Frank Ocean: Channel Orange

I've mentioned Frank Ocean on the blog before, and I don't think there will be a best of 2012 list out there that doesn't have his Channel Orange near the top. The album is thoughtful, well-layered hip hop, with equal dashes of R&B, Soul.

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

This is the track, Only in My Dreams, off the album Mature Themes, which was released in August on the 4AD label. The soulful song Baby, off the same album, has also garnered some attention and is worth a listen.

Nick Waterhouse: Some Place

I have commented often on this blog about how thrilled I am that there is so much soul out there these days. If you agree, you're going to love this song off Waterhouse's debut album that was release last month on Innovative Leisure Records.

JMSN

Detroit-based JMSN (Christian Berishaj) lists Prince, Phil Collins, Fiona Apple, Radiohead, Hatiras, and Boys Noize as influences on his music and I can hear them all in the song below. His 2012 album, Priscilla, is a fascinating and unique approach to hip hop. It is also worth noting that he is a one man show, having written and produced all the tracks on the album; he even filmed the music videos himself.

Charles Bradley: Heartaches & Pain

We are in the middle of a sort of 1960's soul music revival fueled in large part by the success of Daptone Records , which is the label that relesed Bradley's 2011 album No Time for Dreaming, where you'll find this song. By all accounts, Charles Bradley has had a life filled with many difficulties, and it is that which brings the gravitas to his sound. When you listen to the song below, not only are you blown away by the performance, but when you hear him sing about heartaches and pain, he is credible. Not all artists possess that quality, and that is what separates good soul from the very best. Let me know what you think.

Alabama Shakes: I Found You

I love the retro sound of this song. This Alabama-based band is playing rock as it should be. And the video isn't too bad either.

Amy Correia: Powder Blue Trans Am

Here's some gritty Americana for you. Learn more about Amy Correia here.

Fort Knox Five

This Washington, D.C. quintet has got enough funk to go around for everyone. Try not to dance when you hear this one.



Buy it on Amazon: Radio Free DC

Grace Woodroofe: H

This Australian artist's voice has great tone. She seems perfectly comfortable singing heartfelt pieces like this, but then you hear her singing one of her 70's sounding rock songs and you think that she was born to wail. I like that flexibility, don't you?



Buy it on Amazon: Always Want

Diplomats of Solid Sound: Lights Out

There is so much soul out there right now this songs feels like a recent release, but it's actually off the 2008 album, The Diplomats of Solid Sound Featuring The Diplomettes.



Buy it here: The Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring The Diplomettes

Gary Clark Jr.: Bright Lights

A lot of people are calling this Texas-born musician the savior of blues. What do you think?



Buy it here: Bright Lights

Fink: If Only

Off this British artist's 2007 album, Distance and Time.



Buy it here: Distance and Time

Wio-K featuring Tasha Rozez: Foot Loose

Infectious song off the 2008 album, In Real Life.



Buy it here: Foot Loose

Michael Kiwanuka: Tell Me A Tale

You will love this soulful song off of this British artist's recent release which reminds me of Van Morrison.

Check out his website here.

King Curtis and The Kingpins: Memphis Soul Stew

Here's a fun song from a great American musician.

The Heavy

You'll dig this song off the 2009 album The House That Dirt Built.

Bobby Long: Dead & Done Blues

Here is a solid blues-drenched folk tune by this British artist, who is signed to Dave Matthews' record label, ATO Records.

Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra: Kiss the Sky

Shawn Lee is a multi-instrumentalist from Kansas. This song is off his album Voices and Choices.

Raphael Saadiq: Stone Rollin'

Stone Rollin' is to be released in March:

Tontelas feat. Ski: On My Way

Off the 2010 compilation album Coming Home by Boozoo Bajou, the German duo also responsible for the Juke Joint compilations some of you might have heard of. This is ridiculously smooth song, and I hope you enjoy it.