Reviews
Here you find our WEST COAST SOUL album reviews of the past and present – always subjective, but full of respect for the music and artists. Let’s talk about records!
Album Review: “Band On The Run” (50th Anniversary Edition) by Wings
It’s been half a century since Paul McCartney, along with his band Wings, unleashed the iconic album “Band On The Run,” a masterpiece that solidified McCartney’s solo career in the annals of music history. Now, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, fans are treated to a special Anniversary Edition, offering a renewed appreciation for this classic album.
West Coast Soul.de – Albums Of The Year 2023
The year is coming to an end and it was again a year of great new releases and discoveries. Of course, it was and is always impossible to limit a year to just ten albums, but the following records have left a lasting impression on us and accompanied us through the last months. It’s time to honour the best albums of the year: Here is the West Coast Soul.de Top 10 of 2023!
Overview about all our reviews
Album Review: “Lost” by Shawn Lee - Shawn Lee has always been a musical globetrotter, and with “Lost”, the first album from his GPS Band, he turns disorientation into an art form. Known for his genre-hopping explorations and […]
Review: Woodbeez’ Debut Album “Pony Love” Is a Love Letter to the Heyday of West Coast AOR - Woodbeez might hail from Hannover, Germany, but their debut album, “Pony Love”, feels like it was born under the California sun. Steeped in the smooth grooves of late ’70s and […]
Album Review: “Entrance Music” by Okonski - The first notes of “Entrance Music” trickle in like the morning’s first light—soft, deliberate, and brimming with quiet intention. Pianist Steve Okonski and his trio return with a record that […]
Album Review: Eddie Chacon’s “Lay Low” Is A Meditative Journey Through Loss and Love - There’s a certain magic in moving slowly, in letting emotions unfurl at their own pace. Eddie Chacon understands this better than most. On “Lay Low”, his latest release via Stones […]
West Coast Soul.de: Albums Of The Year 2024 - As the year draws to a close, we reflect on another remarkable journey filled with outstanding releases and exciting discoveries. Choosing just ten albums to define a year is never an easy task, but these records have left an indelible mark on us, becoming the soundtrack of our past months. Now, it's time to celebrate the very best. Presenting the West Coast Soul.de Top 10 Albums of 2024!
Album Review: “Holocene” by Theodor - After turning heads with their acclaimed debut, psychedelic soul outfit Theodor returns with their sophomore album, “Holocene”. If their 2023 self-titled debut introduced the world to their distinctive blend of […]
Album Review: “Come Ahead” by Primal Scream - Primal Scream have done it again. With “Come Ahead”, their 13th (!) album, they drag us back to a time when rave, rock, and rebellious energy collided in a beautiful […]
Album Review: “Soft Focus” by Joel Sarakula - Joel Sarakula, the globetrotting Australian troubadour known for reviving 70s-inspired funk, soul, and soft-rock, has returned with a new album that feels like a love letter to the West Coast […]
Album Review: “Cinema 3000” by Common Saints - Common Saints’ debut album, “Cinema 3000”, is an expansive soundscape that beckons listeners into a cinematic world, lush with warm grooves and meticulously crafted textures. The personal project of acclaimed […]
Album Review: “The Originals 4” - In the ever-evolving world of soul and funk, it’s rare to find a compilation that so seamlessly captures the essence of a global sound, but Golden Rules’ latest offering, “The […]
Album Review: “Got A Story To Tell” by Thee Sacred Souls - When Thee Sacred Souls first broke onto the scene with their 2022 self-titled debut, they were hailed as a soulful revelation, a band whose smooth grooves and nostalgic melodies drew […]
Album Review: “Im Schwarzwald” by Hamburg Spinners - The mod-jazz quartet Hamburg Spinners returns with their third LP, “Im Schwarzwald”, a breezy, groove-laden tour de force that pays homage to the legendary sound of the Hammond B-3 while […]
Rio 18’s “Radio Chévere” Is A Funky, Genre-Bending Love Letter to Latin Music - Rio 18’s latest album, “Radio Chévere”, is a thrilling cross-continental ride through the many worlds of Latin and Tropical music, guided by the infectious voice of guest DJ Coco Maria. […]
Album Review: “Deliria” by Alex Puddu - Alex Puddu’s latest release, “Deliria”, is a time machine set to the synth-laden, neon-soaked days of the 1980s. A tribute to Italo Disco and sultry electric funk, “Deliria” dives deep […]
Kosmischer Läufer’s Track Club EP: A Cosmic Sprint into the Heart of Krautrock - Kosmischer Läufer’s “Track Club EP” isn’t just an obscure collection of krautrock-inspired tracks; it’s a deep dive into the secretive, highly controlled and fictional world of East German athletic training, […]
Dane Donohue’s “L.A. Rainbow” Shines Bright in His Miraculous Return to AOR - It’s been 46 years since the world last heard from Dane Donohue, the enigmatic AOR singer-songwriter whose self-titled 1978 debut became a cult classic among West Coast music aficionados. Now, […]
Album Review: “Túnel Acústico” by Marcos Valle - No one has lived a life quite like Marcos Valle, and his latest album “Túnel Acústico” proves that no one makes music quite like him either. Valle’s journey from bossa […]
Album Review: “Low End Love Songs” by Pale Jay - Pale Jay, the enigmatic and masked soul musician who first captivated us with his 2021 EP "The Celestial Suite", returns with a sophomore effort that stands as a testament to his evolution as both an artist and a storyteller. "Low End Love Songs" is more than just an album; it’s a deeply personal diary set to music, reflecting the artist’s journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. Recorded in just four weeks, this LP is a profound exploration of emotions, delivered with a maturity and confidence that solidifies Pale Jay’s place in the modern soul music landscape.
Album Review: “Whispering Ln” by Volodja Brodsky - “Whispering Ln”, marks a significant milestone for Estonian composer and keyboardist Volodja Brodsky. Known for his work with psych-funk and rare groove bands like Estrada Orchestra, Centre El Muusa, and […]
Album Review: “The Modern Illusion” by dark satellite - Dark Satellite, the dynamic duo of Denis Moulin and Paul Curtiz, have delivered a captivating debut album, The Modern Illusion, that masterfully blends West Coast music nostalgia with a modern […]
Review: “Analog Love” by Dabeull - Dabeull has long been one of the masters of the contemporary French electrofunk scene. Now, with "Analog Love", his overdue solo debut album is finally being released. The nine-track marvel is the artist's reverent homage to the electrifying funk and R&B music of the 80s. Recorded on the legendary Harrison 32C console, the centrepiece of Michael Jackson's magnum opus "Thriller", this album is a seamless fusion of nostalgia and innovation. 
“A La Sala” by Khruangbin -
Khruangbin's latest album, "A La Sala," presents a return to their roots, marking a departure from the more radio-friendly pop sound of their previous album, "Mordechai." This record is a testament to the trio's commitment to their signature style, offering a blend of simmering, low-key rhythms and minimal vocals that epitomize their musical essence.
“Downtown” by Super db - Super DB's latest offering, "Downtown," encapsulates a mesmerizing blend of pop, disco, funk, and AOR, reminiscent of the early 1980s American West Coast sound. Hailing from the South of England, this quartet, led by twin brothers J-M and J-P Sutcliffe, alongside Jonathan Wills and Indigo Pearce, presents a nostalgic album that effortlessly transports listeners back to an era of pulsating rhythms and infectious melodies.
Review: Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 - In the wake of the success of its predecessor, "Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 1," Compost Records presents a follow-up that not only lives up to expectations but ventures further into the kaleidoscopic realm of krautrock-infused electronica. Curated and compiled by Fred und Luna, this second volume serves as a testament to the enduring influence of pioneering German acts such as Kraftwerk, Can, Neu!, and Cluster, while contamporary artists simultaneously propelling the genre into new territories.
Review: “It’s Soul That Counts” by Principles of Joy - The latest work "It's Soul That Counts" by Principles of Joy is an impressive proof that first-class, intense and versatile Soul Music does not have to come exclusively from the USA. On their third album, the French soul outfit skilfully blends elements of Northern Soul, Blaxploitation, Dance and Psychedelic Soul to create an irresistible fusion that honours its roots while staying effortlessly in the here and now.
Album Review: “Band On The Run” (50th Anniversary Edition) by Wings - It's been half a century since Paul McCartney, along with his band Wings, unleashed the iconic album "Band On The Run," a masterpiece that solidified McCartney's solo career in the annals of music history. Now, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, fans are treated to a special Anniversary Edition, offering a renewed appreciation for this classic album.
West Coast Soul.de – Albums Of The Year 2023 - The year is coming to an end and it was again a year of great new releases and discoveries. Of course, it was and is always impossible to limit a year to just ten albums, but the following records have left a lasting impression on us and accompanied us through the last months. It’s time to honour the best albums of the year: Here is the West Coast Soul.de Top 10 of 2023!
Review: “Chronicles of a Diamond” by Black Pumas - When Black Pumas unleashed their self-titled debut in 2019, it was as if a soulful explosion had rocked the music world. The Austin-bred duo of singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada not only earned critical acclaim but also won over the hearts of fans, who were spellbound by their electrifying live performances. Four years later, the highly anticipated sophomore album, "Chronicles of a Diamond," has arrived, and it's a wild and mesmerizing journey that cements Black Pumas' status as an unstoppable force in the music scene.
Review: “Behind The Tea Chronicles” by Ed Motta - In the world of music, the return of Ed Motta is nothing short of a grand spectacle. After a five-year hiatus, the musical "Colossus of Rio" reclaims his throne with his 14th studio album, "Behind The Tea Chronicles." This musical journey transcends boundaries and welcomes us to immerse ourselves not only in groovy, soul-stirring tunes but also in cinematic reveries.
Review: “Popsicle Toes” by the Buster Brown Band - Named after a cartoon character, the Buster Brown Band from Texas evolved in the 70s and early 80s from a classic blues rock band into one of Dallas' hottest blue-eyed soul and funk outfits. Unfortunately, a planned album never materialised at the time and numerous demos disappeared into the archives. Thanks to the Parisian label Providenciales Records, these songs oscillating between funk, blue-eyed soul and West Coast AOR have now finally been officially released on "Popsicle Toes". West Coast music aficionados who love bands and artists like Pages, Earth, Wind & Fire, Eric Tagg or LeBlanc And Carr should definitely give it a listen.
Between heat and heart – on their new album 79.5 celebrate New York club sound in all its facets - 79.5 describe themselves as "the sound of New York City" - and they don't exaggerate, especially when it comes to the sound of dark R'n'B and disco clubs in Brooklyn, where longing, ecstasy and breakdown are celebrated every night. On their now released sophomore album, the Brooklyn-based band captures all these emotional states in great songs that oscillate between 70's underground disco, electro boogie, acid jazz and sugary sweet pop - somewhere between the cool funkiness of the Universal Togetherness Band and the catchiness of the Scissor Sisters.
The Everettes celebrate the classic Motown sound on their new album “Soul Steps” - With their second album "Soul Steps", the Berlin and San Diego based soul outfit The Everettes follow in the footsteps of their musical idols and catapult the classic sound of Motown, Stax and Northern Soul into the 21st century with a lot of finesse and dedication. Anyone who can sit still while listening to these stirring soul stompers is beyond help. "Soul Steps" is definitely a must-have for the upcoming Northern Soul party.
Emm Gryner heads for the sunny shores of yacht rock with her new album ‘Business & Pleasure’ - When a music professional like Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner sets out to record a tribute to the L.A. sound of the late '70s and early '80s, she doesn't do things by halves. On her new album 'Business & Pleasure', the artist gathers session musicians from the golden age and, with the help of producer Fred Mollin, transfers the mellow sound of the past into the 2020s. The result is a varied album that will not only please lovers of classic yacht rock.
West Coast Soul.de – Albums Of The Year 2022 - The year is coming to an end and it was again a year of great new releases and discoveries. Of course, it was and is always impossible to limit a year to just ten albums, but the following records have left a lasting impression on us and accompanied us through the last months. It's time to honour the best albums of the year: Here is the West Coast Soul.de Top 10 of 2022!
The Zenmenn and John Moods combine West Coast AOR and Ambient on their new album “Hidden Gem” - For their second album "Hidden Gem", German band The Zenmenn teamed up with singer-songwriter John Moods to magnificently fuse sun-drenched, laid-back yacht rock harmonies with atmospheric ambient landscapes into a kind of cosmic West Coast AOR. 
Album Review: Lee Fields explores the depths of the human soul on his new album “Sentimental Fool” - It has taken over 20 years, now finally the legendary American soul singer Lee Fields has released his first album on the New York Daptone Records label. With the support of label founder Gabriel Roth and the best musicians Daptone has to offer, the 72-year-old singer explores the essence of pure, true emotion on "Sentimental Fool" and impressively demonstrates his mastery. Soul music can't get much deeper than this.
On “hallo 22” Max Herre and Dexter celebrate the funk music of the GDR - In the midst of the Cold War, when the Iron Curtain divided Europe, a music scene flourished in East Germany in the 1970s that, under the strict eyes of the SED regime, turned influences from the "class enemy" such as soul, funk and psychedelic rock into something unique. For the compilation "hallo 22 - DDR Funk und Soul 1971-81", German hip-hop veterans Max Herre and Felix "Dexter" Göppel joined forces to search the archives of the East German label Amiga for musical treasures from this period. What they found is a testimony to the great musicality, creativity and hope of these artists.
Concert review: Young Gun Silver Fox in Hengelo - There are concerts and there are Young Gun Silver Fox shows. We had to wait a long time to finally see Andy Platts and Shawn Lee live again. The buzzkill Covid had put a spanner in the works of the tour for their third album "Canyons". Now, finally, they were back where they belong: in the spotlight, in front of an enthusiastic audience. 
Review: “Get On The Otherside” by Bobby Oroza - On his second album "Get On The Otherside", now released on Big Crown Records, Finnish soul singer Bobby Oroza succeeds in transcending the personal existential crises of the past COVID years into forward-looking, positive messages, which he packs into marvellous analogue, atmospheric soul deeply rooted in the 70s. With this record, Oroza releases one of the most beautiful soul albums of the year with a clear message that never gets old: all you really need is love.
Review: “You Do It Cause You Love It” by Goldstoned - After nine years, Patrick Goldstein aka Goldstoned finally returns with a new album. On "You Do It Cause You Love It", the Berlin-based artist blends Burt Bacharach with 80s-inspired British indie pop and Northern soul with such sophistication and connoisseurship that it's a joy. A treasure trove of an album - not just for initiated pop aficionados.
The Five West Coast Classics of the month – December 2021 - Once a month we take a look back at the classics and rather unknown album highlights of West Coast music from the 70s and 80s. Join WEST COAST SOUL on a foray through our record collection and travel with us back into the past.
Albums of the Year 2021 - The year 2021 is drawing to a close and it was again a year of great new releases and rediscoveries. Of course it was and is always impossible to limit a year to just ten albums, but the following records have left a lasting impression on us and have accompanied us through these difficult times. It is time to honour the best albums of the year: Here is the West Coast Soul.de Top 10 of 2021!- The Five West Coast Classics of the month – November 2021 - Once a month we take a look back at the classics and rather unknown album highlights of West Coast music from the 70s and 80s. Join WEST COAST SOUL on a foray through our record collection and travel with us back into the past.
Review: “An Evening with Silk Sonic” by Silk Sonic - As Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak resurrect the symphonic soul of the 70s with finesse and passion and take us into a world of analogue emotions. Their just released debut album "An Evening with Silk Sonic" offers with its plush feel-good sound and perfectionist timelessness a safe haven in troubled COVID times and opens up a great era of music history for a new generation of music lovers. Definitely one of the albums of the year!
Review: “If Words Were Flowers” by Curtis Harding - On his third album "If Words Were Flowers", Atlanta-based soul artist Curtis Harding once again skilfully blends classic soul and R&B influences with elements of hip-hop and psychedelia, but also expands his sound with jazzy nuances, experimental arrangements and the emotional power of gospel. The result is a stirring plea for love and humanity in chaotic times and one of the most beautiful soul albums of the year coming to an end.
The five West Coast Classics of the month – August 2021 - Once a month we take a look back at the classics and rather unknown album highlights of West Coast music from the 70s and 80s. Join WEST COAST SOUL on a foray through our record collection and travel with us back into the past.
Review: “Sgt Culpepper” by Joel Culpepper - With his unique voice and energetic blend of modern soul and funk, Joel Culpepper has been one of the hottest acts on the British R&B scene for years. On his debut album "Sgt Culpepper", the singer-songwriter from South East London, with a little help from friends like Swindle, Tom Misch and Shawn Lee, realises his vision of retro-modern soul music and sets a new standard for British R&B. Definitely one of the most exciting albums of the year. 
Review: “For Free” by David Crosby - On his new album "For Free", David Crosby revives his legendary musicality shortly before his 80th birthday and, with the support of artists such as Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen from Steely Dan and Sarah Jarosz, creates an almost transcendent painting of Californian music between poetry, prayer and classic folk-rock harmonies.- The Five West Coast Classics of the month – July 2021 - Once a month we take a look back at the classics and rather unknown album highlights of West Coast music from the 70s and 80s. Join WEST COAST SOUL on a foray through our record collection and travel with us back into the past.
Review: “Septet” by John Carroll Kirby - With "Septet", LA-based producer, pianist and composer John Carroll Kirby has released a jazz album that seems to have fallen out of time, full of warm grooves and spiritual jazz funk schooled in Herbie Hancock, George Duke and Weather Report. Everything sounds relaxed, warm and playful. One of the most beautiful jazz releases of the year.
Thomas Splett