In my opinion it’s the best 2000 new soul debut. Each song defines music in its purest form. My favorite tracks from the debut are ‘Gilding the Lily’, ‘So Far, So Good’ and ‘Fearless Child’. You would have already found Kevin Chandler on the Soul Brother compilation called Organic Soul Volume Two, which has some amazing new soul artists on it. The focus on the musical content is Jazzy and Soulful. This record relaxes the inner body on a spiritual level. They are definitely professional musicians, because they really do impress on a high level. Kevin won’t use sound effects or computer based programming, as many new soul artists do. I love this debut because the chords are used in a simple yet affective way. ‘Fearless Child’ is seven minutes of soulful heaven. It’s ambient and fills the room with a calm atmosphere. His individuality comes with his voice; as he can ultimately sing any song and make you cry or smile, its music that you can ‘feel’. Not many artists like this pass by often, so I highly suggest you buy this debut. Songs that have been put on the Organic Soul 2 compilation are ‘Higher’, ‘Art of Dreamin’, and ‘Nommo’. Some good choices to, as SB Records do know there Soul. Kevin Chandler has a timeless voice, that I’m sure would impress a crowd who loves good Soul music. The title of the debut is original. The music is from the Soul for the soul, and its just great a sounding release. I used to doubt new Soul music because it would never be as good as classic Soul, and this debut has certainly proven me wrong.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

This is a very impressive album; Jaguar brings us her second release, on Artemis Records. It’s her style, attitude, realness and talent that attract the audiences of new soul lovers. In my opinion this is the best female new soul album of 2005. ’Free’ is the first single, with a nice video and powerhouse vocals. Her real name Jacquelyn Wright; brings the ears truth and honesty, without any shame or fakeness. The name of the album has a similar title to her debut, but musically she has matured. Her lyrical ability to sit between dramas and keep it cool can be admirable and inspiring. The deepness of Jag’s written words makes me think she’d be able to rap a few bars at ease. Raphael Saadiq teams up with her on many of the songs. We all know by now that Raphael’s a talented producer, and those two together in a studio must be hotter than the sun. It’s not only an amazing album, but also it is modern Soul Music at its best. It's an album that came at the right time; people were thinking were has the soul gone, and now they got Jaguar. My favorite tracks are probably 'Free' because of its up-tempo and catchy feel. 'One More Drink' is an organic number. On the song 'Flower', Jaguar brings the roof down with her vocal talent. 'My Place' is a beautifully written track about a loving relationship. ‘Woman To Woman’ was a Soul classic by Shirley Brown, which Miss Wright turned into her own street style. Some may think J comes across as a bitch, but I just think she is confident, up front and she has no reason to hide it. Who would want to miss this diva voice, after all, there is only one Jaguar Wright.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

It was the 1960’s when Stax Records released the most defining album of Soul ever. Isaac was on the keys, while Booker T and the MG’s were on vocals. Flavors of Sam Cooke and James Brown are all on one mind blowing twelve-track record. The single, which was the same title as the album, soon became very popular and it went straight to the top of the charts in the USA. It’s an incredible, unique and inspirational sound with Soul/Funk drenched in every song. My preferred songs are ‘Who's Making Love’; with its remarkable horn sections in the chorus. ‘I’m not the same person’ is first-class Soul. Another Soul slammer is ‘Woman across the River’, the haunting Jazz feel, sets the atmosphere for a smoke filled bar on the corner of New Orleans. ‘Can’t Trust Your Neighbor’ has a raw feel, just like the entire record. I love ‘Poor Make believer’, it has beautiful piano playing by Mr. Isaac Hayes. Soulful number ‘Payback Hurts’ is another classic. ‘Mr. Nobody Is Somebody Now’, has heartfelt lyrics and strong melodies. ‘Id Rather Drink Muddy Water’, is a much appreciated song for me, because nothings compares to honesty and realness. The entire record captures you in Johnnie’s world, and takes you far away into a land you don’t want to come back from. Stirring, innovative, and inventive are just a few words to describe this man in remembrance. He left behind some memorable records, but for me this is the record that clarifies the Soul scene when it was at its peak.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Daniel Austin teams up with Marvyn Banks, Brian Gardner and Costie Payne to produce an interesting soul album 'Confidence In You'. His band consists of talented musicians such as Lewis Arsne, Juana Randall, Matt Franko, Henry Alexander and Kyle Newmaster. Lot's of acoustic guitars and pianos, layered with Saxophones and Background vocals to create musical harmonies for the mind and soul. It's a debut album that sounds like Simply Red or Anita Baker, two very different artists from different musical backgrounds. The lyrics from this album are all written by D. Austin, which shows off his talent. A male vocalist, who seems to have had a passion for music since a young kid, now has the opportunity to take the microphone in his hand and give us what he has kept a secret for many years. 'Confidence In You' is quite a smooth soul debut, but I didn't feel that there was enough groove or soulful chords, so it didn't really feel it. However, I am still going to recommend it because he can definatley sing a song, and hit the right notes. Songs like 'Fire and Ice' really put me off with its club beat, you could feel you were in Ibiza. The track that I liked was 'Is This For Real', with its beautiful horn section. You will find Daniel Austin playing guitar a lot in the music. Another out of the blue dance track is 'Something About You'; his attempt to different soul music is achieved on this record. The self titled song 'Confidence In You' has a repetitive string and beat, and then goes off on to the song, which is smooth. However, those who like Soul maybe put off by the club songs and I found this album quite tacky. There are way better albums out than this one. Someone can purchase 'Confidence In You' with an open mind and who likes R&B rather than raw Soul music.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]

Vocally gifted artist Sy Smith teams up with Mike Jones, Ali Shaheed Muhammed, and James Poyser. The album has an interesting live set that gives rnb music a totally new edge. Lots of synths and keyboards used in this debut, makes Sy your dream syberspace girl. The head nodding, bass driven song ‘Fa Sho’ is again, another club banger. Wouldn’t be surprised in 50 Cent wanted to use Sy’s beats. ‘Syberspace’ is an electic and electric blend of modern soul and electro soul. Signed on Beat Fanatic Records and Garden Seeker Productions, Sy had made an albums before this superb release entitled ‘Psykosoul’ and ‘One Like You’. Also have success with Brand New Heavies and Ronny Jordan, while getting chosesn to be on the highly popular compilation on Soul Brother Records ‘Organic Soul’. Garden Seeker Productions has other incredible artists such as Mint Condition and Ali Shaheed Muhammed. Sy Smith has done back up vocals for the legendary, real deal, Whitney Houston as well as doing back up vocals for the new soul diva Macy Gray. Her style is like no other rnb artist, which gives her more power and creative control. I have to admit and be honest, that I didn’t like this album when I first heard it, it took me a couple of weeks to get into it. Her voice is sweet and haunting, but in a good way. The album will change your view on commercial rnb, as it is a unique rnb album. I would’nt class it as soul, although I’m sure Sy has a soulful vocal gift, the album sounds like a modern day rnb classic. I would recommend this to any one who is willing to broaden the ears and minds on the usual rnb sound, and be blown away by Sy’s talents.

Matthew Daniel [Just Soul]