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.
First in this week’s Sounds of R&B & Soul playlist is Charlotte OC’s redemptive, soul-infused counterpoint to her previous work. ‘Romeo’ is a swooning ode to finding connection at the perfect moment. Her trademark emotionally-rich vocals, laden with a Patti Smith-esque grit and alluring swagger, weave through simmering production. It’s about recognizing a kindred spirit and finding strength in shared imperfections. This gorgeous, guitar-dappled track, a preview of her cathartic EP, Seriously Love, Go Home, marks a powerful artistic rebirth for Charlotte OC, promising self-renewal and a newfound confidence.
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‘Stuck On You’ is a smooth, soul-drenched R&B gem that showcases ROESWRLD’s stunning vocals and emotional depth. Blending old-school soul with modern sensibility, the track feels like a timeless love letter. It’s vulnerable, tender, and refreshingly honest. Her rich vocal layers and effortless melodic flow breathe life into the story of longing and attachment, delivering a sound that’s both nostalgic and current. Rooted in gospel soul and shaped by neo-soul influences, ROESWRLD’s authenticity shines through. ‘Stuck On You’ is a heartfelt expression of desire and connection, marking her as a bold new voice in R&B.
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Co-written with RoyyalT, JupiterReign’s ‘All Mine’ is a potent, soul-infused R&B confession. Her velvety vocals effortlessly convey the turmoil of a love both painful and passionate. Against a lush trap-soul backdrop, the track’s slow-burning intensity and raw self-awareness create a deeply relatable narrative of holding onto a relationship past its expiration. ‘All Mine’ is a testament to turning personal struggle into meaningful art, offering solace and connection to anyone navigating complex emotional landscapes. A compelling preview of her upcoming debut album, Jupiter’s Dreams.
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Capturing the quiet storm of emotional overload with striking honesty, ‘Cry’ is a raw, soul-baring alt-R&B track from PS Joey. Anchored by lo-fi textures and late-night vocals, it feels like a whispered journal entry—intimate, reflective, and deeply human. Written in the middle of an ADHD spiral, the track becomes both a release and a refuge, offering solace to overthinkers and feelers alike. PS Joey’s Creole roots and life experience shine through in every lyric, blending vulnerability with strength. ‘Cry’ is like emotional therapy in sonic form, redefining what modern soul can sound and feel like.
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Dripping with 70s soul and Sunday morning vibes, Romcom Soundtrack’s ‘what time is it?’ is a delightful throwback. Recorded live to an 8-track tape machine with seven collaborators, the authentic Motown-era warmth is palpable. This artist’s self-claimed “silly little love song” project truly shines here, offering a track that’s both sexy and laid-back. The absence of computers in the recording process gives it a wonderfully organic, timeless feel. It’s a charming slice of retro-soul that’s instantly captivating and perfectly captures its intended mood.
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Perfectly conveying the easy elegance of a summer evening, ‘Vibes’ is a smooth, romantic blend of pop-R&B and neo-soul. Jay Alexzander’s silky vocals glide over edbl’s signature live-instrumentation production, fusing hip-hop-inspired drums with warm, soulful textures. The track exudes London flavor, with honest lyricism that’s both grounded and heartfelt. Effortlessly laid-back yet emotionally rich, ‘Vibes’ feels timeless and contemporary, it’s an instant standout from Jay’s upcoming EP Mitcham To Brockwell. Their natural chemistry makes for a compelling listen, and with its chill groove and seductive mood, ‘Vibes’ is poised to become a fan favorite and a playlist staple.
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‘Colors’ is a vibrant pop track that cleverly embodies the bargaining stage of grief with a reggae and funk foundation. The Nashville-based musician and producer Ornate crafts an undeniable groove and consistent energy throughout. Featured on an EP exploring the five stages of grief, this third track showcases this artist’s honest songwriting, blending catchy melodies with a rich, organic feel. ‘Colors’ reflects Ornate’s evolving artistry and a strong addition to their discography, perfect for fans of contemporary R&B and indie pop.
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Rooted in soul and carried by Aysanabee’s unmistakable, soaring vocals, ‘Home’ unfolds like a cathartic prayer. It’s an intimate, raw, and deeply human reflection on love, loss, and the fragile beauty of letting go. Co-written with Kyla Charter and Scott McCannell, ‘Home’ bridges grief and growth, becoming an anthem for anyone learning to move forward without forgetting where they’ve been. Aysanabee’s gift lies in transforming personal pain into universal resonance, and here, he does just that. As the lead single from Edge of the Earth, ‘Home’ is both a promise and a powerful emotional release.
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With her signature honeyed vocals and lush, 90s-inspired production, ROE captures the ache of distance in a demanding relationship, transforming it into a soulful plea for presence. ‘Stay’ is a stunning showcase of vulnerability wrapped in velvety R&B. The track’s warmth is matched by a beautifully cinematic visual that moves from grayscale longing to full-color intimacy, mirroring the emotional shift in the song. ROE’s pen remains elite, with ‘Stay’ being poetic, raw, and unafraid to be soft. It’s clear that she’s shaping modern R&B with heart and precision. A standout moment from her forthcoming EP Oakwood.
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With ‘So Think Twice‘, The Only Arena transforms rejection into raw empowerment by fusing timeless retro-soul and current neo-soul sounds with a voice that commands attention. Written after being deemed “too overqualified” on national TV, this anthem is this singer’s triumphant clapback. It’s a soulful, soaring reminder to never shrink for the comfort of others. At 2:33, a powerhouse note and fiery guitar solo steal the show, while the 2:59 chorus sticks like truth. This is what perseverance sounds like.
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PURPLE MELON 