As the end of 2019 approaches, here’s our countdown of what we think were the best soul songs of the year! Take a listen to the songs below!
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Honourable Mention: Nygel D. Robinson ft. Nicole Del Mar – ‘One More Chance’ (Review)
‘Give me one more chance to make me worth your while / Give me one more chance to prove to you that love is still my style’
This tune – written by NYC-based songwriter/producer Barry Anderson – evokes the mellow grooves and melodies of Al Jarreau. Nygel D. Robinson sings with muscular and honeyed vocals, supported by Nicole Del Mar.
10. Beverley Knight with Jocelyn Brown – ‘Never Like This’ (Review)
‘I’ve been in love before but never like this’
‘Never Like This’ is one of three bonus studio tracks featured on Beverley Knight‘s BK25 live album. Here, Knight is joined by British soul icon Jocelyn Brown. Brown’s vocal is full of throaty, bellowing power, contrasting nicely against Knight’s more agile inflection.
9. Jools Holland & Ruby Turner – ‘Come On In’ (Review)
‘Come in / Sit down / Let us talk about the old times’
This release from long-time collaborators Jools Holland and Ruby Turner could easily be a Staple Singers’ track from the vault. It shines for the humanity and warmth in Turner’s delivery.
8. Ego Ella May – ‘Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys’ (Review)
‘We’ll go to school and then get married and start a family / And they’ll go to school and then get married and start a family / The cycle continues / When we don’t question what we’re into’
Evoking the music of early Erykah Badu, ‘Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys’ was released this year by the somewhat elusive and enigmatic Ego Ella May. The beauty of this tune is in its challenging lyrics wherein May deconstructs the societal norms forced upon women.
7. JNR Williams – ‘A Prayer’ (Review)
‘I know faith will just guide us / Through all the hurricanes / Swim through the tidal waves’
JNR Williams emerged in 2019 as an artist to watch. His delivery on ‘A Prayer’ is deeply soulful as he implores a lover that one day she will want for nothing. With haunting backing vocals, the song becomes a gospel-steeped invocation of faith and resilience.
6. Tyrone Hendrix – ‘Start All Over’ (Review)
‘I’m not a replication of your past situation / And that’s the truth’
Drummer and producer Tyrone Hendrix has had a great year with the release of his album Rhythm on Life Vol.2 and his award for ‘Best New Artist 2019’ from SoulTracks. For ‘Start All Over’, Hendrix enlists two complementary voices: the raspy Ronnie Wright and the smooth but powerful Ashley Jayy. They play off each other against a backdrop of slick, neo-soul grooves.
5. Son Little – ‘Hey Rose’ (Review)
‘There’s a big brass band in the park today / Those low notes speak what my mouth can’t say’
Son Little‘s ‘Hey Rose’ – from his recent EP invisible – is fuelled with amorous excitement and energy. With sexy, moody phrasing, an ear-worm hook, and a tinge of psychedelia, Little conveys romance and enigma in turn.
4. Danny Toeman – ‘Give It All Up (Mr Showtime)’ (Review)
‘At a million miles a minute / Let’s take it to the limit / Until all the lights go down’
North London-based performer Danny Toeman can channel a classic soul melody effortlessly. ‘Give It All Up (Mr Showtime)’, the second release from his upcoming album The Point of No Return, is a touching ode to the audiences who have supported Toeman throughout his career. The theatrical intro gives way to a thrusting melody, anchored by Toeman’s gruff delivery.
3. The Soul Motivators – ‘Mindblastin” (Review)
‘Better call yourself an Uber if you can’t get down’
Canadian soul ensemble The Soul Motivators released an energetic, roaring beast of a track in 2019 with ‘Mindblastin”. Engaging the full works – including a hammond and horn section – the song is full of irrepressible funk. Lead singer Shahi Teruko gives plenty of bite and attack with her vocals – enhanced by touches of heady production – as she demands that the listener either joins her, or leaves.
2. Tawiah – ‘Borders’ (Review)
‘Gotta see your face again’
Alternative soul artist Tawiah has been bubbling on the underground for some time. After somewhat of a hiatus, she released her debut studio album Starts Again this year. ‘Borders’ is an album highlight with its bass-driven arrangement and wistful but hopeful lyrics. Tawiah infuses strength and conviction into the track with her gospel-trained vocals.
1. Tony Momrelle – ‘Best Is Yet To Come’ (Review)
‘If you can hear me / Brother hear me now / You’re not alone anymore’
Channeling the gorgeous melodies and romantic lyricism of Stevie Wonder, Tony Momrelle‘s latest album Best Is Yet To Come – the first release from his own record label Vibe45 – was an impressive piece. The title track is an uplifting anthem of optimism and strength which Momrelle renders beautifully with his rich tenor.
Image Attribution:
Tony Momrelle, Best Is Yet To Come – Vibe45 Records
Tawiah, Starts Again – First Word Records
The Soul Motivators, Mindblastin’ – Do Right Music Inc.
Danny Toeman, Give It All Up (Mr Showtime) – Danny Toeman
