Here is a (belated) round-up of some strong soul singles in the past few months!

Avery Wilson – ‘Kiss the Sky’

An alum of The Voice whose vocal talents have amassed a cult following, Avery Wilson is given space to soar on ‘Kiss the Sky’ – a six-minute R&B odyssey courtesy of a gorgeous melody and arrangement from Louis York (Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony). Wilson’s melismatic tendencies may not be to everyone’s taste, but his vocal powers are undeniably well-deployed here.

Lucky Daye – ‘That’s You’

Talk about playing the long game, Lucky Daye (David Brown) appeared on American Idol back in its heyday in 2005 (finishing in the top 20). Refusing to be resigned to obscurity like many Idol peers, Lucky Daye has journeyed from songwriter and backing vocalist to ascendent solo artist, winning his first Grammy in 2022 . ‘That’s You’ may be his strongest offering yet: a pleading slow-jam and a fantastic outlet for his vocals.

Ledisi – ‘Sell Me No Dreams’

One of contemporary soul’s premier voices, Ledisi is as articulate and witty as ever on this straight-talking rebuke. Also, check out her (appropriately) theatrical performance of Patti LaBelle’s ‘New Attitude’.

José James – ’38th & Chicago’

The first single from his upcoming album 1978, ’38th & Chicago’ taps into José James‘ Afro-Latin heritage and contemplatively explores his response to the murder of George Floyd.