The first month of the new year has produced some great new music for all genres. Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic released my favorite new album of January. We also were treated with new records from Billy Talent and Fickle Friends as well as more household named artist like Elvis Costello, The Weeknd and The Lumineers. The final Friday of the month turns out to be a strong week for R&B and Soul records. The soundtrack to last summer’s hit documentary The Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) was released this week as well as amazing new R&B albums from Kyle, Amber Mark and from rappers Babyface Ray, NLE Choppa and Dro Kenji.
Two albums stood out from the collection of releases this week and are from bright up-and-coming artists mixing new styles with classic R&B sounds.
Samm Henshaw Untidy Soul
It’s 2016 and an artist that the world is unaware of is hand-picked by one of hip-hops biggest names to open for him on the European leg of his tour that year. Fast forward nearly six years and that artist is finally releasing their debut album and putting the ears of the world on notice. London based singer-songwriter Samm Henshaw has released his eagerly anticipated debut album Untidy Soul.
Getting the opportunity to support someone as influential as Chance the Rapper on their Magnificent Coloring Book World Tour with only two EP’s completing your discography is something that just doesn’t happen nor something money can buy.
The time spent perfecting Untidy Soul was obviously well spent as all of his inspirations can be heard throughout the record. The influence of John Legend to Kirk Franklin to Marvin Gaye are all stirred up and dished out throughout the 16 tracks making up the record. Henshaw’s sound is firmly set in a mixed bag of old-school flavors including 90’s hip-hop, gospel, roots and blues.
Each song on Untidy Soul tells its own story, covering many of the ‘self’ topics including self-care, self-destruction, and self-worth. Collectively, Untidy Soul is about growth while not being self-obsessed but rather self-aware. The singer’s raspy voice brings his lyrics alive in a very soothing, relaxing way like many of his influences mentioned above have.
Six years is a long time for an artist to go from opening for Chance the Rapper to releasing their debut album and fans can only hope the wait for a sophomore release will come sooner than 2028.
Must-listens on Untidy Soul include “Chicken Wings,” “Grow,” and “Enough” @SammHenshaw
Lady Wray Piece of Me
It was back in 1997 when the world was first introduced to California singer Nicole Wray when she contributed backing vocals on Missy Elliott’s debut album Supa Dupa Fly and only a year later when they really got to know her. Wray released her first single, the top 5 smash hit “Make It Hot,” in June of 1998 and the sky seemed the limit for her. Her debut record did not capture the listener as much as the single did, failing to crack the top 40 of the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.
Over the past twenty-plus years, Wray has continued to record music and work with some of music’s biggest names including Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Mike Jones on the Hustle and Flow soundtrack, and on The Black Keys fusion album Blackroc.
Nicole eventually transitioned into the Lady Wray name and has returned with a spectacular release. Piece of Me, her first release since 2016’s Queen Alone, shows the singer’s artistic growth since her early days under Missy Elliott’s label. The album is influenced by her time spent in church, while also supplying the listener with some smooth, breezy 70’s R&B vibes.
Leon Michaels, a founding member of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, produced Piece of Me and helped shaped the album’s old-school sound. Micheals has collaborated with legendary artist like Dr. John, Aloe Blacc and Norah Jones and has also been a touring member of The Black Keys and Wu-Tang Clan.
Wray has been in the music business for a few decades now and somehow is just now releasing her sophomore album. Her sound has evolved greatly from being a polished 90’s R&B artist to a grounded raw soul singer. Wray’s voice remains authentic regardless of the style of music she is singing. Fans of Wray that haven’t listened to her in years may be taken aback by her new style, but will be won over in the end by the truthfulness that rings from her voice.
Must-listens on Piece of Me include “Piece of Me,” “Where Were You,” and “Under the Sun.” @Ladynicolewray
Check out some of the other amazing new releases out this week…
- Various Artists: The Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
- Babyface Ray: Face
- St. Paul & the Broken Bones: Alien Coast
- Maddie & Tae: Through the Madness
- Amber Mark: Three Dimensions Deep
Steven McCash is the Lead Music Writer and Utility Man for SoBros Network. Steven is the host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast, and the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music in addition to the occasional live show review. He also pitches in as a Nashville lifestyle writer and football analyst (hence the ‘Utility Man’ title). Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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