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.
Guided by Stargate’s polished production, Elle Baez’s new single ‘Different Kind of Love’ is a sweeping, piano-led ballad that feels both classic and freshly intimate. The track strips back to live keys and soaring strings, giving Elle’s voice center stage and it’s a powerhouse. She delivers each lyric with raw, gospel-tinged emotion, recalling Adele and early Mariah while maintaining a warm, modern soulfulness. The song builds patiently into an anthemic chorus that celebrates self-worth and transformative romance without tipping into melodrama. Mixed and mastered to gleaming clarity, it’s a timeless showcase for Elle Baez’s vocal strength and heartfelt songwriting, signaling a confident, star-making new era.
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‘Who’s Been Stopping You?’ is a high-octane masterclass in modern funk that bottles the lightning of SNACKTIME’s Philadelphia street-performance roots. Infusing retro-soul with a polished R&B sheen, the track is anchored by a relentless, punchy brass section that demands movement. It captures an infectious, energetic mood, serving as a sonic pep talk that feels both nostalgic and urgent. The tight instrumentation reflects their evolution from Rittenhouse Square buskers to festival mainstays. It’s a soulful, happy anthem that provides the rhythmic fuel to break through any barrier.
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The South London multi-instrumentalist Quinn Oulton blends neo-soul ease with indie looseness and jazz sophistication, letting sax flourishes and subtle harmonies simmer rather than shout. His new track ‘Comfort Food’ is a warm, slow-burn groove that lives up to its title, wrapping listeners in buttery basslines, brushed drums, and silky Rhodes chords. His vocal delivery is intimate and conversational, carrying a homespun lyric about small pleasures and emotional refuge. The production feels lived-in and tactile, balancing crisp detail with analog warmth. It’s the kind of track that rewards repeat spins, deepening with each listen and confirming Quinn’s knack for crafting addictive, genre-blurring soul.
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The 23-year-old British-Filipino artist Troy Javelona makes his debut with ‘WHAT’S A GUY GOTTA DO’, which translates the claustrophobia of a breakup, specifically living doors away from an ex, into a track that breathes with raw, DIY authenticity. Troy’s vocal delivery is startlingly close, buoyed by a sophisticated blend of indie-soul and jazz-leaning R&B. What begins as a hushed phone sketch evolves into a rich, textured crescendo, proving that his university-bedroom production roots haven’t lost their soul in the transition to the studio. It’s a vulnerable, boundary-pushing introduction to a vital new voice.
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Navigating the heavy terrain of grief with a surprisingly light, rhythmic touch, Joya Mooi transforms the bittersweet experience of spotting her late brother’s likeness in strangers into a vibrant exploration of enduring love. This indie-R&B single ‘Lookalike’ is anchored by a pulsating bassline and shimmering, melodic guitar riffs. The South African-Dutch artist’s vocals are both airy and grounded, mirroring the song’s central tension: the ache of absence versus the joy of memory. It’s a rare, soulful gem that invites listeners to dance while they heal.
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Deliveringe the kind of emotional clarity that defines Carrie Baxter’s neo-soul sound, ‘Change’ is a quietly powerful meditation on growth, guilt, and self-forgiveness, Dreamlike keys and hushed percussion set a reflective mood before her velvety vocal slips in. It’s intimate, bruised, and beautifully controlled. Spoken-word passages add a diaristic feel, while a gospel-tinged chorus blooms into something restorative and anthemic. Carrie’s lyrics avoid easy resolutions, instead sitting with discomfort and truth. The production balances jazz warmth and R&B polish, letting every breath land.
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‘Better Me’ is a high-velocity injection of pure dopamine, masterfully bridging the gap between Bruno Mars-inspired funk and polished modern pop. Built on a foundation of punchy percussion and R&B swagger, the track radiates a summer anthem energy that feels equally at home on a gym floor or a coastal drive. It trades tired tropes for a refreshing celebration of personal growth sparked by a supportive partner. The vocals strike a perfect balance between sincere heart and radio-ready swagger, making the better man narrative feel both aspirational and deeply infectious. It’s vibrant, soulful, and undeniably catchy.
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Built on smoky jazz chords, brushed percussion, and subtle bossa nova textures, Ellisa Sun’s ‘Dead Inside’ is a wintery soul confession that aches with quiet honesty. Featuring Julia Cannon, the track feels intimate and late-night, like a diary set to music. Ellisa’s lead vocal is raw and vulnerable, tracing dating fatigue and emotional burnout with unguarded detail, while Julia’s honeyed harmonies soften the edges, adding warmth and lift. Their voices intertwine beautifully, balancing melancholy with tenderness. The production stays minimal, letting the storytelling breathe. ‘Dead Inside’ is heartbreak as slow burn.
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Drawing from her roots in Paris and Berlin, Canel seamlessly weaves bossa nova rhythms into a polished, modern R&B framework in her new single ‘Love To Care’. This is a sophisticated slice of neo-soul that feels like a warm embrace on a slow Sunday morning. The result is a track that gently sways between nostalgia and presence, capturing the bittersweet ache of missing someone while time slips away.Her vocals are velvety and intimate, guiding the listener through a healing sonic landscape. It’s a chill, romantic standout that manages to feel both retro and refreshingly current, one that’s perfect for late-night reflection or sunrise serenity.
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PURPLE MELON 