Dancing in the Street: Our 25 Favorite Motown Songs
Detroit’s Motown Records will forever be important as a hit factory and an African American-owned label that achieved massive mainstream success and influence.
soul
Jeff Rogers Goes South to Look for His ‘Dream Job’
Canadian roots rocker Jeff Rogers went to Muscle Shoals to record Dream Job. He and his band carve out nine tracks of bluesy piano-centered rock.
Robert Finley Ain’t Wasting Any Time
Blues legend Robert Finley’s blues-rock sound is hitting a whole new generation of fans, and his unbridled energy shows that age ain’t nothin’ but a number.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe Pushes the Good Vibe
Funky jazz saxophonist Karl Denson celebrated another birthday at San Francisco’s Fillmore, using the occasion to deliver a funky fiesta for the new year.
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The 11 Best R&B/Soul Albums of 2023
In these challenging times, the best R&B and soul albums walked tall and carried a big stick, while also being a much-needed balm and source of warmth.
Pretty Lights Ignite at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco
Electronic dance act Pretty Lights crank up their interdimensional soundship space system with transcendent results and a dazzling psychedelic light show.
Vanessa Amorosi Is Feeling ‘Memphis Love’ on New LP
Putting the pop in popular as a rising star before she was 20, Australian Vanessa Amorosi takes on a soul role with her eighth studio album premiering here.
Chris Stapleton Displays His Brand of Genius on ‘Higher’
Chris Stapleton’s Higher is required listening for fans of high-quality, contemporary country. He’s gifted with the most gorgeous male voice in country today.
Quantic’s ‘Dancing While Falling’ Is a Community-Minded Triumph
Quantic infuses everything he creates with a balmy kind of love. Dancing While Falling revisits his early roots in ’60s and ’70s soul with a new sophistication.
Jamila Woods Finds ‘Water Made Us’ While Seeking Love Inside Her
Jamila Woods’ Water Made Us is full of creativity. The songs are not just liquid, solid, and gas; they are blood, wine, and soul.
Jorja Smith Charms with ‘Falling or Flying’
Jorja Smith’s Falling or Flying is quite an accomplishment and an excellent vehicle for her estimable talents. It’s a low-key yet unequivocal triumph.
If You’ve Got Soul: Christina Aguilera’s 2006 Masterwork ‘Back to Basics’
A tribute and aural love letter to her husband and her Black musical heroes and heroines, Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics still attracts an equal amount of disciples and denigrators.