A Supreme Disappointment: When the Supremes Met the Beatles
When Detroit’s top-of-the charts the Supremes met Liverpool’s top-of-the-world the Beatles in 1965, the awkward silence was deafening.
soul
Valerie June Shows Radical Joy and Care as Resistance
For Valerie June and bell hooks before her, joy and care are vital forces for survival. As such, June’s album affirms love, care, and joy as radical, resistant acts.
![Mourning [A] BLKstar Deliver a Rich and Nuanced Album](https://www.popmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mourning-A-BLKstar-by-Emanuel-Wallace-720x380.webp)
Mourning [A] BLKstar Deliver a Rich and Nuanced Album
Cleveland’s Mourning [A] BLKstar give their community their flowers with an album of sprawling, intuitive free jazz and soul on Flowers for the Living.
José James Explores Disco Through a Creative Jazz Mindset
In conversation, jazz singer José James is literate and a good listener, clearly excited about connecting music to politics, culture, and history.
JoBoxers Pull No Punches in This Retrospective Interview
British new wave/ progressive soul band JoBoxers talk with PopMatters about cracking whips at lions and tigers and pulling no punches with their new box set of lost albums.
Irma Thomas and Galactic Create Magic Funky Soul
Irma Thomas has teamed up with the beloved funk band Galactic to deliver a joyful and life-affirming new album that fuses classic soul and 21st-century funk.
‘The Cadets’ Greatest Hits’ Delivers Doo-Wop Worth Your Attention
In the late 1950s, the Cadets delivered doo-wop and R&B designed to yield pure pleasure. These Black singers’ talent and versatility keep the music fresh.
Bootsy Collins Has a Blast on ‘Album of the Year #1 Funkateer’
Funkmaster Bootsy Collins deserves his hardcore jollies. The bassist in the bedazzled top hat earned the clout to dork around in the studio without losing fans.
Thaba Embraces South African Pop in an Artistic Triumph
Thaba’s mix of charming DIY beats and technical musical excellence, soulful lyrics, and wistful melodies makes for ephemeral moments of nostalgia and familiarity.
R&B Artist Cold Specks Sings Across the Human Spectrum
Cold Specks’ new LP works as a concept album, diving across the spectrum of human emotions: grief, sorrow, euphoria, energy, anger, lust, and acceptance.
Kanye West’s Fandom Navigates the Crisis
Fans are struggling with how to separate Kanye West’s groundbreaking artistry from his troubling descent into white nationalism and hate speech.
Jon Cleary Goes “Uptown Downtown” to Celebrate New Orleans (premiere)
Jon Cleary’s catchy song celebrates the joys of Mardi Gras and NOLA with a swingin’ beat, rollicking piano, and sweet brass sounds.