Back catalogue: Soul

Review: Narada Michael Walden is now 71 years old and has enjoyed a hugely successful career, with his CV boasting extensive work with Quincy Jones, years spent playing with jazz-funk greats, a stint as journey's drummer, and - perhaps most significantly - production credits on huge 1990s releases by Whitney Houston, George Benson and Mariah Carey. Yet instead of retiring or resting on his laurels, he's turned to writing, recording and producing his own music. Euphoria is an undeniably funky, accessible and pop-tinged affair, with Walden adding his own vocals to backing tracks that sit somewhere between 21st century revivalist disco, nu-disco, prime Prince and Radio 2-friendly AOR pop. As you'd expect from someone with his contacts book, there are some high-profile guests dotted across the album, most notably Carlos Santana, Sting and Stevie Wonder.

Review: WAR's The Collection 1977-1994 is a deep celebration of the band's legacy, featuring five remastered albumsiPlatinum Funk (1977), Galaxy (1'977), The Music Band (1979), Outlaw (1982), and Peace Sign (1994)ishowcasing WAR's evolution as a "sophisticated pop machine" with their signature fusion of funk, soul, and rock. The box sets commemorate WAR's 55th anniversary and follow the success of their The World Is a Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition. The previously rare Platinum Funk, which includes hits like 'L.A. Sunshine', and Outlaw, featuring classics such as 'Cinco De Mayo', highlight the band's diverse musical prowess. With over 50 million records sold globally, WAR's rich sound continues to resonate, solidifying their status as one of music's seminal groups. Fans can anticipate these releases as a treasure box of rhythm and history.

Review: This two-disc set captures groundbreaking band at the peak of their live performance powers. Known for their genre-blending mix of funk, jazz, soul and rock, the band shines in this energetic recording, showcasing their tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence. The collection includes extended versions of fan favorites, with grooves that stretch and evolve in ways only possible in a live setting. Tracks like 'Slippin' Into Darkness' and 'The World Is a Ghetto' come alive with improvisational flair, while the interplay between the band members highlights their cohesive chemistry. The recording quality is excellent, preserving the raw energy of the performance while offering clarity that allows each instrument to shine. This live album serves as a time capsule of the era's musical innovation. Those who appreciate soulful, groove-laden live music, this is an essential band to have in your collection.

Review: Paul Weller is perhaps one of the best non-soul musicians to ask to compile a rare soul compilation. Rather than documenting soul music as it proliferated in the 1960s, Ace Records' soul aim was to capture a genre, fashion and style as one man saw it in retrospect, in light of his involvement in the mod revival of the mid 1970s. Weller would later go onto form and front The Jam, but in late 1974, shortly before his involvement in the punk movement, he was about none of that business at all. Punk partly grew on febrile tissues of mod, which was in turn an offshoot of 60s soul; and it is true that we may hear a foetal form of the sound in the brasher cuts on this record, be it Billy Stewart's 'Summertime' or James Carr's 'Pouring Water'. Also clock Brother To Brother's 'In The Bottle', a super-early drum machine blues gem perfect for the house heads.

Review: Vanessa Williams' Survivor marks her return to music after a 15-year break, where she focused on acting and other ventures. In this album, Williams seamlessly blends the many facets of her career, from pop and r&b to jazz and theatre. The lead single, 'Legs (Keep Dancing)', is a bold, confident dance track that reflects her enduring energy, while the house-pop track 'Bop!' entertains her fanbase with cheeky humor and vibrant beats. The album's range includes pop standards like 'Junk Man' and the jazzy 'Zaz Zuh Zaz,' where Williams showcases her sultry, polished vocals. Her love for classic music shines, especially on 'Come Dance with Me' and 'Being Good Isn't Good Enough', where she brings an elegant, theatrical touch. With thoughtful production, Survivor revisits Vanessa Williams' signature sound while incorporating fresh elements. Despite its familiar themes, the title track carries a personal resonance, illustrating her journey and resilience. Williams' versatility and her ability to evolve while staying true to her roots, proving that she's still a commanding presence in music. This comeback reaffirms her as a talented performer across multiple genres.

Review: As you may well be aware, the Winstons' most significant contribution to musical history was the righteous drum break featured on their 1969 single 'Amen, Brother', a breakbeat that has since become the backbone of countless hip-hop, hardcore and D&B tracks. Yet as good as that break is, there was always much more to love hidden in their catalogue, particularly debut album Color Him, Father. As this surprise reissue on CD proves, it is a genuinely brilliant collection of loved up East Coast soul songs - both dancefloor-friendly and downtempo - which on this edition has been expanded via the addition of a quartet of previous single-only cuts. This, then, is the definitive version of a vitally important soul album.