Maybe I'm still on a high from Prince's Welcome 2 Chicago shows, or on a pre-high from getting tix to Emeli Sandé's upcoming show at Lincoln Hall in January, but I've been getting deeply back into R&B/soul these past few months. Much in the way hip-hop proved it was still one of the most creative and vital formats this past year, R&B is now catching that same creative fever it's been lacking since Wendy and Lisa left The Revolution. Recently albums by The Weeknd and Frank Ocean echo the minimalism of Drake and Kanye West to yield some truly beautiful, stripped down soul music that once again showcase the heart and lyrics over high production.
If you want to ride this party train and don't know where to start loving soul again, might I suggest the old standards? You can't lose with divas like The Best of Whitney Houston, with two newish tracks; or the brand new comeback record by Xtina Aguilera, both out on November 13. If you can't wait that long you can pick up Chicago's own Heather Headley's new collection of covers, Only One In the World, in anticipation of her run in the West End's The Bodyguard musical; or Anita Baker's new album Only Forever, which hits stands as this issue hits the street.
Now that you've got your comfort zone set, there're some past acts lighting new creative flames lately — to mixed results. Brandy's latest, Two Eleven, might as well have been left in Twenty Eleven. It rings similar to Beyoncé's hookless disappointment, 4; last year I trashed it in this column, but I still love that girl, no matter. Here's hoping Alicia Keys' foray into modern territory (Girl On Fire, 11/27) hits rather than misses. If the single is any indication, her dress may be the edgiest thing happening here.
Now you're ready to take some chances with your soul. Do not resist picking up Kaleidoscope Dream, the newest by Miguel. In the same vein as Kanye's 808s or Frank Ocean, Miguel taps into classic soul structures and vocal styles, but puts them through a filter from the future, creating an unsettling but sexy mix. Possibly one of the finest collections this year. And keep an eye out for both Missy Elliot and D'Angelo's comeback albums, or Aaliyah's posthumous Drake-produced CD, rumored for 2013. Early signs point to an even better 2013: The year "soul" took back its soul.
Keep an eye out for DJ Moose's new Old Skool night in 2013 ...