As 2023 approaches – with more exciting soul music on the horizon – read below and listen to the The House That Soul Built’s favourite soul songs of 2022!
Honourable Mention: Acantha Lang – ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ (REVIEW)
In a year that has presented no shortage of challenge and dysfunction, we should at least be grateful for the soulful warmth of Acantha Lang. Her tune ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ makes you think that maybe it will be.
5. Mica Millar – ‘More Than You Give Me’ (REVIEW)
Mica Millar has an impressive debut album to her name, the highlight of which is the biting ‘More Than You Give Me’. She delivers this pointed, lyrically sharp number with heaps of attitude.
4. Jamison Ross – ‘Tell Me You Love Me’ (REVIEW)
Jamison Ross returned this year with his third album JAMO, seeing the prodigal drummer and vocalist move away from obscure jazz covers to more future-facing original material. The album was led by tender R&B midtempo ‘Tell Me You Love Me’, reminiscent of Anthony Hamilton’s early output.
3. Jalen N’Gonda – ‘Just Like You Used To’ (REVIEW)
One would be easily forgiven for thinking that Jalen N’Gonda’s ‘Just Like You Used To’ was a cover of an Al Green or Eddie Kendricks’ deep cut. But no – this is a strong piece of original songwriting from the UK-based vocalist (originally hailing from Washington). N’Gonda’s voice is something special.
2. Gabriels – ‘Angels & Queens’ (REVIEW)
This trio have slowly yet steadily won over a legion of fans, offering more than simply soul revivalism. The title track of their debut album Angels & Queens Part I (the second part will be released in March 2023) is a Prince-esque mesh of funk, gospel, and soul. Vocalist Jacob Lusk tantalises us in the opening verse, leading us into the darker realms of desire.
1. Hil St Soul – ‘Sweet Heaven’ (REVIEW)
After a considerable hiatus, Hil St Soul returned to form with her nostalgic yet contemporary album Back In Love. The album’s outlier is acoustic track ‘Sweet Heaven’ which, stripped of her usual production, helps remind us why we fell in love with Hil St Soul in the first place: That gorgeous voice.
