Tony Ozier

Aural Penetration is a highly soulful follow up from Tony Oziers debut album Mental Candy. Tony Ozier made a splash when he recently came over to London to promote his music, impressing audiences and exciting press. He almost made it clear that Tony Ozier is a natural talent, and here to stay. Tony Ozier, has a voice that at times can sound imperfect but his intricate and groove filled beats fits his label imprint perfectly, Beats Galore Records. Aural Penetration is Tony Oziers 2008 release. A blend of soul, funk and hip-hop. Songs such as the beginner Hope featuring Neco Redd and SUN, two of his music crew members. They sound strong and slightly spiritual in lyrics. “The reason for this song is so you can hold on...I’m holding on to h.o.p.e”

Angie Stone

Released 15th October, 2007 on Stax Records; The Art Of Love & War, is not as good as Angie Stone is saying it is, it will attract to those who didn’t fall in love with her soul days with Black Diamond and Mahogany Soul. As, The Art Of Love & War is just another bland R&B attempt. Angie Stones voice is louder than ever, or perhaps quite different as Angie Stone just came out of hospital. And for those reasons, she still has a brilliant smoky, at times sexy, old soul voice. The Art Of Love And War, is a rather bold album title, maybe she needed a name that would give her confidence in her return? This album was recorded in Marvin’s Room, Marvin Gaye’s recording studio.

Darlene Love

It’s Christmas, Of Course! is the latest album from Darlene Love. For those who don’t know of Darlene Love, she has featured on David Letterman Show, Phil Spector hit songs, and the NY Broadway musical Hairspray. This is her first Christmas album, out Oct, 2nd, 2007, via Shout! Factory. Its Christmas, Of Course! has covers from the 70’s and 80’s of artists such as The Pretenders, The Band, James Brown, Tom Petty, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, plus many more. Her voice is very direct, as Darlene Love sings songs with powerful vocals effortlessly. She has also done backing vocals for Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, The Mamas and Papas, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, and Cher.

T-Pain

R&B singer/rapper T-Pain offers his fans a second album release titled Epiphany. Collaborations on the album include Yung Joc, Akon, Shawnna of DTP, Cee-Lo, Baby Cham, and his artists Tay Dizm and Jay Lyriq plus many others. Church featuring Akon, Cee-Lo and Shawnna is the best song out of the entire songs from Epiphany, with its heavy beat and energy filled bass line. T-Pain wrote and produced all the singles on the album, the first being Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin'), and Akon has played a big part of this album.

R.Kelly

People have been saying a lot of things about R. Kelly, but you can't deny the mans talent. R. Kelly keeps the quality up on his latest studio set on Double Up. Released on Jive Records, May 29th, 2007 Double Up is the eigth solo studio album by R. Kelly. A great follow up from 2005's platinum TP.3 Reloaded. Double Up albums are both available in explicit and clean versions. Songs like I'm A Flirt, is soulful hip-hop sounding. While collaborations with Usher, Nelly and Keyshia Cole can be found the more you listen to Double Up.

Soulive

Soulive bring a strong album for No Place Like Soul, and to make it even more impressive, it is released on the new Stax Records! Featuring vocals from Toussaint, he contributes to the album really well, as he adds in an old school and gritty vocal sound. Soulive can sound rock ‘n’ roll at times, as the loud organs and keyboards bring back records like Ruth Brown or Etta James. Both Comfort, and Outrage share the same similar vibe in energy, Soulive prove that they know how to play. The group progress to higher levels, with songs such as Never Know, Yeah Yeah, and If This World Were A Song. Soulive has a concrete reputation as one of the most sought after instrumental soul-funk bands/trios, and they are one of the hardest working bands in the business. They constantly are touring the US, and craving for a bigger challenge. No Place Like Soul was released, September 24th, 2007.

Soulisms 2008