies should keep an eye out for her new project in 2025.
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A multifaceted singer-songwriter, LAWRENCE STEVEN focuses on creating impactful art through honest narratives. His newest single ‘inflections’ is a sonic manifestation of self-change, born from the artist’s weariness of conforming to others’ expectations. ‘inflections’ showcases his carefully crafted background vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. This contemporary R&B track highlights LAWRENCE STEVEN as an artist to watch.
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Here’s a heartfelt tribute to lasting love from Austin’s multi-platinum songwriter Tricia Battani. ‘Favorite’ is a warm, nostalgic R&B slow jam which blends 90s influences with modern melodies, creating a timeless, feel-good track. Battani’s impressive career includes collaborations with industry legends like Diane Warren and Babyface, and her songs feature in Netflix and Lifetime productions. Her musical roots run deep, evident in the song’s genuine emotion and smooth delivery. ‘Favorite’ resonates with all ages, offering a sweet and romantic escape.
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17-year-old artist JusJerez blends dark R&B with raw storytelling, capturing youthful disillusionment. His newest track ‘Make Rights’ explores a cyclical, toxic relationship, where hope clashes with reality. The song warns against revisiting past hurts, reminding listeners why they left in the first place. From Raleigh, North Carolina, JusJerez embodies the mantra of “small kid, big dreams, bigger world,” balancing mundane life with ambitious aspirations. His music is a personal documentary, which should resonate with lost youth, offering a vulnerable yet cool perspective. His aesthetic, a mix of gritty realism and dreamy surrealism, creates an honest and unforgettable sonic experience.
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‘How to Summon Ghosts’ is a sultry R&B anthem with a hypnotic blend of sass and soul. Nikitaa’s track captures the exasperation of dealing with someone who just won’t let go, delivering a smooth yet empowering message of self-worth. With its infectious melody and rich, layered production, the song effortlessly bridges the playful and the profound. Nikitaa’s self-styled signature “goddess pop” sound shines through, blending R&B, rock and South Asian influences. This is the perfect song to reclaim your energy, vibe out with friends, or remind yourself why moving on is always the best revenge.
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PURPLE MELON 