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.
We’re swooning into this week’s Sounds of R&B & Soul with Hazel Rose’s new song ‘Shadow’, which transforms insecurity into strength. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem, it reframes self-doubt as an integral part of identity, not a weakness. Hazel’s vocals, both tender and powerful, carry a message of self-acceptance. Musically, the track blends intimate introspection with uplifting warmth. Rhythmic drums, soulful bass, and subtle trumpets create an immersive, authentic soundscape. It’s a song for quiet reflection and loud celebration, a reminder that embracing our shadows makes us whole. Building on her Soft Whispers EP, ‘Shadow’ showcases Hazel Rose’s evolving artistry and promising future.
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Blending intricate production with heartfelt lyricism, Steven Bamidele’s ‘The Fool’, featuring Sly5thAve, is a lush, neo-soul gem that effortlessly. Steven’s signature falsetto glides over a dreamy soundscape of warm keys, subtle grooves, and jazz-infused instrumentation. Sly5thAve’s touch adds a cinematic depth, weaving in orchestral elements that elevate the track’s emotional weight. The song exudes a quiet intensity, balancing vulnerability with rich, textured layers of sound. As Steven Bamidele continues to refine his craft, ‘The Fool’ showcases his ability to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s a captivating preview of what’s to come.
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‘SUNSHINE’ radiates warmth, a vibrant blend of retro soul, neo-soul, and contemporary R&B. SNACKTIME’s summer anthem captures the rollercoaster of love, embracing its highs and lows. Horns blaze, rhythms groove, and vocals soar, creating an infectious energy. It’s a reminder that even in darkness, love illuminates. SNACKTIME’s journey, from Philadelphia park jams to festival stages, fuels their sound with authentic joy. ‘SUNSHINE’ manages to convey their live energy, a feel-good track perfect for sunny days and soulful nights. Their blend of genres creates a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh.
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Blending heartfelt lyricism with themes of faith and destiny, Chris Keryakos’ ‘More Time’ navigates emotional turmoil while embracing trust in a higher plan. The result is a soul-stirring reflection on love, longing, and divine purpose. The evocative imagery of “two worlds clashing” and “pressures, contenders” highlights the struggle between fear and faith, making the plea for “more time” resonate on both romantic and spiritual levels. With its poignant storytelling and moving delivery, ‘More Time’ transcends a simple love son. It becomes an anthem of surrender, devotion, and hope, urging listeners to cherish love.
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‘Positive POV’ is a powerful anthem of resilience, transforming adversity into strength from new name Anabel. Pulsating drums and deep bass create an immersive soundscape, driving her message of empowerment. Her vocals, both strong and vulnerable, convey hard-earned wisdom. Anabel’s multicultural background, a blend of California, Denmark, Bulgaria, and Iraq, enriches her sound with unique textures. The track is a testament to her journey, a celebration of finding strength in challenges. Produced by Valdemar Littauer, ‘Positive POV’ is a compelling fusion of personal narrative and potent musicality. Anabel’s voice is a beacon, illuminating her path and inspiring others.
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Creating a special atmosphere with soft vocals, acoustic guitar, and a relaxed groove, Mira Zounogo’s releases ‘Daydream’. This song is perfect for a chill playlist. Mira Zounogo has a warm, inviting voice and soulful melodies. Her music takes listeners on an emotional journey. Her lyrics are powerful and poetic. Her songs are both gentle and intense. Her authenticity and passion create a special atmosphere at her live shows. Mira Zounogo is a must-see for fans of deep and soulful music.
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Recorded live on a 70s tape deck, ‘you’re better than everything’ exudes a warm, imperfect authenticity, perfect for a charmingly raw, lo-fi love letter from Romcom Soundtrack. The track’s spontaneous creation, penned in five minutes for his wife, lends it a genuine, heartfelt quality. Echoes of retro soul and neo-soul blend seamlessly, creating a cozy atmosphere. The audible pitch changes towards the end, a byproduct of recording on the reel’s edge, add to its endearing, human touch. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of sincere emotion. This is a promising debut.
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Built on silky synths, crisp guitar licks, and effortless vocal delivery, Wake The Wild’s ‘Time Zones’ radiates carefree energy and the excitement of chasing the moment. This is a smooth, sun-soaked ride through funk-infused grooves and nostalgic R&B melodies. It’s the sonic equivalent of a night drive with the windows down – romantic, cinematic, and just the right amount of wild. The band’s deep musical chemistry, forged since middle school and refined through years apart, shines through in every polished detail. With nods to nu-disco and retro dance music, ‘Time Zones’ feels both timeless and fresh. It’s a feel-good anthem that captures the joy of spontaneity and connection – pure passion, wrapped in groove-heavy perfection.
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Produced by Chuck Stewart and David Briscoe, Taquirah’s ‘Grateful (Bare)’ is an encouraging anthem aimed at overcoming personal struggles. The song serves as a vehicle for Taquirah’s storytelling, a skill honed through her background as a performance artist. Drawing from a rich palette of influences, including jazz, blues, gospel, pop, neo-soul, and R&B, Taquirah delivers a message of resilience. Her style combines singer-songwriter sensibilities with a performance-driven approach, resulting in a sound that is both uplifting and deeply personal.
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Anchored by Moniah’s signature powerhouse vocals and lyrical vulnerability, ‘PURPLE CLOUDS’ is a vibrant, soulful standout that floats effortlessly between pop and R&B. The track captures the tension between chasing dreams and holding onto love, with smooth production that shimmers like the twilight skies it’s named after. Infectious grooves and an uplifting hook make it a feel-good anthem, but there’s depth beneath the shine, an emotional core that reflects Moniah’s journey and growth. It’s confident, catchy, and radiates warmth, signaling a major moment in her debut EP, ANYWHERE BUT HERE. ‘PURPLE CLOUDS’ is both a vibe and a message – one worth replaying.
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PURPLE MELON 