Universal Songs? Interpreting Stevie Wonder’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life’
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life is 45 years old. It’s a towering masterpiece in the histories of soul, pop, American music, and Black music worldwide.
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Jordan Rakei’s Thrilling ‘What We Call Life’ Is Destined to Be a Classic
Jordan Rakei has a gorgeous voice that’s soulful and thrilling, and his latest album What We Call Life is easily one of the best of the year.
Jeremy Loops Teams with Ladysmith Black Mambazo for “This Town” (premiere)
South Africa’s Jeremy Loops and legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo combine for “This Town”, a powerful new Afropop song full of hope and a killer melody.
Diana Ross Bid for Independence with ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’ 40 Years Ago
Why Do Fools Fall in Love started Diana Ross’ tenure at RCA with a considerable commercial bang after she left Motown Records in a bid for musical independence.
Cochemea’s ‘Vol. II: Baca Sewa’ Brings a Unique Point of View to Spiritual Jazz
Cochemea’s Vol. II: Baca Sew is an outstanding example of music and meaning working in tandem to produce an impactful record. This is soul music in every sense of the word.
The Sweet Inspirations ‘Let It Be’ By Themselves 1967-1970
The Sweet Inspirations never achieved fame as an act beyond backup singers, but this anthology reveals what other artists like Elvis and Aretha always knew.
The Story of Malaco Records Has Some Soul
Grammy-winning music writer Rob Bowman chronicles the history of the legendary but underrated Malaco Records in The Last Soul Company.
Song Goddess: An Interview with Grammy-Winning Vocalist Lisa Fischer
In this exclusive interview with PopMatters, Lisa Fischer shares how music has shaped her life, from performing with Sting, Tina Turner, and Chaka Khan to collaborating with ballet companies and symphony orchestras.
Maggie Rose Invites You to ‘Have a Seat’ at Her Table of Earthly Delights
Nashville’s Maggie Rose lets it fly on her third studio LP and marks the return of energetic live shows by celebrating a revival that “feels like a triumph”.
Nina Simone Thrilled the Jazz Festival Crowds on ‘The Montreux Years’
The Montreux Years is a live album that will last in its ambiguous glory due to Nina Simone’s musical and performative talents.
War & Pierce’s “Mercy” Spotlights the Unrelenting Realities of Police Brutality (premiere)
Addressing police brutality against Black Americans, War & Pierce’s “Mercy” is a scorching soul track with an indelible hook and powerful message.
The Soul Movin’ Evolution of Australia’s Murray Cook and Lizzie Mack
Former “Red Wiggle” Murray Cook and Australian vocalist Lizzie Mack join forces for a very different style of music with the Soul Movers.