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 up in this Sounds of R&B & Soul playlist is Jarreau Vandal and Amazone’s collaborative single ‘Heartless’, which is a glowing testament to cross-cultural fusion. Rooted in South African 3-step rhythms and textured with Amazigh samples, the track is both club-ready and deeply soulful. Amazone’s vocals shimmer with confidence, balancing sass and vulnerability against Jarreau’s warm chords and earthy guitar lines. The production feels adventurous yet grounded, weaving together synthetic flutes, sub-heavy bass, and diasporic grooves into something refreshingly new. Lyrically, it captures the bittersweet tension of fleeting connections, while musically it bridges continents. ‘Heartless’ is bold, emotional, and infectious. This is a summer anthem that cements both artists as genre-defying innovators.
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Brimming with raw emotion and vocal firepower, ‘Why’d You Do That?’ is a fearless new chapter for the rising Melbourne-born artist JACOTÉNE. Over Cadenza’s sleek production, she delivers sharp, gut-punch lyricism wrapped in a soaring, hook-heavy chorus that demands attention. Equal parts vulnerable and defiant, the track captures the sting of betrayal while flipping it into an empowering anthem of self-worth. JACOTÉNE’s voice, soulful, commanding, and wise beyond her years, cuts through with striking clarity, making every word land with weight. With its blend of timeless soul energy and contemporary edge, Why’d You Do That? cements her as an artist to watch closely.
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Setting the stage for Natalie Slade’s upcoming album Molasses, new single ‘The Lesson’ is a masterful display of her neo-soul artistry, The track showcases her poetic storytelling, with her powerful vocals beautifully layered over lush string arrangements. Produced in collaboration with Sampology, the song strikes a perfect balance between a soulful foundation and a gritty, modern sensibility. It’s a compelling piece of nu-jazz that feels both sophisticated and deeply heartfelt, offering a prime example of the rich talent emerging from Australia’s future soul scene. ‘The Lesson’ is a captivating and essential listen.
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‘My World (Beyond)’ is a spellbinding glimpse into anaiis’ forthcoming album Devotion & The Black Divine, weaving together vulnerability, strength, and transcendence. The French-Senegalese artist’s voice floats with delicate intensity, carrying both intimacy and power as it drapes over lush, atmospheric production. Rooted in soul yet expansive in scope, the track feels like a meditation on freedom, resilience, and spiritual clarity, echoing her global influences and diasporic journey. Already supported by BBC Radio and editorial playlists, ‘My World (Beyond)’ is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It’s a luminous offering that confirms anaiis as one of today’s most vital, visionary voices.
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Bursting with infectious energy, Lusaint’s new single ‘Lie To Yourself’ is a dynamic shift that reveals her versatility as an artist. The track blends soulful roots with vibrant pop undertones to create a cathartic summer anthem. A bold contrast to her previous, more subdued work, Lusaint’s powerful vocals effortlessly command the up-tempo groove. The song delves into the painful but relatable theme of loving someone who hurt you, acting as the perfect lead single for her new EP, The Apothecary (Pt. 1), a collection focused on the journey of heartbreak and healing.
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‘’Til The World Ends’ is a powerful anthem that blends neo-jazz and R&B with raw, heartfelt emotion from rising Essex singer-songwriter George Bone. Originally penned for Teddy Swims, the track serves as a thoughtful, yet emotive, commentary on love in a complicated world. George’s vocals are both strong and vulnerable, carrying the song’s central message with a captivating blend of passion and pleading. With its soothing guitar similar to John Mayer and a pop sensibility, this is a song designed to be screamed to the sky, offering a perfect space for those seeking catharsis and a deep, moving melody.
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Featuring the enchanting Tia Gordon, TAVE’s newest release ‘Fly Away’ is a lush, soulful escape that radiates warmth and serenity. Built on deep basslines, airy horns, and shimmering production, the track unfolds like a dream, balancing sensuality with uplifting intention. Tia’s vocals soar with effortless grace, carrying lyrics that celebrate love’s honesty and the courage to embrace life’s flow. As the centerpiece of his EP, Fly Away captures TAVE’s signature blend of vulnerability, authenticity, and genre-fluid soul, offering a timeless, healing sound. Both intimate and expansive, it’s a radiant anthem of freedom and connection that affirms TAVE’s gift for crafting feel-good vibrations.
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With its warm, dreamy production and a bassline that provides a deep, comforting foundation, ‘Let Love In’ creates an atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection. Kiah Olivea’s smooth, unique vocals glide effortlessly over the soundscape, delivering a powerful message of vulnerability and emotional honesty. The song feels both calming and empowering, offering a gentle reminder to embrace love in all its forms. As a beautiful journey into soulful, contemporary R&B, it’s a standout track that hits you on a deeper level, resonating with anyone on a path of self-growth and healing.
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Inspired by a honeymoon in Mexico, Gavrielle’s ‘lost (perdida)’ is a magnetic and sensual track that embodies a unique fusion of cultural and sonic influences. The song has a distinct tribal energy, built upon layers of the artist’s own humming that create a percussive, hypnotic heartbeat. Channeling the sultry vibe of Britney Spears’ ‘Slave 4 U’ era and the timeless passion of Selena, Gavrielle’s debut as a producer shines. The Spanish chorus adds a beautiful touch, making the song a vibrant, passionate ode to finding a beloved version of yourself.
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Nate Smith’s ‘JUKE JOINT’ is a smoky, groove-soaked triumph that fuses blues grit with Dilla-inspired swagger. Built on dreamlike Rhodes, elastic bass lines, and Nate’s signature drum touch, the track invites listeners into a modern speakeasy where soul, jazz, and hip-hop collide. Jermaine Holmes’ falsetto glides effortlessly over the haze, while Charlie Hunter’s blues-drenched guitar and DJ Harrison’s multi-instrumental flair enrich the texture. The result is a deeply immersive soundscape, one that’s raw yet refined, nostalgic yet forward-looking. As the final glimpse of LIVE-ACTION, ‘JUKE JOINT’ cements Nate Smith’s reputation as one of today’s most versatile and visionary bandleaders.
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PURPLE MELON 