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.
soul pop
Bon Iver Finds Inner Peace on ‘SABLE, fABLE’
Bon Iver’s fifth studio LP SABLE, fABLE shifts from the stark beauty of the original EP to include uplifting sounds that are as enjoyable as they are personal.
David Ramirez Does More Than Hint at New Styles
David Ramirez has left us with his own not-so-gentle reminders that he explores restlessly, always finding new means of expression without sacrificing quality.
The Altons Explore and Discover ‘Heartache in Room 14’
Southeast Los Angeles’ the Altons celebrate 1960s soul balladry on Heartache in Room 14. It’s a perfect date night album.
Michael Kiwanuka Delivers ‘Small Changes’ on New Record
Michael Kiwanuka’s most striking quality remains his voice, which has the power to evoke deep feelings, as his idols did for another generation.
The Style Council’s Café Bleu and David Sylvian’s Brilliant Trees at 40
With Café Bleu and Brilliant Trees, Paul Weller and David Sylvian looked forward to jazz as a renewed source of inspiration; but was their pop music still pop?
Minnie Riperton’s ‘Perfect Angel’ at 50: Imperfectly Angelic
Soul singer Minnie Riperton made full use of her multi-octave voice and songwriting talent on 1974’s Perfect Angel, with her still-beloved hit, “Lovin’ You”.
Orchestral Manoeuvres Help Lake Street Dive Reach Peak
Lake Street Dive’s origin story, which began in 2004, became a rich tale of team players contributing multiple music genres to a live-wire act that keeps soaring.
The Buddy Movie That Is Lake Street Dive
To celebrate two decades of joyful jazz-pop perfection, the members of Lake Street Dive had to find new ways to write and record for new album Good Together.
Lake Street Dive Create Obligatory Fun on ‘Good Together’
While Lake Street Dive trot out their funk and soul instrumentation on Good Together, the record has few genuinely fun or moving moments.
Jordan Rakei Reflects on His Life So Far on ‘The Loop’
The Loop emerges as a worthwhile musical journey in which soul-pop’s Jordan Rakei reveals some universal truths he’s unearthed in his ongoing life story.
Ugandan Jon Muq’s Music Is Warm and Familiar on ‘Flying Away’
Jon Muq’s voice and presence come off as natural and unaffected. One has to listen carefully to appreciate the breadth and the subtlety of his talents.