It’s been a while since we’ve done a round-up, so here are some of the latest soul releases on our radar! Who else should we be listening to? 

Conner Reeves – ‘Skin In The Game’ / ‘Tell These Arms’

Nearly three decades after unveiling his debut Earthbound in 1997, blue-eyed soul singer Conner Reeves has returned with sophomore album Ten Thousand Days and The Church of the Restoration, led by a double A-side single. The 10,000-day long gap owes to various personal and financial struggles, a move from London to rural France, and the demands of parenthood. Powered by his agile, melismatic vocals, the slick R&B of ‘Skin in the Game’ reaffirms Reeves’ enduring commitment to music. In contrast, ‘Tell These Arms’ leans into a warmly retro, soul-revivalist sound, the kind of cut that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Daptone release.

Ledisi – ‘This Bitter Earth’

After releasing a terrific Nina Simone tribute album a few years ago (check our her brilliant rendering of ‘Four Women‘), Ledisi is turning her interpretive skills to the songbook of blues icon Dinah Washington. Ledisi’s vocals — as ever lush, articulate, and tasteful — illuminate the melancholy but muted optimism of ‘This Bitter Earth’, the lead single from forthcoming album For Dinah.

James Emmanuel – ‘Nothing But Love’

I first came across Nigerian singer James Emmanuel after his recent appearance at the ‘Soul Revolution’ BBC Proms where he passionately squalled away to Edwin Starr’s ‘War’. ‘Nothing But Love’, Emmanuel’s love letter to Edinburgh, the city he relocated to, is a comfortable vehicle for his mellow yet full-bodied voice. “Ain’t got nothing but love for this city / She’s my home,” he croons with charm.

Jalen N’Gonda – ‘All About Me’

Buzzy soul star Jalen N’Gonda teams up with Victor Axelrod (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Antibalas) on his latest release, ‘All About Me’. The track marks a welcome departure from N’Gonda’s repertoire, dabbling in reggae and ska inflections. There’s a tonal shift too: the forlorn edge of his past material gives way to cocky bravado here, as he snaps, ‘girl you must have lost your mind / thinking you will find a flame with someone new.’ The voice, again, still marvels.