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.
From ODEAL’s reflective EP, The Fall That Saved Us, ‘Addicted’ provides a vibrant, direct shot of R&B energy. Unlike the project’s moodier tracks, this song injects a much-needed, upbeat swagger with a bright, 80s-leaning beat. Lyrically, it’s a straightforward confession of inescapable desire, showcasing a more lighthearted side of his complex creative world. His silky vocals blends seamlessly with the percussive, catchy flow, proving that even within a contemplative body of work, a catchy, unadulterated moment of passion is essential. It’s a highly polished, instantly gratifying groove that makes the track title feel apt.
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Pulsing with searing horns and a thumping bassline, ‘Aim High’ delivers a dance floor sermon fueled by rebellion and self-belief. It’s our first taste of the LA funk-soul powerhouse Brassroots District. Co-leads Ursa Major and Copper Jones use playful call-and-response vocals to drive home the message: take risks, bet on yourself, and get on the floor. Following their dramatic contract rejection, the track doubles down on the band’s DIY ethos and powerful sound. ‘Aim High’ is a multi-layered groove that embodies the spirit of the collective, vision, values and volume, making it an essential, infectious anthem for unity and unapologetic ambition.
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Blending smooth afrobeat rhythms with soulful R&B devotion, ‘911’ is a captivating anthem from Paanda. The track’s rhythmic pulse mirrors its brilliant central metaphor, “you’re my 911,” signifying a love that is both irresistible addiction and essential lifeline. Paanda’s confident yet tender delivery shines as he sings of mutual saving (“I’ll be your superhero”), inviting his lover into his intimate universe with charming cultural depth (“go pack your ngwongwo”). The production is rich with smooth percussion and a steady, danceable groove. ‘911’ is a soulful, sincere reminder that true love is the kind of emergency that also happens to be the cure, balancing playful wordplay with deep emotional sincerity.
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Hailing from Vancouver, rising quartet Honeybear channels the dusty backroads of American music, delivering a rich blend of retro-soul and blues that sounds instantly classic. As such, new single ‘Unbroken’ is a potent, feel-good anthem dedicated to the spirit of resilience. The song is built on a foundation of raw, experienced musicianship, reflecting the decade-plus collaboration of the band members. It drives forward with a steady, soulful rhythm, making the theme of getting back up after being knocked down feel genuinely earned. ‘Unbroken’ is a confident, powerful groove that demands a head nod and serves as a testament to the joy of old-school, roots-driven music.
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‘Father’ is the lead single from J Appiah’s debut album, That’s the Thing About Time, is a track rich with soulful complexity. Written following his own father’s passing, the song gained a profound, full-circle meaning as it released just after the musician became a father himself. Shaped by his Ghanaian roots and extensive tour work with Gorillaz and Michael Kiwanuka, the production blends delicate soul with cinematic texture. It transforms a mournful contemplation into a powerful reflection on legacy and connection, highlighting J Appiah’s innate vocal talent. ‘Father’ delivers a deep, emotional meditation on time and lineage.
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Celebrating the quiet bond Ellie Harris shares with her dog, Luna, the songwriter shares a tender, luminescent ode to a love deeper than romance. Her soulful vocals glide over warm jazz-infused instrumentation, painting the feeling of a peaceful, sun-dappled walk through nature. The moon metaphor grounds the song with poetic resonance, elevating Luna from companion to guiding light. Archie Tulk’s expressive sax solo and delicate flute lines from Joseph Etim-Gates enrich the track’s emotional landscape, while Ellie Harris’s own piano anchors it with sincerity. Produced with intimate detail, ‘LUNA’ glows as a heartfelt tribute to loyalty, serenity, and soul-deep connection.
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Natalie Bonds delivers raw, necessary vulnerability on her single ‘Till I Meet Her’. Drawing on the soulful traditions of India Arie and Alicia Keys, Natalie crafts a powerful, yet gentle, pop-soul anthem about refusing to surrender to setbacks. The song recounts hitting rock bottom and the struggle to stay resilient, serving as a beacon of hope for listeners facing similar challenges. Natalie Bonds’ expressive vocal performance anchors the track, transforming personal hardship into a universal tribute to the strength of the human spirit. It’s an ode to self-discovery and the unwavering fight for love and deserved happiness.
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Known for his self-produced work, Memphis artist Coldway delivers a sharp piece of contemporary R&B with ‘Running’. The single captures the central emotional dilemma of relationships: the urge to flee when love becomes challenging. Coldway infuses the track with his unique blend of smooth vocals and underlying Southern energy. The production is flavored with the nostalgic, atmospheric sound he cultivated on projects like Gold Cupid, but focuses tightly on the raw vulnerability of commitment fatigue. ‘Running’ is a relatable and stylish track, showcasing Coldway’s ability to articulate complex emotional realities while maintaining a sophisticated, genre-blending groove.
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Blending vintage warmth with modern, R&B textures, ‘sunday granny walk’ is a beautiful slice of 60s-inspired soul. Teeya Lamée’s song is a tender ode to the grounding, genuine friendships that offer respite from life’s pace. Teeya’s buttery vocals, backed by rich analog production, paint a picture of everyday intimacy, like taking a deep, restorative breath. For fans of artists like Cleo Sol, this track is the auditory equivalent of a warm hug, embracing listeners with its honesty and comfort. It’s a groovy, nostalgic piece that makes a compelling case for slowing down and appreciating the soft moments.
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‘You Make Me Smile’ is unhurried, warm and quietly radiant centered around Dandi’s smooth, soulful delivery. Against gentle strings and soft retro-soul tones, this artist creates a world where tenderness feels infinite. The track captures that effortless joy of feeling at home in someone’s arms, the kind of connection that makes you grin before you realize it. Blending soul, folk, jazz, and world influences, Dandi’s voice carries a rare softness with unmistakable strength. It’s a luminous preview of her upcoming debut album, revealing an artist who turns vulnerability into something timeless, intimate, and beautifully alive.
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PURPLE MELON 