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.
‘Verano!’ is a mesmerizing fusion of samba, soul and flamenco that effortlessly captures the bittersweet warmth of summer. Drifting between Ivana June’s Spanish roots and London upbringing, the multi-instrumentalist delivers a track rooted in nostalgic escapism and quiet empowerment. Her sleek neo-soul production and rich, multi-layered instrumentation create a soundscape that feels both timeless and deeply intimate. Reflecting the delicate space between memory and the present, ‘Verano!’ showcases a rising artist operating with total creative freedom. It’s an intoxicating, effortlessly smooth slice of Latin-infused R&B that solidifies Ivana June as one of London’s most compelling emerging talents.
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Built around punchy drum fills, shimmering synths and an upbeat summer-ready groove, ‘Don’t Wanna Know’ is another showcase of Preston Pablo’s ability to make emotional themes feel light without losing their sincerity. The result is a bright, infectious pop anthem that transforms the complicated feelings of heartbreak and jealousy into something effortlessly fun. His smooth, expressive vocals glide comfortably over Soran’s polished production, while the songwriting collaboration with Soran and Zach Zoya gives the song a natural, contemporary edge. Arriving after the more vulnerable material on Almost Always, ‘Don’t Wanna Know’ feels like a refreshing change of pace.
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Blending soulful R&B, jazz-inflected vocals and expressive guitar work, Gracie Ella creates a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly individual on new single ‘Pulling Me Away’. It’s a captivating showcase of an artist who refuses to be confined by genre. Her rich, emotionally charged voice commands attention, while the intricate harmonies add depth without overwhelming the song’s natural flow. There’s a clear influence of neo-soul legends, but Gracie’s musicianship and distinctive songwriting give the track its own identity. ‘Pulling Me Away’ demonstrates why Gracie Ella stands out as a versatile vocalist, guitarist and songwriter with a rare ability to make complex musical ideas feel effortless.
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Rose Rose’s new single ‘All I See’ is a captivating, slo-mo dose of dream funk that perfectly captures the hazy essence of an endless summer. Clocking in at 3 minutes and 50 seconds, the French-British duo effortlessly blends 70s disco, silky French touch beats and shimmering indie R&B. Hypnotic lyrics, like “all I see is you / I shine from within”, float over infectious grooves and lush, dreamy keys, bottling pure, careless nostalgia. Radiant, warm and utterly irresistible, ‘All I See’ gently coaxes you into a sun-soaked daydream, cementing Rose Rose as masters of vibrant, feel-good indie pop.
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Henry James closes his debut album with ‘Love Should Be So Easy (Outro)’, a soulful, understated finale that leaves a lasting impression. Drawing from neo-soul, contemporary R&B and jazz, the track captures the emotional intimacy that runs throughout Love Should Be So Easy. Henry’s self-produced approach gives the song an organic, unfiltered quality, allowing subtle textures and expressive vocals to take centre stage. Rather than relying on a dramatic conclusion, the outro feels reflective and quietly powerful, like the final thoughts after an emotional journey. With echoes of influences such as D’Angelo and Robert Glasper, Henry James shows a remarkable maturity, originality and control.
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Blending warm neo-soul grooves with lush alt-R&B textures, ‘walls on dome’ tackles the exhausting inner loop of self-judgment that holds us back. Kleia Sage turns raw internal tension into smooth, cathartic soundscapes where every delicate vocal layer feels deeply intentional. By channeling the struggle to break free from our own mental confines into an empowering, reflective piece of art, ‘walls on dome’ announces Kleia Sage as an introspective new voice capable of turning heavy personal reflection into pure, healing soul.
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‘Limits’ is a smooth, genre-blurring collaboration that effortlessly brings together R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop and Latin influences. Brazilian artist Lua Mendonca and Marbella-based producer Bob Herlings create an intimate sonic landscape where Portuguese and English vocals flow naturally between melodic passages and a confident rap section. The bilingual delivery gives the track a distinctive personality, while its warm production reflects the chemistry at the heart of both their romantic and creative partnership. Entirely developed independently, ‘Limits’ feels authentic and personal, balancing contemporary R&B polish with organic soul. As the title track to their upcoming collaborative album, it offers an enticing introduction to their shared musical world.
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PURPLE MELON 