The Seven Song Itch - Soul Sister Revival

Soul is in the ear of the beholder, or rather—in the voice of the singer.  As a child of the 70’s, I grew up hearing my fair share of soul stirring songs, so I take delight in these vocalists.  Now, I’m not a stickler for the past, on the contrary, my taste has a rather international flavor and with each new song I consider myself lucky to sample such a diverse selection.  In all honesty, I could rattle off Soul Icons all day, but I wanted to get a different point of view.  And yes, I've missed a myriad of singers, but this is just a sampler. Theses seven songs represent a partial British Invasion, with a couple of country gals thrown in the mix, of a Soul Sister Revival.

1. Joss Stone-“Drive All Night” (2011)

This lady is too young to be singing like this. Miss Stone is compared to many soul masters, but cuts her own piece of the chess pie with this song. Sometimes we all feel like a fool for love, but you complete me Joss—I would drive all night for you.  Footnote: In one of her live videos for this song, she shares a story of a lad that flew all the way from L.A. to pick her up from her flat and drive her to an appointment outside of London that she had the next morning.

2. Adele-“Someone Like You”(2011)

The mourning of a relationship can reduce you ruble. The exquisite sentiment conveyed in this ballad shows that some wounds will never heal. It isn’t easy seeing someone you love with someone new, but in order to heal you have to realize when it’s time to move on.

3. Duffy-“Warwick Avenue”(2008)

This cathartic tearjerker puts you in right smack dab the middle of a final breakup. I find that by the time she finishes the song, a good cry is on the way, as it was for Duffy in the video. Final words need to be said, and the sadness comes in the realization that a relationship is never going to work.

4. Amy Winehouse with Tony Bennett-“Body and Soul”(2011)

Though Amy’s musical roots are firmly planted in the girl groups of the 60’s, she eases in to the balladeer frontier with this soulful duet with masterful crooner Tony Bennett. It is her swan song as she passes into eternity. Amy is standing in front of us—begging to be loved.

5. Sheryl Crow-“Sign Your Name”(2010)

This cover version of Terence Trent D'Arby’s song from his first album (1987) works very well with Crows breathy vocal candor. It has a vintage Memphis-styled, soul-inspired feel, which finds Sheryl slipping her way into your heart, which makes you wannna stand up and shout, “Have Mercy!”

6. Martina McBride-“Whatcha Gonna Do”(2011)

Even cowgirls get the blues, and Martina is working it out for herself with this song. She’s giving him one last chance to do right, but knows deep within her heart that it’s over. She’s walking out the door, in an awful amount of hurt and frustration.

7. Dionne Bromfield – “Good For The Soul”

Dionne is part of the new British invasion and I look forward to hearing more from this soulful singer.  She signed to Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records label in 2009, and has two releases under her belt.  Dionne’s sound is reminiscent of Atlantic/Philly Soul singers, though she was born way beyond its heyday.  It’s great to see a great genre of music come into the new millennium with new breath.