If I had to predict the next soul artist to breakthrough into the mainstream, I would pick Kizzy Crawford. The bi-lingual Welsh singer-songwriter has a winning combination of ear-worm hooks, sweet and distinct vocals, and genre-fusing sensibility. I’m sure there is still plenty of mileage in her last single ‘Progression‘ – selected as one of The House That Soul Built’s top soul songs of 2018.

The inevitable parallels to the likes of Corrine Bailey Rae and Lianne La Havas – two singers successful in their meshing of soul, folk, indie, and pop – risk obscuring Crawford’s prowess as a songwriter and vocalist. Her most recent release ‘Twenty Years’ conveys her dismay at the political, social, and environmental degradation in the contemporary landscape. On first listen, the piece perhaps lacks some focus – the angst of the lyrics lost in the canvas of different musical textures and styles. However, after a few repeats, the production is entrancing with its blazing horn section and danceable beats helping create something both energetic, soulful, and driving.

‘Golden Brown’, the accompanying release, takes a more inwards and personal approach. Against a jazz arrangement with layered backing vocals – and another slow-burn yet ear-worm melody – Crawford communicates a message of self-worth and identity. As she explains: “Golden Brown is my grownup self talking to that little girl who felt so confused and alone telling her to be proud of her differences; her brown skin, her big curly hair, her voice, her whole self and to not listen to the words of bullies and ignorant people. Whenever I sing Golden Brown it gives me strength and love.”

(Image copyright: Freestyle Records)