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.
‘Disarray’ is a hauntingly beautiful return to form for UK songwriting legend Lianne La Havas, steeped in intimacy and emotional precision. Recorded live with just guitar and vocals, the track strips away production layers to reveal the raw essence of her artistry. Her tender yet commanding voice glides over delicate, finger-picked guitar, evoking the quiet turmoil of uncertainty and self-reflection. Co-produced with Matt Hales, ‘Disarray’ captures the vulnerability that has long defined this artist’s work, while hinting at creative renewal. It’s a deeply personal piece that feels both confessional and universal. A quietly stunning reminder of Lianne La Havas’ singular power to move and mesmerize.
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JACOTÉNE continues her bold ascent with the deeply emotional single ‘Leave Me (Please Don’t Leave Me)’. Penned on her very first day in London after leaving home, the track captures the poignant complexity of saying goodbye while recognizing enduring connection. Produced by Grammy-winning J Moon, the song seamlessly blends JACOTÉNE’s signature soul-rooted vocals with beautiful, ethereal choral textures, reflecting her formative years in church choirs. This production choice elevates the already intimate lyricism. Following the striking R&B confrontation of ‘Why’d You Do That?’, ‘Leave Me’ showcases a remarkable versatility and emotional maturity. At just 19, JACOTÉNE’s powerful delivery and fearless vulnerability resonate, confirming her status as one of music’s most compelling emerging talents.
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Blending afrobeat, R&B, and Latin pop, Arca Sánchez transforms heartbreak into movement, turning emotional wreckage into dance-floor release. ‘OJALÁ’ is an explosive anthem of liberation, a “please lose my number” send-off wrapped in irresistible rhythm. Written and recorded in Medellín, the track radiates color and confidence, pairing silky vocals with infectious percussion. Beneath its vibrant surface lies a message of strength and renewal: the art of letting go with style. ‘OJALÁ’ cements Arca Sánchez as a bold new voice in Latin music, one bold enough to fuse Gospel roots, global grooves, and raw honesty into something deeply personal and powerfully universal.
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Recorded entirely in Aaron Lerer’s room, ‘Everday’ feels immediately personal, capturing the vulnerable emotions of longing and patience inherent in a long-distance connection. It’s a deeply affecting indie ballad that thrives on quiet introspection and intimate production. Aaron skillfully blends an ‘old school’ harmonic approach, echoing influences like Stevie Wonder and D’Angelo, with modern indie sensibilities. His expressive guitar work and soulful, heartfelt lyrics are underscored by subtle, minimal arrangements. The result is a sincere, raw reflection. ‘Everyday’ is a gentle, compelling release that showcases Aaron Lerer’s promise as a versatile composer and musician.
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Misha and cocabona’s ‘Wrong or Right’ is a lush, emotionally rich fusion of downtempo, neo-soul, and dream-pop that feels both intimate and cinematic. Featuring London vocalist Amelia Rose, the track glows with warmth and melancholy, her honeyed vocals floating effortlessly over funk-tinged basslines and shimmering synths. Lyrically exploring deception and emotional dissonance, ‘Wrong or Right’ captures the push and pull of heartbreak with poetic restraint. The production is sleek yet soulful, each note deliberate, every texture purposeful. This collaboration showcases all three artists at their finest. They’re vulnerable, inventive, and unafraid to find beauty in emotional complexity.
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Austrian pop artist ANTO explores the seductive and dangerous parallels between love and dependency in her compelling new single ‘High on Love’. The track vividly captures the intoxicating rush of falling in love, where emotional focus can quickly spiral into a loss of control and addiction, transforming the loved one into an intoxicant. ANTO delivers a powerful message of self-determination. She emphasizes that true strength lies in recognizing the dangerous dynamic before becoming the one who loses. ‘High on Love’ is an emotional and honest song that uses a sharp pop framework to deliver a universal critique, reminding listeners they hold the power to define their own game, regardless of the addiction’s form.
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As the second single from ZENON’s forthcoming album Redecorating My Mind, ‘So Fine’ captures the tug-of-war between self-loss and rediscovery with effortless cool. It’s a hypnotic blend of silky soul and restless funk, a track that shimmers with confidence while digging deep into emotional truth. ZENON’s smooth, expressive vocals glide over a groove that’s equal parts seductive and self-assured, balancing introspection with swagger. True to their no-box ethos, ‘So Fine’ resists easy categorization. It’s soul, it’s groove, it’s pure ZENON. Vulnerable yet empowered, the song radiates a sense of freedom, marking another bold step in their ever-evolving musical journey.
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Madeleine Rose Witney returns with the swaggering new single ‘Struttin’’. This Kentish Town singer and Soho storyteller captures an irresistible funk-driven groove, marking a playful and bright shift toward her debut EP, From Now On. Written as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to her eccentric, mod-era flatmate, the track is a loving roast of modern masculinity and the curious characters of London’s fading underground. Madeleine’s full-bodied vocal delivers an instinctive flair for narrative, blending grit and glamour. Channeling noir nostalgia with raw autobiography, ‘Struttin’’ is a charismatic, showstopping moment that perfectly sets the stage for her forthcoming collection.
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Marking a fresh sonic direction for veteran singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard, his new single blends neo-soul warmth with contemporary R&B textures, guided by tasteful drum samples and subtle pop sensibilities. ‘Sad Eyes’ is a tender, soul-tinged exploration of love, vulnerability, and the quiet power of connection. Co-produced with James Treichler, ‘Sad Eyes’ feels intimate and effortless, like a late-night reflection wrapped in smooth grooves and heartfelt lyricism. Dan’s gentle vocals carry emotional weight without ever overreaching, embodying both sincerity and experimentation. After two decades of storytelling, ‘Sad Eyes’ is a statement of reinvention, although one that’s still connected to Dan Hubbard’s roots.
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hoxie rae’s latest single ‘Heal’ is an emotionally unfiltered, redemptive track blending smoky soul with raw lyrical honesty. Anchored by a slow-burning groove and a gently percussive organ riff, the song creates the perfect space for hoxie rae’s voice to rise—delicate, sultry, and unwavering. Lyrically, the song is a powerful statement of self-acceptance, chronicling the shift from internalized blame after relationships with narcissists to claiming personal truth. The opening line, “I’m as real as they come,” immediately sets a tone of long-overdue clarity. ‘Heal’ serves as a lifeline for listeners, demonstrating the artist’s commitment to using her voice for transformation and reclaiming power after emotional abuse.
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PURPLE MELON 