Soul4real Vinilo y CD

Review: Two tracks, originally unreleased when they were recorded in the late 70s and only surfaced later on the 1993 Ace compilation Greatest Performance, which showcase the exceptional range and emotional depth of this New Orleans artist. Johnny Adams' soulful gem, 'It's You Baby, It's You' along with 'Think About You', finally sees its debut 7" release. On Side-A, 'It's You Baby, It's You' is a positive and uplifting soul anthem. Driven by a strong horn section and a touch of funk, the track radiates joy and energy, with Adams' signature powerful vocals anchoring the vibe. His voice soars, wrapping the listener in its warm embrace. Side-B delivers 'Think About You', equally stunning, featuring big strings that elevate this beat-ballad to stunning heights. It matches the A-side's intensity, with Adams pouring his heart into every note. The arrangement complements his vocals perfectly, offering a lush, emotional experience. This release gives fans a chance to rediscover one of New Orleans' finest, adding a classic touch to the Soul4Real catalog.

Review: These two unreleased tracks from Geater Davis deliver raw, hard-hitting Southern soul with his some nice gritty vocals, sharp guitar work and powerful horns all making them perfect for anyone who loves a bit of blues-tinged soul. Geater was born Vernon Davis in East Texas in 1946 and learned guitar from T-Bone Walker before then working as a sideman and breaking through with 'Sweet Woman's Love' in 1970. He charted again in 1972 with' Your Heart Is So Cold' on Seventy 7 Records, and though disco's rise curtailed touring opportunities, he kept performing across the South. Sadly, just as he was preparing for a comeback, he died of heart failure at age 38, but these gems remain.

Review: One of two new Soul4Real 45s releases, Candi Staton's 'I Can't Stop Being Your Fool' is a candid expression of heartsickness and toxic attachment. The Alabaman southern soul laid these two recordings bare at least 20 years into her towering career, in which time Staton had embarked on a new career leg at Warner Bros. Never paired before, 'I Can't Stop...' and 'You Bet Your Sweet, Sweet Love' share in similar themes, confounding the listener in projective throes of uncertainty, over such topics as whether the thrill of love might be worth it despite fraught or downright abusive downturns; Staton's lyrics are tired, grief-stricken and persevering, though the background instrumentation is always jolly, suggesting either an eerie facade, or a romanticised, brunt-borne happiness.

Review: Carla Thomas delivers two soulful gems on this hot 7" from Soul 4 Real Records. On Side-1, 'Loneliness', written by Isaac Hayes, channels a classic soul vibe reminiscent of Gladys Knight and the Pips. With its polished horn section and an exquisite bridge to the chorus, the track captures both the heartache and elegance of the era. Thomas's smooth delivery evokes shades of Diana Ross, while the shiny brass arrangement brings to mind Burt Bacharach's lush orchestration, adding a modern gloss to her Stax roots. On Side-2, 'If It's Not Asking Too Much' features Thomas in a more stripped-back, intimate sound. With labelmate Deanie Parker on songwriting duties, the track features a brooding bluesy edge. The tango rhythm, driven by an organ and a second keyboard, creates a haunting atmosphere that highlights Carla's powerful yet restrained vocal performance. This side is equally fitting for starting or ending a soulful evening. With these two tracks, Carla Thomas proves why she was and remains a queen of soul, blending elegance and emotion in every note.

Review: Originally released in 1979 via Zodiac Records during a New Zealand tour, this track was a rare overseas issue of Tolliver's workione that now finds new life thanks to Soul4Real. 'Can't Get Into You' returns for this reissue casting a long-overdue spotlight on the Ohio-born artist whose powerhouse vocals deserved far more recognition. Side A's 'Can't Get Into You' is a soul-drenched, emotionally raw performance showcasing Tolliver's ability to channel heartache into song. The production is classic late-70s deep soul, with lush instrumentation and impassioned delivery that instantly grabs hold. On Side-B, 'The Show Must Go On' is an unreleased gem, revealing Tolliver at her most dramatic and expressive. With sweeping strings, rich orchestration and a gripping vocal performance, it's a shinning example of her underrated artistry. Despite a career spanning decadesiworking with Lou Ragland, recording across countless labels, and performing worldwideiTolliver never found mainstream success. This release serves as a reminder of her undeniable talent, finally giving her music the recognition it deserves.

Review: The Valentinos had plenty of early success but still, their story is often seen as one of missed opportunities. The group was led by Friendly Womack Sr. who taught his sons gospel songs before they pursued secular music and that rather led to a struggle between serving up gospel and secular sounds. History tells us the friendly "June" Womack recalled their desire for another hit like 'Looking For A Love' which had been a significant seller in their early days. Two tracks from that era had remained unreleased until now when Soul4Real Records pressed them up here and both are seriously good soul swingers.

Review: Soul4Real returns to southern roots with a collection of 11 tracks from legendary names Malaco, Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and Alarm Records. In the 1970s and 1980s, Malaco in Mississippi and Muscle Shoals Sound in Alabama were pivotal in shaping southern soul as Alarm Records in Louisiana added its own unique contributions to the scene. This album shines a light on that great time and opens with Dorothy Moore's classic 'Girl Overboard' followed by stellar performances from male singers including Bobby Bland and King Floyd. Three tracks debut on vinyl, with Jimmy Jules' 'Having A Little Talk With Love' one of those standouts to be making its first appearance.