So the previous month of November 2023 was a fairly simple month in terms of New Soul Album/EPs released but we did get a few dope projects. We also got a number of Holiday Themed Projects from the likes of Robert Glasper, Brandy, Gregory Porter and George Burton. But overall it was a fairly solid list of Soul Releases. My absolute favorite Soul Album/EP of the month come from "Robert Glasper"entitled "In December" which is his Holiday Themed album with features from Cynthia Erivo, PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Tarriona "Tank" Ball, Alex Isley, Andra Day and The Baylor Project. This project is just 6 tracks but clocks in at 31 minutes so I consider it an ablum and boy is it good! It stands out from traditional Christmas/Holiday Albums due to Robert's distinct signature piano sound and his ability to bring out the best in the singers he features. It is indeed a Holiday Project but it feels even more like an authentic Robert Glasper project and that alone is a dope thing. My favorite tracks are God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Carol Of The Bells, Joy To The World and December, but every track is dope and flows seamlessly together for a cohesive and classic sounding Robert Glasper project. The other thing, is that this album is exclusively on Apple Music, but I think it's certainly worthy an iTunes purchase if you don't have an Apple Music subscription. Huge shout out to my good Brother "Mark" for putting me on to this album, it was the most refreshing soul album I heard in the month of November 2023 and clearly my favorite at the 1 spot.
For the 2 and 3 spot I had to give the next best projects to Producer/Singer band "Moonchild" for their "Reflections EP" and Singer/Producer "Amber Navran" for her "Knock On The Orange Door" album. If you're already familiar with Moonchild then you likely know that Amber Navran is also the lead singer of that group, so it's a pleasant supre that she would be a major part of 2 albums releases in November, one with Moonchild and the other her Solo Album which she also sung on but really got to showcase her beat making and producer skills. "The Reflections" project is on the shorter side with just 6 tracks but every track sounds really good, and it flows cohesively together. While Amber's solo project "Knock On The Orange Door" not only showcases her quality singing abilities but also displays her dope sound as a producer. You could tell she's having fun with singing and exploring they keyboard in her production. There's a funky soulful hip hop vibe on a number of her beats as well.
In the 4th spot, "BJ The Chicago Kid" comes through with his new Album "Gravy" which showcases his signature sound and you get just what you'd expect from his music, with pure modern RnB and Soul. In the 5th spot, Chris Brown does his thing as well with his new album "11:11", with plenty of tracks that display his usual modern rnb vibe, while "Ego Ella May" takes the 6th spot and achieves giving a consitently dope soulful vibe in just 4 tracks with her newest EP "Field Notes Pt. III". There were a number other dope releases that came out in November but these were certainly my top 6. For the rest of my music selections check out the full list in rank order from 1 thru 17 below.
The majority of these projects are also availble on a variety of the traditional digital streaming platforms except for one which is currently on Apple Music and Itunes and another Project currently exclusively on bandcamp. I listed which those projects are below, as you'll see apple music and bandcamp next to their titles. Check out our "Best Of" Playlist below for the Month of Novemebr 2023. The playlist includes some of the new stand alone singles from other artists, as well as Album/EP track selections from this list. Our Spotify Playlist is entitled "New Soul (November 2023)". You can also check out the playlist embedded from spotify below. Enjoy the music!
Post by Cril of Out Da Box Media