And just like that, we’re officially in the second half of 2019! Worry not however, as summer is here and bringing plenty of sunshine to our ears. This past month, we got a surprise album from Daniel Caesar, a much-awaited third album from Jordan Rakei and a bunch of EPs that had us on our feet.
Our best picks of the delightful bunch of R&B / Soul releases of the month below featuring Rachel Chinouriri, Monet, Pip Millett and more.
Rachel Chinouriri – Mama’s Boy EP
The super talented 19 year old Londonder, dropped her immaculate debut EP, Mama’s Boy, this month. 4 tracks full of captivating alternative soul, Chinouriri simply put is an artist that should be on your radar. Blessed with not only heart soothing vocals her storytelling abilities are up there with the very best in the growing UK scene.
The project which spans just under 15 mins showcases Rachel’s varied skill-set as an artist. Despite the tracks being very succinct, each track shows off a different element both lyrically and sonically.
Off the back her headline show earlier in the month at Hackney’’s MOTH Club, be sure to follow Rachel Chinouriri’s journey as she is set to only go from strength to strength.
Stand-out Track: Mama’s Boy
MONET leaves it all to bare on Off The Record
MONET leaves it all to bare on Off The Record.
South London based MONET dropped an amazing debut EP at the end of June. Full of brutal honesty throughout the poet/singer provides 17 mins of pure bliss across 6 tracks. Varied sonically, but consistently soulful this is certainly not an EP to sleep on.
MONET is definitely another artist worth keeping close tabs on within the new hub of UK orientated soulful R&B and Off The Record illustrates her talent in this genre.
Stand out track – Nostalgia
Pip Millett – Do Well EP
Fresh off the back of her amazing Colors performance of her single Make Her Cry in April, Manchester soul singer Pip Millett released EP Do Well this month.
Anyone familiar with Pip, knows that she is an exceptional songwriter with heartfelt relatable lyrics. Do Well is no exception in this regard and provides this in abundance over 4 tracks. Soulfully mesmerising Pip Millett is a singer that again is only getting better and better artistically and sonically.
Visually she treated us to a compilation video which includes all 4 tracks off the project. Be sure to check this out below.
Stand out track – Fancy
Jordan Rakei – Origin
Jordan Rakei followed up to his fantastic 2017 album Wallflower, this month with Origin. Musically, it’s a vibrant blend of smooth jazz, neo-soul, funk with a sprinkling of retro R&B.
As a result, lyrically, Rakei shines light on his wider thoughts and fears about the human experience. A concoction of themes don’t detract from the wonderfully vividly rich, hook-laden songs as Rakei wrenches himself clear of his comfort zone to dazzling effect.
On the whole Rakei again illustrates his ability to experiment with his soulful progressive sound which has him up there in the high echelons soulful R&B.
Stand out track – Mad World
So there you have it, June delivered yet another month of standout soulful music. Below are some dope singles which also deserve an honourable mention as well as a definite listen:
Cherries – Layfullstop
What If – Amber Mark
Dangerous – Shay Lia
Simmer – Mahalia ft Burna Boy
Meant To Be – Shae Universe
Mad World – Jordan Rakei
Smoke and Mirrors – Ka-Li, Kadeem Tyrell
CYANIDE – Daniel Caesar
When You Know – SK
Good Enough – Rachel Chinouriri
All To Myself – Baby Rose
Feel The Need – Eryn Allen Kane
Misunderstood – Lucky Daye
Nostalgia – Monet
