Shapes 07: 02

Impressive compilation from the headers of UK hip-hop and soul, Tru-Thoughts Records release Shapes 07: 02. The first song by Azaxx Fiesta Tropical starts off the compilation on a up beat groove. Then the Nostalgia 77 Povo Mix by Wildflower (jazz in the amounts). Belleruche add there fine addition to the mix with Nothern Girls remixed by DJ Vadim. Quantic & Nickodemus make a contribution with there famous advert song called Mi Swing Es Tropical. Then Uphygh deliver an energetic soulful number, while Lanu's Don't Stop fails to compliment the good quality songs heard at the beginning.

Thelma Houston

Grammy award winning artist Thelma Houston, releases an independent album A Woman’s Touch. Slightly pop, and dance, but she can still sing. The voice behind the disco classic Don’t Leave Me This Way returns, she had a break of seventeen years. A Woman’s Touch, features soulful versions of songs by Thelma Houston’s favorite male soul singers from Gene McFadden, Luther Vandross, Sting, Smokey Robinson, Jimmy Webb, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Victor Orsborn, Maurice White, Percy Mayfield. This album is personal to Thelma Houston as she dedicates it to the memory of Barry Gross. Produced & arranged by Peitor Angell, the songs convey great sincerity and soul that makes up for the time Thelma Houston has been away.

Melissa Young

There has always been a healthy soul music scene in Atlanta but Melissa Young is fresh and interesting. She speaks about love, life, relationship, and more. Starting the album strong are songs like Just A Girl, to Mr. Shonuff and the soulful You'll Never Know to Be Right There. Stay, Funny, It's About You are all acoustic driven songs. Melissa Young's husky vocals are a joy to hear. And admiration goes to her song writing skills. Silver Buttons is an interesting story (lyrically), and Chinese Torture is also. Rock With Me and Just Up The Road end the album on good notes.

Carmen Smith

Describing her own music as soulful, everyday people pop--easy, free, happy, honest, universally understood, with a soul twist--couldn't be more exact. Based in the Sydney, Carmen Smith delivers a real live instrument album with many musical edges. Carmen Smith has supported artists like Rahsaan Patterson and Roachford. Yet during songwriting, Carmen Smith gained much respect for her song Idol as it landed on the Austrailian Idol Winners album, and that was several. Casey Donovan, Kate DeArougo, Rosita Vai and Ricki Lee. Some were finalists, but her abilities in being creative appear to be endless. The album starts with With You, That Girl and Road To Nowhere--pop, and soulful at the same time.

Natasha Bedingfield

2007 has been quite a good year for Natasha Bedingfield. Her talent is impressive for a major label pop artist, who often comes across as quite false and reserved during interviews. Her performances are always soulful and dramatic. Released on Sony BMG, NB is the latest album from Natasha Bedingfield, covering pop, soul, and hip-hop. The first song How Do You Do? reminds one of a Black Eyed Peas number, while the Alicia Keys sound runs through the album with songs like I Wanna Make Your Babies, Soulmate and Say It Again. However, her rise to fame has come from a pop background and Natasha Bedingfield is a pop artist.

Amy Winehouse

After her massive hit album Back To Black released in 2006 on Island/Universal, Amy Winehouse returns after a much trouble filled 2007 to give her fans not only the live DVD but a deluxe edition to Back To Black. It covers reggae/ska songs like Cupid, and Your Wondering Now. Despite the clear need for Amy Winehouse to get some help (and a new boyfriend), her talent is incredible. Her live band could be stronger, as often her voice deserves a bigger band with horn sections and all. The Deluxe edition is very much worth the purchase just for these extra songs.

Soulisms 2008