The Latest in Soul Music: 2012
Check out what’s new in the world of soul music. From the latest hits to up-and-coming artists, we’ve got the scoop on the best of the best in 2012.
The Rise of Neo-Soul
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of a new generation of soul artists who drew from the sounds of classic soul, R&B, and hip-hop to create a unique sound that came to be known as neo-soul. Artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill brought soul music back to the mainstream and helped to revitalize the genre.
The success of neo-soul paved the way for a new wave of soul artists who are continuing to push the boundaries of what soul music can be. In 2012, we’ve seen some incredible new soul music from established artists like Bobby Womack and Charles Bradley, as well as from newer artists like Frank Ocean and Alabama Shakes.
Here are some of the best new soul albums of 2012:
Bobby Womack – The Bravest Man in the Universe
Charles Bradley – Victim of Love
Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE
Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
Vanhunt – Popular
The New Wave of Soul Music
The new wave of soul music is a movement in popular music which began in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It combines elements of previous soul styles with contemporary R&B and hip hop. The new wave of soul artists have been influenced by a wide range of sources, including classic soul, motown, R&B, hip hop, electronica, pop, rock, and even country.
The new sound of soul has been embraced by both critics and music fans alike. Many of the new wave of soul artists have achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. Some of the most notable names in the genre include Adele, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, Duffy, Ledisi, Leona Lewis, Melanie Fiona, Raphael Saadiq, and Sade.
The new wave of soul is proving to be one of the most exciting and popular movements in popular music today. If you’re a fan of soul music, then you need to check out the latest from these talented artists.
The Future of Soul Music
It’s safe to say that soul music is enjoying a renaissance at the moment. With a sound that’s both classic and modern, soulful artists are charting new territory while staying true to the genre’s roots. Here are some of the biggest soul music trends of 2012.
One of the most exciting things about soul music right now is the way it’s being used to create social change. Artists like Janelle Monáe and Kendrick Lamar are using their platform to speak out on important issues, and their music is all the better for it. We can expect to see more socially conscious soul music in the years to come.
Another big trend in soul music is a return to its roots. Artists like Leon Bridges and Alabama Shakes are drawing inspiration from classic sounds of the 1950s and 1960s, resulting in a fresh take on a familiar style. This retro style is also evident in contemporary R&B, as artists like D’Angelo and Frank Ocean are bringing classic sounds into the 21st century.
The final trend we’re seeing in soul music is an embrace of electronic production. While this might seem at odds with the genre’s organic roots, it’s actually resulting in some fascinating new sounds. Artists like Sampha and SZA are using electronics to augment their already soulful voices, creating songs that are both beautiful and innovative.
These trends suggest that soul music is as alive as ever, with artists pushing the genre in new and exciting directions. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s soul musicians will do with this rich history at their disposal.
