Although 2021 has been another challenging year for many, there has still been plenty of sublime soul that’s worthy of celebration. Read The House That Soul Built’s top soul tracks of the year below!
Silk Sonic – ‘Leave the Door Open’ (REVIEW)
Silk Sonic, the collaborative partnership between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, made a storming impact with their first release ‘Leave the Door Open’ – a shimmering soul ballad which harked back to the likes of The Delfonics and The Stylistics. A meticulously produced piece, redolent of retro soul but flavoured with .Paak and Mars’ contemporary touches.
The Shindellas – ‘Money’ (REVIEW)
The brainchild of producers Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, The Shindellas offer vocals, attitude, and style in abundance. Their single ‘Money’, taken from their debut album Hits that Stick Like Grits (2021), is a thrilling retro-pop journey.
Judi Jackson (feat. Arthur Verocai) – ‘Sunrise’
In recent years, Judi Jackson has been exciting London audiences with sell-out jazz shows at the likes of Ronnie Scott’s. In 2021, she released her debut album Grace on Silvertone Records. ‘Sunrise’, featuring Brazilian musician Arthur Verocai, is a gorgeously delicate composition, reminiscent of Minnie Riperton, and a fantastic outlet for her silky instrument.
Jon Batiste – ‘I NEED YOU’ (REVIEW)
Bandleader and multi-hyphenate Jon Batiste has earned a Grammy nomination for his album WE ARE. Second single ‘I NEED YOU’ is one of his most scintillating efforts, rippling with energy and exciting musical flourishes.
Yola – ‘Stand For Myself’
Straddling the intersection between country and soul, Yola is one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years. With breathy staccato highs and angular guitar grooves, her self-actualisation anthem ‘Stand For Myself’ is a standout track helmed by Yola’s steely delivery.
Aaron Frazer – ‘Girl on the Phone’
A member of contemporary soul group Durand Jones & The Indications, singer and drummer Aaron Frazer released his debut album this year. The highlight of many bright, soulful, and nostalgic tracks is ‘Girl on the Phone’ – written with what could be described as ‘Smokey Robinson energy.’
Acantha Lang – ‘Sugar Woman’ (REVIEW)
Acantha Lang – a London-based singer from New Orleans – released her debut EP this year, showcasing her distinct brand of bluesy soul and her wonderful abilities as a storyteller. Her captivating tone shines on the melancholic but hopeful ‘Sugar Woman’.
Joel Culpepper – ‘Black Boy’ (REVIEW)
A single from his ingeniously titled album Sgt Culpepper, ‘Black Boy’ is Joel Culpepper‘s moving celebration of Black men and an ode to embracing one’s individuality. Culpepper brings the piece to a close with a stirring coda.
Laura Mvula – ‘Magical’
For her third studio album Pink Noise, Laura Mvula drew upon the synthy and electronic textures of the 1980s. The album’s highlight is the soulful power ballad ‘Magical’. Reminiscent of Earth Wind and Fire (with lyrical nods to their ‘September’) and Patrice Rushen, ‘Magical’ is both escapist and wistful.
Hil St Soul – ‘Heaven Must Be Like This’ (REVIEW)
British soul singer Hil St Soul breathed new life into the Ohio Players’ 1974 tune ‘Heaven Must Be Like This’. There is an effortless magic to this recording.
