Juno Recommends Soul: February 2025

Review: A veteran dance music producer teams up with a talented singer to be featured over his classic take on disco. As a pioneer who shaped the UK's early house and acid scenes, Julian Jonah brings his expertise to this polished production. Side-1's 'Let's Not Say Goodnight' is a disco anthem in the making, with Robbie Love's commanding vocals delivering a message of endless celebration. On Side-2, 'Just Can't Wait' offers a smoother, feelgood vibe with tight instrumentation and another stellar vocal performance while the band's groove-rich foundation complements the track's uplifting energy. A release that highlights Jonah's ability to bridge eras, blending nostalgia with modern finesse.

Review: Oooh! Angie Stone's "Wish I Didn't Miss You" definitely belongs in the canon of all time modern soul classics. Taken from her 2001 second album Mahogany Soul, the Swizz Beats produced track made optimum usage of an O' Jays sample and was instrumental in that LP going gold and propelling the former D'Angelo collaborator to stardom. It also inspired countless official and under the counter remixes with Blaze's perhaps the most recognisable. So yes this reissue on 7" from Outta Sight is worthy if you don't have the original in your collection and features a housed up remix from Hex Hector on the flip.

Review: Originally released in 1968, this debut 45 from the Reggie Sadler Combo would soon go on to become a verified bona fide Northern Soul classic in the UK. Fronted on vocals by the lesser-known but multifarious talent Reggie Sadler - variations on the Combo name also include the Reggie Saddler Family and the Reggie Sadler Revue - 'Hear My Song' is a pacey master-classic case study in effortlessness and penitence, in which the narrator begs for his baby's return to him. The star of the show, in our opinion, is 'For The Love Of Hunice', which offers a comparatively mellow, instrumental Hammond organ purr set to funk. Now available again thanks to this reissue by German label outcropping Tramp.

Review: This one from The Sharpees's is a mythical gem among vinyl collectors that has long been revered in the Northern Soul scene. The story began when UK dealer John Anderson discovered an acetate titled 'Go On and Laugh' in Chicago with no artist name. It was sold to DJ John Vincent, who credited it to the Just Brothers, fuelling further curiosity. Years later in 2016, USA label Secret Stash unearthed the mystery by revealing the artist as The Sharpees who were known for hits like 'Do the 45' and 'Tired of Being Lonely'. Now, Anorax reissues this limited edition 7" alongside 'Tired of Being Lonely' to feed enduring demand.

Review: After a run of hit singles on Penrose Records, The Altons are primed to release their debut album, Heartache in Room 14, on Daptone. Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce share lead vocals, creating a romantic depth often missing in today's soul. The album dives into moody ballads and tejano-flavoured duets, with hints of Bond theme psychedelia that give it a cinematic edge. Heartache in Room 14 promises to be more than just another soul record and is rather is a must-have for 2025.

Review: Originally released by Ohio on 7" in 1978, this lesser known moment in late 70s funk and soul gets a beautifully crafted reissue as it resurfaces after 47 years. Side-1's 'Get Together' is a joyous, horn-driven soul anthem. Its infectious energy, party-ready vibe and well-balanced backing vocals create a timeless feel. The lead vocals shine brightly, supported by a tight groove that keeps the track irresistibly uplifting. On Side-2, 'Once I Leave' shifts gears into a downtempo, sublime expression of soul, the slower tempo allowing the song's emotion to take centre stage, complemented by delicate instrumentation that evokes a sense of longing and introspection. A forgotten treasure brought back to life.

Review: Get your lugs around this, the first single from Leo Vidal & The Rayvelles, and you will soon be keen to know more. 'Haunted By Your Love' is a modern take on the West Coast oldies sound from Leo Vidal, a 70s soul singer from rural Virginia who brings his East Coast harmonies to croon about lost love. The Rayvelles is the duo of Fergal McBride and Tuck Nelson and are the creative force behind Echo Ray Studios in London, a space that channels the soul of Motown into contemporary music. Backing vocals are provided by Cassandra Dali and Marietta Smith while the flip has a remix by Call Sender who layers in some inviting dub weight.

Review: A lost gem of raw, heartfelt soul resurfaces with this blue vinyl 7", bringing back the stripped-down magic of Penny & the Quarters. 'You and Me' is a song that refused to be forgottenian unpolished, deeply emotional doo-wop demo that sat unnoticed for decades before finding its way to the big screen in Blue Valentine. Its warm, unfiltered harmonies and aching sincerity make it feel like a love letter from a bygone era. Originally recorded as a demo for Columbus, Ohio's Prix label, the track's simple yet powerful delivery captures a moment of pure emotion. Penny's tender, yearning vocals glide over a delicate guitar line, backed by harmonies that feel both effortless and intimate. The absence of overproduction only adds to its charm, making it sound like an unearthed relic from soul's golden age. On the B-side 'You Are Giving Me Some Other Love' continues in the same vein, with a rough-edged sweetness that perfectly complements the lead track. This release finally gives Penny & the Quarters their long-overdue spotlight, ensuring their music lives on.

Review: This Jonah Thompson single is a breathtaking deep gospel soul gem from New York City. With its ethereal sound and uplifting spirit, it has been championed for years by gospel expert Greg Belson on his Divine Chord Gospel Show as well as being a much sought after tune for deep diggers around the world. However, it is nearly impossible to find in its original form as only a handful of copies are known to exist. This wonderful label brings this rare treasure back to light and means we can all delight in its wonderful charms without having to shell out a fortune. A true transcendent beauty.

Review: A timeless gem from the mid-80s, this ballad is a magical slow jam of its era with a soulful touch that remains irresistible. Produced and written by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song features their unparalleled ability to craft heartfelt melodies and lush arrangements. Its delicate piano-driven sound and tender vocal delivery immediately connect, making it an enduring favorite. Initially featured in the movie Krush Groove, the track quickly outshone its cinematic origins, climbing to number four on the r&b charts and breaking into the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. It introduced the group to a wider audience, transcending their early hip-hop and pre-new jack swing roots. Now released on heart-shaped vinyl, this edition feels like a perfect tribute to a song that's all about emotion and connection.

Review: Eddie Chacon returns with Lay Low, following his critically acclaimed 2023 album Sundown, which solidified his status as a "low-key r&b legend." Best known for his chart-topping success as part of Charles and Eddie in the 90s, Chacon has reemerged with an album of hazy, seductive tracks produced by Nick Hakim. Lay Low showcases Chacon's signature soulful sound, with its atmospheric production and warm, understated delivery. This album reaffirms Eddie Chacon's place as a master of subtle, emotive r&b, bringing a timeless yet fresh feel to the genre.

Review: Loving On The Flip Side compiles overlooked ballads from the flip sides of funk 45s in the Now-Again and Truth and Soul vaults, all presented in the same format as the Soul Cal anthology. This collection showcases incredible music that pairs heavy funk with sweet soul to create a sound the label calls "sweet funk." The journey began nearly a decade ago with the discovery of the Darling Dears and Funky Heavy's unique two-sided single which sparked a search that led to their full inclusion in this anthology. The process unearthed other soulful gems and now culminates in an essential exploration of black American creativity and musical innovation.

Review: Elmiene's latest offering presents a smooth, immersive listen, blending soulful electronics with subtle, emotive melodies. Opening with the tender 'TLC,' the release quickly establishes its intimate mood, which is carried through tracks like the lush 'Light Work.' 'Crystal Tears' shifts to a more ambient space, while 'Ode To Win' builds a contemplative, understated momentum. The release really comes alive on the second side with 'Sweetness' and 'Until It's Dust,' where the production deepens into something atmospheric and hypnotic. 'Dark Out (Season of Thieves)' adds a touch of brooding intensity, and 'Anyways' closes on a contemplative note.

Review: London's own Nectar Woode brings her acclaimed neo-soul singles to vinyl with this special 7" release, spotlighting the Ghanaian-British artist's standout tracks from 2022-2023. Side A opens with 'Waiting,' a soothing blend of lush harmonies and gentle swing, while Side B's 'For The Best' brings an uplifting touch, packed with bright melodies and Woode's unmistakably warm vocals. Known for her soulful depth and vibrant energy, this release is a must for fans of contemporary r&b's most exciting voices.

Review: Heartache In Room 14 marks The Altons' highly anticipated full-length debut on Daptone, promising a soulful, cinematic journey. Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce share lead vocals, creating a rich, emotive interplay that's hard to come by in modern soul. With tracks like 'Waiting' and 'Perdoname', the album weaves through melancholic ballads, tejano influences, and a touch of Bond-style psychedelia, making it clear why they're a standout act. Already primed to be a must-have of 2025, Heartache In Room 14 blends classic warmth with undeniable chemistry.

Review: Eddie Chacon's 2023 album 'Sundown' cemented his status as a "low-key r&b legend", three decades after his breakthrough as half of Charles and Eddie. Now, he returns with 'Lay Low,' a collection of hazy, hypnotic tracks produced by Nick Hakim that ooze soulful charm and sophistication. Praised by The Guardian, Uncut, MOJO, and Record Collector, Chacon's music resonates with a timeless appeal. Smooth, seductive and unforgettable, 'Lay Low' further solidifies Chacon's unique place in the genre.

Review: Fan of Esther Phillips, Thee Sacred Souls or Brittany Howard? Then you will love this debut album from Welsh soul artist and producer Nia Wyn. It's full of raw, powerful stories told through music that draw on her childhood in North Wales where she faced mental illness, isolation and identity struggles. Finding comfort in old records and playing the guitar, she blends her mid-century soul with a modern twist. Her vivid storytelling and reflective lyrics are paired with Motown and Stax-inspired arrangements and her distinctive, powerful vocals which explore personal struggles and growth. Superb on so many levels.

Review: Famously self-taught musician Adrian Younge is at the forefront of modern soul music after starting as a hip-hop producer in 1998. He expanded his skills by learning multiple instruments and took inspiration from classic soul and Italian soundtracks before he self-released his debut album Venice Dawn, a moody, synth-heavy album blending Ennio Morricone's style with contemporary flair. His Something About April album followed years later and is a modern classic that merges psychedelic soul, cinematic instrumentals and hip-hop aesthetics while taking cues from greats of the genre like Wu-Tang Clan.

Review: The tenth studio album by the American female soul vocal group Pointer Sisters is here reissued by MOV, harking back to a certain, unmistakably breakout moment in glitzy, metropolitan electro-soul that emerged just over 40 years ago. The Pointer Sisters broke into the late 70s and 80s charts especially, at the height of the glam era, and rocked the style as it would visibly cross into Studio 54-esque synthpop and disco. Suitably motoric and 'Automatic', this was far from the Pointers' debut album and yet it was also their most popular, attesting a rare example of a group who found their wave well past their industry initiation. Consecutively, on an almost track-by-track basis, the record moves between pacy rock & roll/r&b and glammy electronique, typifying the distinctly vanguard-edging mood of the 1980s West Coast.

Review: Eramus Hall recorded their debut, and eventually only, album in 1980; the band was allegedly named after a building in Chicago, named "Eramus Hall", that George Clinton of Parliament saw in the street. The record evolved to become one of the most sought-after of the modern soul era, despite the flashpan profile of the band itself (as were many George Clinton P-funk offshoots). This owed in part to its clarion, crystalline production, held down by Clinton himself, and which served to spell out the nascent funk, soul and r&b sound bubbling over the broth pot's lip that was Westbound Records, Detroit. Now working from the original master tapes at the iconic 54 Sound studio in Detroit, the recordings have been restored and remastered, doing justice to a convergent, then not yet defined r&b sound.