Soul music has an unbeatable timeless appeal. In our latest roundup, we selected seven tracks that should be in your playlist(s) already. You will be captivated by velvety vocals, lush instrumentations and sentimental lyrics. The songs are by the likes of Vanessa Collier, Menajerie, Mak Ro and Avery Raquel.

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Vanessa Collier – “Wild as a Rainstorm”

“Wild as a Rainstorm” is a tasty slice of retro-soul from American singer-songwriter and saxophonist Vanessa Collier. Over lush instrumentation, the artist reminds listeners to stay authentic and be true to themselves. “‘Wild As A Rainstorm’ is a love letter to the next generation (particularly my little sisters) who feel out of place in the current world and who contemplate trying to fit in to make the present moment ‘easier.’ It’s hard to fight the status quo, especially in the age of social media, but fitting in with everyone else just doesn’t feel right,” Vanessa explains. Her powerful vocals and gentle melodies make this song just as beautiful as it is empowering. “Wild as a Rainstorm” is a great record.

<<Find Vanessa Collier on Instagram>>

Jarrod Lawson x Raquel Rodriguez – “Next Move”

Jarrod Lawson and Raquel Rodriguez are two of the most exciting names in soul music right now, both having fanbases that extend from the US to Europe. Although they are based in Los Angeles, Jarrod started out in in Portland. The two recently released “Next Move”, a sensuous soul jam that stemmed from a writing session they had a few years ago. “Next Move” is a harmony-filled slow-burning track that I just can’t get enough of. From the beautiful lyrics and delightful vocals, to the great production, it is utterly blissful, a song to listen to over and over again.

<<Find Jarrod Lawson and Raquel Rodriguez on Instagram>>

Sam Redmore x LUMI HD – “What Would You Do?”

UK musician Sam Redmore linked up with Birmingham-based soul singer-songwriter Lumi HD for a new track that was released via Jalapeño Records. Named “What Would You Do?”, it is a seductive funk and soul tune that brings the best out of both artists. While Sam is known for his amazing remixes, LUMI has a powerful voice that has made her a go-to vocalist for songs ranging from R&B/soul to trip-hop. With “What Would You Do?”, they present us a song is quite engaging, thanks to its dense instrumentation and captivating groove. “‘What Would You Do?’ started life as an instrumental piece of music commissioned by BBC 6 Music for Craig Charles to perform a piece of poetry entitled ‘It Began In Africa’ over for National Poetry Day 2023. By the time it was broadcast I’d become really fond of the track and was keen to develop it into a full song,” Redmore says about the process leading to this song.

<<Find Sam Redmore and LUMI HD on Instagram>>

Menajerie – “First Sunday”

Australian neo-soul band Menajerie have a new song called “First Sunday”. Released last Friday, August 2nd, it comes laden with sweet melodies and amazing grooves. “First Sunday” is the second single being released by Menajerie since their debut album, Selective Deafness (2023). Musically, it is a proper representation of their style. The outfit is fronted by three talented female singers, one of whom is Gracie Mack. “‘First Sunday’ is a song of release and catharsis from the complex world of grief. The song begins with pensive vocals over lush piano chords and slick guitar rhythms. The bridge then provides release with sparkling Rhodes and cosmic, belting vocals reaching a moving crescendo. The song ends by turning inwardly reflective. Contemplating the effect of grief on the soul,” Gracie remarks.

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Mak Ro – “Hero”

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Mark Ro is a duo consisting of Filipino-American cousins Eric Makapugay and Kristoffer Ruaro. With their new single, “Hero”, the pair served up a jazzy, bossa nova-flavoured R&B track that marks their return after a year of not releasing new music. “I know it’s been a whole year since our last release but I think my favorite part about this song is that we really got a chance to take our time shaping and moulding it into something so beautiful and cinematic,” Kristoffer says. Eric shares that sentiment, adding that the writing process was quite effortless. “Hero” was released independently by Mak Ro.

<<Find Mak Ro on Instagram>>

CELIN – “Purely Chemical”

“Purely Chemical” is the first single from independent Canadian songwriter and performer CELIN. The soulful R&B track infuses indie and electronic elements, and showcases CELIN’s amazing voice, which shines throughout. “Purely Chemical” is an affectingly pensive piece that many will find relatable. About it , the Calgary-based artist explains, “Everyone has their own mental health journey and I feel like this is an anthem for people to know they’re not alone. Each of us has our own mental struggles, challenges and breakthroughs and we are all unique in our experiences of those things. I just want this song to bring people together and open up the conversation of mental health. Writing this song has helped push me to fully accept my mental illness (or chemical imbalance) and let it be a part of me without completely defining me.“

<<Find CELIN on Instagram>>

Avery Raquel – “You”

22-year-old Canadian songstress Avery Raquel is back with an alluring new single, “You”. Over the last few years, the artist has captivated North America and Europe with her smooth brand of soul music. This one is another great offering from her. “‘You’ was written with the idea of a past situationship that I was in. The idea of not knowing what the other person wants with little communication on the matter. Communication is key,” Raquel says about the new song. “You” is one of the tracks added to Aipate’s New Release Friday last week.

<<Find Avery Raquel on Instagram>>