SMOOTH
BABY...
For those glidin’.
With spring having sprung we felt we should put together a selection of beautiful tracks to soundtrack the transition out of winter into brighter times. We’ve compiled a selection of R&B and Soul tracks so smooth that they will have you levitating. Start your day off with these soulful tunes to accompany your morning coffee/tea or blissfully unwind with them as an accompaniment to your glass of wine in the bath at the end of a long day.
From Boston, to London, to Wales these artists all have something special to offer. From Khamari’s smooth crooning to Barny Fletcher’s pop sensibility and L E M F R E C K’s experimental take on R&B, this selection has something in it for everyone.
1. ‘Smell Real Nice’
Barny Fletcher
London-based artist Barny Fletcher releases his newest single titled “Smell Real Nice!” The song is the latest track from Barny’s forthcoming debut album, Lonestar, due out September 15 via Guin Records.
The release follows the June drop of his single “Masterpiece,” a groovy funk track that saw a spin by BBC Introducing on 1Xtra. Barny first kicked off the album campaign with the euphoric track “WOO!” which saw a release in May. The album’s singles have already garnered strong Spotify support landing on playlists such as New Music Friday UK and Fresh Finds.
“Smell Real Nice” shows a bombastic track dripping with unabashed confidence and the spellbinding charisma of an artist truly coming into their own. The track adds to the collection of standout tracks teasing Barny’s upcoming debut album. Accompanied by a whimsical official video, the song is an absolute banger. On the track, Barny describes: “A story about a guy and a girl, spinning through the city of Los Angeles. He’s trying to persuade her it could be more than a one-time thing. She enjoys the chase. He also likes her perfume. Yup that’s the song.”
Looking at his upcoming album Lonestar, Fletcher delves into themes rooted in young love and self-discovery. The album boasts a collection of songs written against the backdrop of a road trip to California, each song revealing a bit more of Barny’s journey while continuing to spotlight Barny’s magnetic energy and charisma that have defined his artistry since day one.
2. ‘Clearer’
L E M F R E C K
“Clearer,” is one of the standouts of L E M F R E C K’s newly released album ‘Blood, Sweat & Fears,’ a magnum opus that delves into the essence of his experiences growing up in Wales. Through this album, he pays a heartfelt tribute to his roots and community, crafting a sonic journey that resonates deeply with listeners.
“Clearer,” carries an emotional weight that reflects his personal growth and self-discovery. Penned during a period of reflection on a past breakup, the track exhibits a rare sense of maturity and acceptance. LEMFRECK’s introspective lyricism shines as he candidly unravels his feelings, revealing a profound understanding of the circumstances that led to the split. This newfound perspective, while tinged with melancholy, exudes a sense of emotional clarity that is poignant and refreshing.
LEMFRECK’s musical identity is a fusion of his grime background and formal musical training, a blend that manifests beautifully in “Clearer.” With underground gritty sounds as his canvas and intricate storytelling as his brush, he paints a vivid picture that captures the raw essence of life’s complexities. Drawing inspiration from influential artists like Ghetts and Kano, as well as legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince, his versatility shines through his music.
Having honed his craft as a musician for gospel artists, his journey is one of resilience and hard work. Hailing from a city with challenging living standards, he embraces the ethos that diligent effort is the path to success. His emergence in the UK urban scene, particularly in the Pirate grime scenes of Bristol and Wales, showcases his innate ability to conjure up evocative sounds that echo with narratives of the past while remaining relevant in the present.
3. ‘These Four Walls’
KHAMARI
With the release of his debut album ‘A Brief Nirvana’, Khamari, the versatile artist from Boston, stuns with his unique blend of poignant songwriting and contemporary soundscapes. His effortless voice and heart-touching tone slides straight into your feels. Featuring earlier singles such as “Doctor, My Eyes”, Khamari’s freshman album is nothing short of brilliant.
In particular, ‘These Four Walls’, which starts with a slow, effortless composition of stripped-down instrumentation, only a bass, slow drum and strummed guitar, while Khamari’s silken vocals dance on-top. A love song that laments the challenges of relationships and solace in our own space. Khamari has the ability to weave diverse influences into a cohesive and compelling sound. As Khamari continues to evolve and experiment, his music resonates with authenticity and musical maturity, leaving fans and us excited for more.
