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.
Taking the lead for this latest Sounds of R&B & Soul playlist is MUANH with ‘All Night’, a hushed, slow-burning gem that captures the tender clarity of sleepless hours. Drifting between indie-pop, dream-pop, and alt-R&B, the Hamburg artist crafts a minimal, moody soundscape where loopy vocals echo like distant thoughts and soft textures melt into a steady nighttime pulse. There’s a quiet intimacy here, like a midnight drive alone, windows down, letting the breeze stir something inside. Inspired by acts like Men I Trust and The Marías, MUANH trades structure for sensation, offering a track that feels more like a feeling than a song. It’s soft, sensual, and beautifully unreal.
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Luke Marzec’s new single ‘Space to Be Free’ is a profoundly timely protest anthem. Rooted in jazz and soul, the track delivers a radical softness as it confronts the anxieties of modern life, questioning the increasing unaffordability of essential human freedoms like time, community, and stillness. Luke’s rich, booming vocals anchor this poetic exploration of resistance. It’s a poignant reflection on finding room to breathe amidst digital noise and widening wealth gaps, serving as an urgent call for imagination and genuine thriving in today’s world. This track heralds the thoughtful depth of his upcoming debut album, Something Good Out of Nothing.
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Beneath the cheerful guitar lines and infectious vocal hooks lies a poignant truth ‘Clouds’, momoyo slowly unravels a burnout anthem with radiant contradiction at its core. Wrapped in sunny grooves and shimmering neo-soul textures, it’s a song about losing love for what once lit you up, yet it pulses with life, like dancing through exhaustion. The accompanying video, set in North Garden Studios among friends and collaborators, highlights the healing power of community and creation. ‘Clouds’ is both heavy and light, melancholic and joyous. It’s a track that smiles through the ache and keeps moving, beautifully.
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Known for his dance and acting, the multi-talented artist Brandon Mitchell showcases his musical prowess with the neo-soul and R&B single ‘Untitled Love’. Featuring Irv Da PHENOM, the track effortlessly blends soft hip-hop with a sensual R&B tone, creating a uniquely soothing experience. Irv Da PHENOM’s soul-stirring melodic runs complement Brandon’s narrative of love at first sight and its transformative journey. Subtle glimpses of hope interwoven within the beats make this a beautifully delivered, flowing track that resonates with authenticity and depth, reflecting Brandon Mitchell’s commitment to excellence in all his creative endeavors.
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Blending neo-soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B, the Oslo trio Joggebukse (Syver Breiby, Mats Oven and Petter Helland-Olsen) craft a lush, emotionally rich soundscape in ‘May You Rain’. Featuring tao, this is a soulful meditation on the bittersweet journey of the artist. Silky vocals float over glossy keys, warm organ textures, and tight grooves, capturing the pain and perseverance of unfulfilled ambition. Despite its melancholy theme, the track glows with musical beauty, offering solace in the creative process itself. With this release, Joggebukse further cements their place as one of Norway’s most compelling and genre-blending musical voices.
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Drawing clear inspiration from artists like Eloise and Jaala, Mrs. D’s ‘Irrational’ masterfully crafts an introspective soundscape that dives into the turbulent waters of self-doubt. Ambient, jazzy guitars weave a delicate tapestry, anchored by the impactful presence of huge live drums. The rich vocal harmonies add layers of emotional depth, perfectly complementing the song’s honest and melodic core. Born from a raw voice memo recorded during a moment of personal spiral, this self-produced Sydney-based track feels genuinely vulnerable. ‘Irrational’ is a raw, relatable journey through inner chaos, beautifully articulated through its unique blend of alt-rock and lo-fi sensibilities.
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Anchored by a haunting vocal performance and sparse, Chet Baker-inspired instrumentation, ‘Turn On A Dime’ explores the delicate balance between self-expression and self-suppression. Through this tender, jazz-tinged ballad Miles Jenson captures the emotional tightrope of growth within a relationship. Co-produced with Grammy-winner King Garbage, the song feels timeless yet fresh, an intimate standout on Miles’ debut EP, Sunshine Goldmine. With poetic vulnerability and refined musicality, Miles Jenson delivers a quietly devastating meditation on love, identity, and compromise. It’s a graceful, slow-burning introduction to an artist clearly unafraid to lead with soul and honesty.
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‘Butterflies’ is an absolutely infectious R&B love song that perfectly encapsulates the exhilarating thrill of new romance from Meemah Jackson. With playful hooks and intimate confessions, the track pulses with an irresistible groove, making it an instant feel-good anthem. Inspired by artists like Alessia Cara and H.E.R., Meemah’s soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling shine through, elevated by her distinctive guitar work. The song captures the delightful anxiety of chasing someone who keeps you guessing, yet makes you feel utterly alive. It’s a vibrant, dynamic piece that showcases Meemah Jackson’s talent and sets the stage for her highly anticipated debut album.
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Written mid-air during a tour with Satori & the Band from Space, Hugo Oak’s latest track ‘S.M.S.tt.D’ pulses with deep beats, layered choirs, and soulful, emotive vocals. It’s a haunting, slow-burning anthem about breaking free from expectations and reclaiming your path. Rooted in personal loss (as the last song his late father ever heard), it resonates with raw honesty and quiet strength. Hugo’s cinematic production and gospel-tinged harmonies elevate the emotional weight, creating something intimate yet universally felt. With ‘S.M.S.tt.D’, Hugo Oak delivers a stirring reminder: even in moments of darkness, there’s always the pull to move forward.
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‘Come back’ is a raw and deeply personal R&B offering, affectionately dubbed the “delulu track” of Babé Sila’s EP. It captures the desperate psychological coping mechanisms employed during intense heartbreak, where memories become a phantom presence. Initially a mind-hack to ease pain, the song subtly shifts, transforming from internal monologue to an earnest plea – “please come back to me.” Sila, hailed as Hungary’s Queen of R&B and drawing inspiration from icons like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, delivers this intimate narrative with unapologetic honesty. Her passionate vocals and soulful sound make this uniquely personal track universally resonant in its portrayal of loss and longing.
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Reflecting on the tangled emotions of a love that’s both magnetic and messy, Ainjo’s voice glides over intimate, mid‑tempo production, anchored by warm basslines and delicate synth accents in her latest single ‘It’s Complicated’. Drawing on her journey, from viral covers to independent releases and balancing life as a Navy Sailor, Ainjo delivers a candid, emotionally rich performance. The result is a sleek and sultry R&B confession that effortlessly fuses smooth vocals with heartfelt lyricism. The track showcases her knack for vulnerability and melodic clarity, marking ‘It’s Complicated’ as a compelling preview of her upcoming Diary Entries project. A polished, soulful gem.
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