Matching Artists

This week In Soul Artists 06/52

Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love” introduced her voice with a restrained elegance, aiming for niche resonance while hinting at her potential; charting high on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing love from black music audiences, it balanced strategy and intimacy. Similarly, “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross shifted between sultry balladry and disco dynamism, earning chart-topping success and decades-long adaptability but leaving some critics debating its cohesion.

Ray Charles’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” reimagined a country classic with orchestral grandeur, winning Grammys and broad appeal, while Kanye West’s “All Falls Down” spun reflections on materialism into a polished hit, powered by Syleena Johnson’s warm vocals. D’Angelo’s “Lady” stood out for its understated neo-soul charm, and Luther Vandross’s “Take You Out” showcased his timeless delivery, balancing R&B tradition with contemporary flair.

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This week In ’90s Throwback’ 06/52

Amy Winehouse’s “Love Is a Losing Game” is a minimalist heartbreak ballad from *Back to Black*, where her smoky vocals shine against sparse production, earning it an Ivor Novello Award. Samantha Fish brings fiery blues-rock intensity to “I Put a Spell On You,” revisiting the classic with sharp guitar work and raw emotion. Meanwhile, Valerie June’s “Somebody to Love” pairs her distinctive banjolele with tender vocals, blending her Tennessee roots with gospel and blues influences.

Rhiannon Giddens reimagines Patsy Cline’s “She’s Got You” with understated precision, while Suzanne Vega’s “Solitude Standing” captures introspective quietness with layered textures. P!nk’s “Try” balances resilience and theatrics, epitomized by a strikingly physical music video. Sheryl Crow’s “Strong Enough” offers a raw, confessional tone, its stripped-back production bolstering its emotional weight, staying as impactful decades after its release.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°410 – 2010s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of

Nicki Minaj’s “Stupid Hoe” shines with chaotic, stripped-down beats and divisive energy, featuring rapid-fire lyrics and a theatrical music video by Hype Williams. Its biting tone, speculated as a jab at Lil’ Kim, polarized audiences, while the track peaked modestly at No. 59 on Billboard but broke Vevo’s 24-hour views record. Similarly, J. Cole’s “Middle Child” balances introspection and industry critique, highlighting his role bridging hip-hop generations. Produced by T-Minus, it became his highest-charting single at No. 4 on Billboard and earned 3× Platinum certification, blending personal reflection with a polished yet familiar sound.

Chris Brown’s “Yeah 3x” injects club-ready energy with its electro dance-pop sound, charting globally and going quintuple platinum in Australia despite plagiarism disputes with Calvin Harris. Meanwhile, AJ Tracey’s “Psych Out!” trades gritty bars for melodic finesse, achieving a No. 18 peak in the UK charts but leaning towards polish over rawness. Migos’ “Walk It Talk It,” featuring Drake, thrives on repetition, supported by a retro “Soul Train”-inspired video, peaking at No. 10 on Billboard and earning a 6× Platinum certification. Blueface’s “Thotiana,” backed by viral remixes, ascended to No. 8 on Billboard, though its sparse production and offbeat flow rendered it more fleeting cultural moment than rap cornerstone.

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This week In Male Balladeers 06/52

Lenny Kravitz’s “Dancin’ Til Dawn” leans on his funk and rock roots, carried by his multi-instrumental talents and Lenny Pickett’s sultry saxophone, though its mid-tempo groove feels more atmospheric than urgent. Paul Simon’s “Wristband” pairs flamenco rhythms and Clap! Clap!’s electronic touch to craft a witty reflection on exclusivity, offering layered social commentary with subtle humor.

Father John Misty’s “I Love You, Honeybear” blends lush orchestration with ironic lyrics, while Kurt Elling reimagines “Norwegian Wood” through a jazz lens, balancing abstraction and homage. Michael Bublé’s polished take on “Moondance” sticks closely to the original’s blueprint, and “My Valentine” by Paul McCartney, featuring Eric Clapton, delivers a refined yet understated personal tribute.

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‘Music For The Dancers’ N°113 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Bart Simpson’s “Do the Bartman” brings animated swagger with Nancy Cartwright’s playful delivery and Michael Jackson’s uncredited touch, chart-topping globally. Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” blends hip-hop flair with a Sister Sledge sample, bursting with charm and charting high. Rednex’s “Cotton Eye Joe” remixes Appalachian folk with Eurodance absurdity, becoming a wedding staple. Underworld’s “Born Slippy (Nuxx)” thrives on its raw, euphoric chaos, while C+C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat” pairs powerhouse vocals with energetic beats. SNAP’s “Exterminate!” delivers dark Eurodance vibes, and Take That’s “Could It Be Magic” reinvents a Manilow classic with boy-band bravado.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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Hip-Hop & Soul N°356 – Vintage 2000s Music Videos

How well do you know the music of Blu Cantrell’s “Make Me Wanna Scream” blends R&B with reggae, driven by raw vocals and Ian Lewis’s warm backing, though it falls short of “Breathe’s” impact. Les Nubians’ “Makeda” reintroduces French to American R&B, fusing neo-soul with Afrocentric rhythms. Handsome Boy Modeling School’s “Rock N’ Roll” defies genres, mixing turntablism with alternative rock. Roots Manuva’s “Colossal Insight” offers introspection with a deep dub-inspired beat, while Obie Trice’s “The Set Up” delivers sharp rap storytelling amplified by Nate Dogg’s haunting chorus. Noisettes’ punk-tinged “Sister Rosetta” channels chaotic celebration, and Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself and I” shines as a minimalist ode to resilience. Akon’s understated “Pot of Gold” exudes quiet ambition, while Chris Brown and Keri Hilson’s “Superhuman” leans on sentimental balladry for emotional elevation.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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