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.
Showcasing her distinctive sound and captivating vocal presence, Swiss singer-songwriter NNAVY stuns with ‘Distance’, a soulful blend of R&B, jazz and contemporary soul that feels both intimate and empowering. Through this track, she explores self-worth, personal growth and the importance of setting boundaries. As such, ‘Distance’ delivers a powerful message about knowing when to walk away from relationships that no longer serve you. NNAVY’s emotive delivery brings warmth and sincerity to the song, making its message feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. A thoughtful, smooth and empowering release.
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Anna Duboc transforms heartbreak into something irresistibly rhythmic on ‘Once in a Blue Moon’, the hypnotic title track from her latest EP. Blending throbbing beats, atmospheric production and richly layered vocals, the song creates a moody, immersive soundscape that lingers long after listening. Beneath its soulful textures, Anna explores the lingering pain of lost love, with imagery of rain, regret and memories that refuse to fade. Balancing emotional vulnerability with adventurous musicality, she showcases an evolving artistic identity that feels both intimate and ambitious. ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ is a captivating, unresolved finale that leaves listeners wanting more.
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Returning after a three-year hiatus, South East London’s Joel Culpepper delivers a vibrant, soul-stirring triumph with ‘Drapetomania’. Co-written and produced alongside Shawn Lee, the single boldly reclaims a 19th-century pseudoscientific term once used to pathologize enslaved people seeking freedom, transforming it into an irresistible anthem of liberation. Blending his signature fusion of neo-soul, funk, and rich grooves, Joel crafts a glowing ode to Black women, womanhood and the matriarchs who shaped his life. Full of warmth and unapologetic joy, ‘Drapetomania’ proves why Joel Culpepper remains as one of the UK’s most essential, visionary voices.
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‘Another Love’ is a groove-led, jazz-infused blend of neo-soul, R&B and Latin influences that captures the dreamy excitement of new romance. Recorded live in London with Ivana June’s long-standing band, the track radiates warmth and musical chemistry, allowing the artist’s soulful artistry to shine. Drawing comparisons to Cleo Sol, Olivia Dean and Joy Crookes, her sound feels both contemporary and timeless. Following the viral success of ‘Verano!’, this latest release showcases her ability to create music that feels effortlessly smooth.
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Finnish polymath Misha submerges listeners in late-night atmosphere with ‘Goodbye’. Built on producer Evil Needle’s thick, sub-heavy bassline, a laid-back mid-tempo bounce and a subtle vinyl crackle, the track wraps listeners in a sultry, moody haze. Gwen Bunn’s warm, smoky vocals glide effortlessly just behind the beat, anchoring the track with layered, intoxicating harmonies on the hook: “I never wanna say goodbye, I need you to stay up all night.” Fusing contemporary R&B with immaculate soul sensibilities, ‘Goodbye’ is an intimate, slow-burning anthem tailored for after-hours playlists and late-night drives.
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With passionate vocals, head-nodding beats and emotionally candid songwriting, the Hungarian-born artist Babé Sila captures the intoxicating pull of surrendering completely to someone you love with her newest single ‘i would i would i would’. It’s a soulful R&B offering that blurs the line between intimacy and self-sacrifice, and therefore sensitively explores the bittersweet complexities of devotion. Yet beneath the tenderness lies a deeper sadness, as the song confronts the pressure to compromise your identity for another person. Drawing on her distinctive blend of contemporary soul and classic R&B influences, Babé Sila delivers a vulnerable, thought-provoking missive.
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Manchester-based Nigerian producer Kenwiza captures the friction of romantic miscommunication through his masterfully balanced single ‘Too Much’, created alongside Nigerian artist Mvce and French indie-R&B singer TENNIN to explore. Set against Kenwiza’s polished, melodic production, the duo trades contrasting perspectives, voicing the relatable frustrations of a relationship strained by overreaction and mixed signals. Their soothing vocals soften the lyricism, anchoring the track around an irresistible, soaring hook, “Ooooouuuu, why you act like this”. Seamlessly blending emotional tension with infectious Afrobeats and R&B sensibilities, ‘Too Much’ is a compelling, dual-sided anthem crafted for quiet reflection.
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Drifting between hazy nighttime drives and the wonder of shooting stars, ‘Floating’ embraces the beauty of letting romance unfold naturally, without forcing its direction. Danny Garibay’s understated approach allows the track’s atmosphere and emotional sincerity to take centre stage, creating an intimate listening experience that translates the weightless magic of falling in love. It’s a dreamy alternative R&B track infused with jazz and Latin influences that’s rooted in Danny’s wider exploration of love, loss and life’s quieter moments. ‘Floating’ is a tender, atmospheric release that invites listeners to simply let go.
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Frankfurt-based Ethiopian singer-songwriter Haset makes a captivating debut with ‘Gap Year’, an intimate ballad that seamlessly fuses neo-soul, dark pop and Brazilian jazz accents. Built around a classic piano arrangement and the smoky, late-night warmth of a jazz alto saxophone, the track provides a lush, moody canvas for Haset’s deeply resonant vocals. Equal parts romantic and melancholic, ‘Gap Year’ delivers a sophisticated, chill aesthetic that captures the delicate space between introspection and longing. It is a striking, deeply promising first statement from an artist who demands your attention.
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