Mary Wilson [2021] - Why Can't We All Get Along [Universal]

To celebrate the life of Mary Wilson after her sad passing on 8 Feb 2021, Motown/Univeral released "The Motown Anthology" posted yesterday.  One of the tracks "Why Can't We All Get Along" first featured as a pre-released single prior to the reissue of the expanded "Mary Wilson" album they released shortly after her death last April (2021). On the anthology is an extended version.

This is one of a several 'message' songs I'll be posting today in solidarity with the Ukrainians.

Details

Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Motown/Universal
Cat No:	None
Year:	04/03/2022
Key/BPM:	4A/60
Value:	£1/£10.99

Ingrid Arthur [2021] - I Need Your Love [Self Released]

A single getting some love on the Starpoint breakers chart is from Ingrid Arthur "I Need Your Love" which was released 19 Jul 2021.

Interestingly, a track I featured last week "Ultimate Lover", from an album ("Playin' The Cracks") by Kenny Kirby released in April, is also getting attention on the breakers chart. Is it a coincidence?

Ingrid is from Gainsville, GA, but has been based in Berlin since 2003 and it probably won't surprise you to learn that her background is in gospel.

She was a member of The Weather Girls in the noughties (along with original member Izora Armstead's daughter Dynelle Rhodes, replacing Izora after her death in 2004) and recorded on their last two albums "Totally Wild" (2004) and "The Woman I Am" (2009) before she embarked on a solo career in 2011.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	7.5
Genre/Style:	Soul Ballad
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	19/07/2021
Key/BPM:	3B/71
Value:	£1

Aretha Franklin [2021] - You Light Up My Life (Aretha Box Set) [Rhino]

A previously unreleased recording of "You Light Up My Life" from 1978 by Aretha Franklin from a forthcoming album "Aretha" which I believe was released on vinyl (4 x 5 track) on 16 Jul but an extended version (81 tracks) will not be available until 10 Sep 2021. A 4 CD box set will also be available (30 Jul 2021 I think?). Click on album sleeve image below for a full track listing.

The release contains hits, alternate versions, demos, rarities and live tracks starting from 1956, her pre Columbia period, through to her Arista period, but focusses mainly on her Atlantic tenure between 1967-79, so it's not the same old tracks rolled out one more time which many of us will already have!

Only she could take what is essentially quite a bland ballad (a song written by Joe Brooks in 1977 as the title track for a film of the same name, which by all accounts got panned and it is rated only 4.7/10 on IMDB) and do it in her inimitable way, which she puts a gospel spin on! It is a tremendous and moving performance which shows that it is not just the song, but the artist's interpretation that counts.

Pat Boone's daughter Debby was the first to record/cover it and had a US #1 hit with it in 1977. It was also recorded by many others including Johnny Mathis (45 UK only & "You Light Up My Life"), Loleatta Holloway (45 & "Queen Of The Night"), Jean Carn ("Happy To Be With You") in 1978 and Whitney Houston ("Just Whitney") in 2002.

Details

Rating:	8.6
Genre/Style:	Soul Ballad
Format:	Album Track
Media:	Digital
Label:	Rhino
Cat No:	None
Year:	23/06/2021
Key/BPM:	10B/68
Value:	£1

Tee Green [2021] - When Love Ain't Enough [Kool Klassic Records]

UK blue-eyed soul singer Tee Green had a few singles released in 90s/00s and three tracks were featured on a 1997 CD compilation I mentioned a few weeks ago on the Gems For Jem post "Soul Supreme". He was in a group called Respect.

It seems that he has spent most of the last twenty years, since his last release, working as a vocal coach and backing singer supporting with Blue, Westlife, Lighthouse Family, Alexander O'Neal and Kylie Minogue as well as writing material for many artists.

He released a new single on 4 Jun 2021. You need to give it a minute for his vocals to pick up.

I've also included a live video of him performing the Benard Ighner classic "Everything Must Change" which was originally released on Quincy Jones 1974 album Body Heat. One of the best renditions of this song is by Phil Perry which I posted last March.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	7.6
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Kool Klassic Records
Cat No:	None
Year:	04/06/2021
Key/BPM:	4A/67
Value:	£1

The Vandellas [2021] - I'm Movin' On [Muzik Evolution Productions]

This one's a bit of a mystery, The Vandellas without Martha Reeves(?), although she appears on the sleeve (on the left), but it doesn't sound like her singing. 

The main side 'I'm Movin' On' is a modern ballad, whether it is a new recording, or has been around for years, I've no idea, but it's got that late 80s/90s synthesised sound (i.e. no real musicians). It was released 7 May 2021 but may be something that's been in the can for years.

It has been released as a two track EP with a hideous update of 'Dancing In The Street', that no one with any musical taste needs in their life! It's probably as bad as Mick Jagger & David Bowie's version on Live Aid!

Details

Rating:	6.5
Genre/Style:	Soul Ballad
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Muzik Evolution Productions
Cat No:	None
Year:	07/05/2021
Key/BPM:	8B/83
Value:	£1

Fillies Finazz [2021] - I Can’t Spend The Night [Society Hill]

Released today (23 Apr 2021) on Butch Ingram's Society Hill label is a new single from Fillies Finazz who are sisters Alicia & Denise Amaro, Sandra Gail Brown, Lorna Young. They all have a gospel background.

Sandra Gail Brown was lead singer for a group called Sassafras who released a self-titled album in 1978. The group included Carlstein Levere and Sandra's sister Vera Brown who later joined The Richie Family and recorded one single as Vera Brown & The Rich Girls when they spilt.  Sassafras split when Vera Brown joined The Richie Family. Sandra Brown also became a backing singer for The Richie Family and Village People.

Lorna Young sang with a group called Ultimate Experience, who I can find no recordings from.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

I found this live recording of them singing Brenda Holloway's 'When I'm Gone', unfortunately the sound is not very clear.

Details

Rating:	7.8
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Society hill
Cat No:	None
Year:	23/04/2021
Key:	9A
BPM:	85
Value:	£1

Kay's Elements [2021] - I Wanna [N Area Records]

A new release from Kay's Elements on 7 Apr 2021. It appears to be her fourth in the last year. I can find no info about the artist but did track down a 1993 EP called 'Energy' by a group called Power Play on her YT channel which appears to be her voice and it's on the same label, so perhaps she is making a comeback? There is nothing else listed for the group or the label.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8.2
Genre/Style:	Soul Ballad
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	N Area Records
Cat No:	None
Year:	06/04/2021
Key:	4A
BPM:	55
Value:	£1

Brother Reggie [2021] - Send For Me [No Sweat]

Veteran singer Brother Reggie (a native of Columbus, Ohio, now residing in Washington D.C.) releases a single from his forthcoming album 'UnderCover Brother Vol. 2: Just Us' due out on 1 May 2021.

It's a cover version of a Sam Dees & Ron Kersey song recorded by Atlantic Starr and released as their seventh single in 1980 which reached #16 US R&B (listen here).

Details

Rating:	7
Genre/Style:	Soul Ballad/Cover Version
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	No Sweat
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	9B
BPM:	68
Value:	£1

Nikki Seriki Feat. Jason Nicholson-Porter [2021] - Love Ree(A)L [Self Released]

A new single (released 2 Feb 2021) from UK gospel singer Nikki Seriki featuring 2018 Voice quarter-finalist (on JHud's team) Jason Nicholson-Porter.

facebook (Nikki Seriki)

facebook (Jason Nicholson-Porter)

Details

Rating:	7.5
Genre/Style:	Gospel/Soul Ballad
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Year:	02/02/2021
Key:	8B
BPM:	65
Value:	£1

Heidi Tann [2021] - I Wanna Feel Your Body [Polyphemus]

A new entry on UK Soul Breakers chart this week from Heidi Tann released 3 Mar 2021.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Polyphemus
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	6A
BPM:	50
Value:	£1

Binky Womack [2021] - Again [Bindelari]

The first single from a forthcoming album 'Mr. Womack' by Binky Womack (son of Cecil and nephew of Bobby) was released 25 Feb 2021. It's a new entry into UK Soul chart this week at #16. 

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Bindelari
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	11A
BPM:	57
Value:	£1

Brave Williams [2020/21] - Don't Tell Me No [SoNo]

This tune was actually released last Aug (2020) but seems to be getting a new 'push' with a new video just posted on YT on 8 Mar 2021.

A soul ballad in the same vein as Mary Cross' recent singles, so if you like those then you will probably appreciate this as well.

Christina 'Brave' Williams is from Baltimore and is an actress (IMDB) and was also a member of four girl group Rich Girl who were active between 2007-2011 but only released a few of singles.

website

facebook

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	SoNo
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	12B
BPM:	66
Value:	£1

Mary Wilson [2021] - Why Can't We All Get Along [Universal]

To celebrate the life of Mary Wilson after her sad passing on 8 Feb 2021, Motown/Univeral are reissuing an expanded version of her debut, self-titled, solo album released in 1979, with 8 additional tracks.

It's due on 16 Apr 2021 but they've pre-released a previously unissued track, which sounds like it's a later, probably more recent recording, to promote the forthcoming album.

Details

Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Motown/Universal
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	4A
BPM:	60
Value:	£1/£10.29

Prince Ronnie Love [2021] - I’m The One

New single, released 7 Feb 2021, a deep soul ballad from Prince Ronnie Love who I think from his facebook page is now based in the Phillipines.

Born Ronald Dunnigan in Brooklyn, NY.  He became a member of the 3rd generation of The Temptations. There's an interview with him here.

He released his debut solo single 'Will You Marry Me' in 2011 (see below).

facebook

Prince Ronnie Love [2011] - Will You Marry Me [Self Released]

Debut solo single from 2011.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	N/A
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	2B
BPM:	60
Value:	£1

Pokey Cold [2021] - Closer [Self Released]

It's 35 years since his last recording in 1986 with 'Let Me Love You' on a Kangaroo 12" with 4 diferent mixes, the only release on the NY label.

This ballad was released 17 Feb 2021.

Details

Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Year:	2021
Key:	8B
BPM:	78
Value:	£1

Chris Jasper [2021] - The Way You Love Me [Gold City]

A love ballad released in time for Valentine's Day from Chris Jasper's 17th solo album. He was, of course, a member of Isley, Jasper, Isley in the 80s who are best remembered for 'Caravan Of Love' which reached #52 on UK pop chart in 1985. It was covered the following year by The Housemartins who had a #1 hit with a 'blanded out', soulless, acapella version of it. Unbelievable, but at least Jasper & the Isley's were writers of the song, so would have  received royalties for it.

The Housemartins were from Hull and included Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim who sampled the NS classic instrumental by the Just Brothers 'Sliced Tomatoes' for his first big hit 'The Rockafella Skank' in 1998. The Housemartins later broke up and two members formed The Beautiful South.

Ali-Ollie Woodson [2009] - Misty Morning [Self Released]

Detroit born Ali-Ollie Woodson joined The Temptations in 1983 and left in 1996 to pursue a solo career, releasing his debut album 'Right Here All Along' on UK Expansion label in 2001. He died in 2010 age 58 after battling leukaemia for 18 months, tragically he had also suffered from throat cancer whilst still with The Temptations and had received surgery several times for it over the years.

The album from which this track is taken 'Never Give Up' released in 2009, for some reason, is not listed on Discogs. It was also released on 'Soul Interpretations' released in 2020. It's a timeless, smooth and soulful ballad.