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.
Opening this week’s Sounds of R&B & Soul playlist is Kianja’s ‘Gas Light’, a visceral exploration of emotional manipulation, delivered with striking sonic depth. Her vocals, both sultry and strong, cut through the drum’n’bass-infused groove, creating a captivating tension. The live drums and haunting strings elevate the track beyond typical R&B, adding a cinematic quality. Kianja’s rich musical background, evident in the song’s genre fluidity, shines through. ‘Gas Light’ is a powerful declaration of self-worth, resonating with anyone who has faced psychological abuse. It’s a compelling glimpse into her upcoming EP.
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‘Hopefully’ is a spellbinding alt-R&B offering that captures the intensity of longing and desire. Naya Yeira’s mesmerizing vocals glide effortlessly over a lush, emotive soundscape, blending soulful melodies with a hypnotic rhythm. The track’s sing-rap elements and poignant lyricism showcase her artistic versatility, while its message of manifestation and obsession resonates deeply. Produced by Superbeats, ‘Hopefully’ exudes both confidence and vulnerability, reflecting Naya’s evolving musical journey. With a growing fanbase and industry acclaim, Naya Yeira’s future in music looks incredibly bright.
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Jalen Chords’ ‘signs (sportsmode)’ is a slick, contemporary R&B track that oozes smooth confidence. His vocals glide effortlessly over the crisp, modern production, creating an instantly engaging vibe. The track’s laid-back yet driving beat perfectly complements the lyrics, which hint at a playful, flirtatious energy. While brief, the song effectively showcases Jalen’s potential, leaving you wanting more from his EP, The Playlist. It’s a promising glimpse of a fresh voice in R&B, with a sound that feels both current and timeless.
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Enveloping you from the first beat, ‘Tunnel Vision’ a sultry, nostalgic experience from Henry Aberson. Its hypnotic rhythm and warm, organic sound, reminiscent of classic soul, create an intimate atmosphere. The subtle yet emotive guitar solos and chords enrich the melody, while the precise drum cadence sets a smooth, enveloping pace. Henry’s seductive vocals, laden with mystery, guide you through a world of dim lights and dance floor adrenaline. ‘Tunnel Vision’ feels like an exclusive encounter, a sensual journey that invites you to lose yourself in its captivating soundscape. It’s a must-listen for those seeking a blend of nostalgia and modern sensuality.
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Blending retro and neo-soul with contemporary R&B, ‘Love Songs Are Slow’ is a smooth, soulful journey. Yakonly’s moodswing genre tag feels apt, capturing the song’s nuanced emotional shifts. Yakonly’s vocals, warm and expressive, glide effortlessly over the laid-back groove. The track’s organic instrumentation and mellow vibe create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for late-night listening. It’s a testament to his versatility and willingness to experiment, showcasing his ability to craft a captivating sonic experience. Yakonly’s dedication to impactful artistry shines through, making ‘Love Songs Are Slow’ a truly engaging listen.
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Drawing inspiration from manta rays as a symbol of transformation, Nuraini’s ‘Movers of the Light’ carries an ethereal quality, with layered harmonies and mellow rhythms creating a dreamy, immersive soundscape. It’s a soulful, meditative journey that beautifully blends nature-inspired storytelling with heartfelt lyricism. Her warm vocals and flowing guitar work evoke a quiet strength, encouraging listeners to embrace their true colors. Rooted in sincerity and deep connection to the natural world, ‘Movers of the Light’ is both soothing and uplifting. This is a mesmerizing listen for fans of folk, indie, and ambient soundscapes.
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Mathilde Widding’s latest single ‘Good Grief’ is a soulful blend of retro soul and R&B, effortlessly showcasing her rich, emotive vocals. The track exudes a smooth, funky groove that draws listeners into its passionate soundscape. True to Widding’s signature style, the song is infused with a heartfelt depth, reflecting her mantra, “you reap what you sow.” With influences from ’60s soul and contemporary jazz, Widding continues to evolve as an artist. ‘Good Grief’ feels timeless yet fresh, solidifying her reputation for crafting meaningful, authentic music. It’s a standout release that confirms her rightful place in the global soul scene.
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Capturing the raw beauty of finding someone who truly understands you, ‘Only You’ is a poignant exploration of vulnerability and emotional intimacy. Funsho’s track seamlessly blends soulful melodies with modern R&B beats, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. Funsho’s heartfelt lyrics, “only you, no one else understands like you,” resonate deeply, showcasing his ability to connect through authenticity. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage and alternative R&B influences, Funsho crafts a rich, textured musical experience. ‘Only You’ solidifies his reputation as a versatile artist, marking another milestone in his evolving journey.
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With its thicc bassline, ethereal harmonies, and a groove that cuts through the frost, Trip Carter’s ‘Warmup’ radiates warmth and optimism. Trip’s jazz-trained roots shine through in the song’s tight, soulful production, blending alternative R&B and hip-hop with effortless finesse. Both dynamic and deeply musical, ‘Warmup feels’ like a sonic reset button, uplifting and reenergizing listeners with its infectious rhythm. Trip Carter’s distinct style and knack for merging technical skill with emotional resonance make this track a standout addition to his already impressive catalog.
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Blending introspection with bold declarations of growth and resilience, ‘My Turn’ is a soulful anthem of self-empowerment, With minimal yet impactful production, Geo’s ethereal vocals and poignant lyrics, like “water me, let me grow”, shine in a track that is equal parts meditative and resolute. Featuring the rhythmic depth of late percussionist Reuben ‘Sleepy’ White, the song weaves elements of jazz, R&B and Caribbean influences into its warm, organic soundscape. Drawing inspiration from icons like Sade and Tracy Chapman, ‘My Turn’ is a powerful start to Geo’s 2025 releases, marking a transformative chapter in her artistry with grace and conviction.
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Showcasing his versatility and playful creativity, ‘Addict’ is a refreshing departure from Mins’ usual love song repertoire, The track blends witty lyrics with a light-hearted, almost cheeky energy, as Mins spins a tale of regret and reversal, where someone who mistreated him comes crawling back. The production is vibrant and modern, reflecting his love for digital synths like the Omnichord and Yamaha CS, which lend the song its distinctive edge. As his third release, ‘Addict’ highlights Mins’ growth as an artist and hints at the exciting variety his upcoming EP might hold. A bold and confident step forward.
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PURPLE MELON 