Jackers Revenge & Lissat [2020] - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love [Omerta]

I think this is what you would call a 'banging tune'. An updated house version of the Barry White 70s classic.  Some of these are a bit hit and miss but I do like this one. It is based on Taylor Dayne's 1993 version rather than Barry White's original!

I first came across her when I was a member of DMC back in the 80s and received a promo of her debut single on 12" 'Tell Tale Heart', which I rarely played as it is one of those kitchen sink and all, 'crash, bang, wallop' mid 80s productions. It went on to reach #3 in UK pop chart .. so what do I know ... except I didn't like it and hence dismissed most of her material!

Here's the promo video of Taylor Dayne singing her original version which reached #14 in 1993.

Lauriana Mae [2020/21] - Bad Days [Squeaky Wheel]

A touch of Erykah Badu about this track! From a new album 'Small Town City Dreams' released 25 Dec 2020.  Lauriana Mae has been releasing music since 2011, yet I've not come across her before so, for anyone else unfamilar with her music, I've posted a few of her better releases below.

Just My Imagination

After listening to the track above, it came as a surpise to discover she is a white artist from the cover art on this release. She did a different take on The Temptations classic in 2016.

NYPD Blues

Released as a single in 2015 from an EP 'City Of Diamonds'

Love

This song is from a 3 track debut EP 'Love Mae' released on Atlantic in 2011.

Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions [2021] - Yes I Am [One World]

Loving this 'neo' crossover track. The video was recorded on 8 Dec 2019 but the song wasn't released as a single until Jan 2020 (digital only). It was included on the album Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions Vol. 4 (CD/Vinyl) and is now available on 7" vinyl from 1 Feb 2021 on One World Records.

Michelle David is American but now lives in Holland. She was a member on Dutch girl group 'Big, Black & Beautiful' from 2002 until forming Michelle Davis & The Gospel Sessions in 2015 who have released 4 albums to date Michelle Davis & The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 1,2,3,& 4. 

website

facebook

There's another authentic 'neo' Northern Soul track on the album called 'Good Good Good'

The Notations [2021] - I'm Your Puppet [Silent Giant]

I'm sure this must have been recorded and released pretty quickly as a tribute to James Purify who died on 22 Jan 2021 (tribute here) as this was issued on 24 Jan 2021 - or could it really be a coincidence?

Robin Thicke [2021] - Beautiful [Lucky Music]

I posted 'Take Me Higher' (which samples Kool & The Gang's 'Ladies Night') a week or so ago. Here's another track from his forthcoming new album 'On Earth, And In Heaven' due 12 Feb 2021.  This is a soulful blue-eyed neo sweet soul ballad which the Lowriders will appreciate.

E Nichole [2021] - Night Shift [War Zone]

Another new name to me and I can't find any info or any other releases from her except as a featured artist on a 2019 single by Sarg & Shad Styles - Shooting Star, so assume that this may be her debut single. Publishing credits go to Erica Fray - so I wonder if that's her real name?

Night Shift was release 29 Jan 2021.

Lawrence Williams [2021] - Best In Me [Self Released]

A 4 track EP self released 12 Jan 2021 from Lawrence Williams. It looks like it may be his debut and not a bad effort at all. It consists of two ballads 'I Found Someone' and 'Focus' and another two more uptempo steppers. 'You' and 'Best In Me'.

Listen to Full EP here

It was a 'toss up' whether to post 'Best In Me' or 'You'. There's not much in it but went for 'Best In Me' as that's the one that's beginning to get airplay, but I think I actually slightly prefer 'You'.

The Soul Powers [2021] - Be Alright

I've been putting off posting this as was 'undecided' on it, but it seems that a few DJs have picked up on it and are giving it airplay, so here it is. From an album released 12 Jan 2021 'The Beginning Of ...'.

Actually listening to the album again, there are a few other tracks that I'm warming to if you can get past the obvious R&B/Hip-Hop tracks. i.e. 'Not Coming Back', 'Put It Down' (samples something familiar that I can't put my finger on, but I think it's Toto (Feat. Cheryl Lynn) - Georgy Porgy which Luther Vandross sang lead on for Charme's version, Side Effect and Eric Benet & Faith Evans, among others, covered it) and 'For George' (which I presume is a tribute to George Floyd?).

NOTE it's difficult judging an album from 30 second clips on Amazon/iTunes and the likes, so it's great that the artists/record companies post them in full on YouTube so you can make a better assessment as to whether to buy them or not. I presume also that they get royalties from plays on YouTube which is why, whenever possible/available, the links I use are from official sources.

Listen to the Full Album here.

Jerzey Shawn [2021] - Goodness Gracious Love [House PA]

It gets a little confusing with new digital releases as 'Goodness Gracious Love' is available from 29 Jan 2021, yet another track from him 'Highway Of Love' was also released 17 Jan 2021.  They are both pretty good AOS (adult oriented soul) so I'll post both and you can decide which one you prefer. I think 'Goodness Gracious Love' pips it for me.

I've just read his bio over on his website and by sheer coincidence he states that one of his influences is Dave Hollister (I've literally just posted his latest release).

Jerzey Shawn [2021] - Goodness Gracious Love [House PA]

Jerzey Shawn [2021] - Highway Of Love

Truth Hurts (Unreleased)

I like this guy's sound so went hunting for some more from him as it appears that the two above are the only 'official' releases. I found his SoundCloud page and there's a superb track call 'Truth Hurts' which, for me) is even better than the two above.  There are also a few other great tracks there.

Jerzey Shawn · TRUTH HURTS - Jerzey Shawn

Message In A Bottle

Jerzey Shawn · MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - Jerzey Shawn

Dave Hollister [2021] - It’s Alright (Oakland Cali Mix) [Scientific Soul]

A new release (29 Jan 2021) from highly respected Chicago R&B singer Dave Hollister. It's a new mix of a 1997 promo which also appeared as a hidden track on his debut album.

Original Mix

This was originally released as a promo on 1997 (CD & 12") but was also a hidden track on his debut album Ghetto Hymns

One Woman Man (2000)

Keep Lovin' You (2002)

I'm Sorry (My Favourite Girl Remix) (1999)

From his debut album 'Ghetto Hymns'.