Songs to Obsess Over & Over…
January 2025 Edition
Sault – I Look For You
(Forever Living)
The mysterious UK outfit known as Sault has been dropping some of the most incredible music of this decade with 10 albums in only 6 years. We had 2 drop in 2019, 2 in 2020, 5 in 2022 and their 10th dropping on Christmas in 2024. And since it’s such a late release it crosses over to what will easily have a spot on my end of the year top 10 for 2025. Acts of Faith comes off like a soothing mixtape, where each track effortlessly flows into the next, it almost sounds like 1 session. It’s hard to pick one song to highlight so I am using the opening track since it’s where everyone should start and just lose yourself in this reocrd. They’re back with the 70’s esque inspired soulful funky vibes and teamed up again with one of it’s most featured vocalists, Cleo Sol to provide some very simnplwe but powerful words. Don’t sleep on Sault .
Cymande – Chasing An Empty Dream
(BMG)
British Funk Rock legends are dropping a new album on January 31st and going on tour with one stop in San Francisco on Feb 26 (August Hall). Now you may ask, how does a band after releasing 3 amazing very influential albums in the early 70’s, come back over 50 years later with a new album, and still sound as good as they do? Their new album Renascence comes out on the heels of an amazing documentary rleased last February on the band and their legacy and their music fouind it’s way into the crates of many ip-Hop Djs and producers. On their comeback single “Chasing An Empty Dream” they prove they haven’t lost a step, with a moovin groove talking to the younger generations trying to make sense of this world. Soniocally this song is so full with beautiful orchestration, a funky guitar riff and some head nod percussion. The album cover like their other album covers are very visually pleasing. It’s great after such a long break they can come back and still jam as hard as they do.
Jungle – Keep Me Satisfied
(XL)
Picking up where their critically acclaimed album “Volcano” left off, Jungle returns with a new single for 2025 that adds to their incredible discography of feel good soulful retro/electronic bangers. “Keep Me Satisfied” is one of their uptempo 4 to the floor jams that utilizes 60’s harmonies and lead singer, Lydia Kitto’s semi washed out vocals that perfectly compliment the funky bass and guitar riffs. She’s quickly becoming the group’s 3rd member and I am not mad at that if she sticks around for more. Jungle has released 4 well received albums since 2014 and have gotten better with each entry. Not sur if this single is a one off or will lead to a new album, but considering their hot streak, I hope we get a full length release before the year ends.
Σtella – Adagio
(Sub Pop)
Greek Artist Σtella (pronounced Stella) releases the title cut from her forthcoming album “Adagio” dropping in April. Adagio is a pop record that feels like a warm blanket; it swaddles its listeners with nylon-string guitars, featherlight percussion, psychedelic keyboards, and staccato drums. Written and recorded over the span of five years with a consortium of international collaborators, including !!!’s(Chk Chk Chk) Rafael Cohen and British songwriter Gabriel Stebbing, the album was produced by Σtella and mixed by Edmund Irwin-Singer. This a a song I have had on repeat for a few weeks now and I can’t seem to stop playing it. It’s that catchy and just puts me in a good mood.
Kuna Maze – Stab
(Tru Thoughts)
Brussels-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ Kuna Maze, aka Edouard Gilbert, announces the release of his sophomore album ‘Layers’—a live-driven LP out Friday 7th March on the always reliable indie, Tru Thoughts. Stab is a beautiful combination of their signature jazzy sound with a bit of electronic influence, this time with a bit of a borken beat feel. This one has a bounce to it that you’ll come to fins yourself vibing out to to warm you up with this winter weather.