new music: stream altanta soul singer curtis harding’s genre re-defining debut album ‘soul power’ #soundcheck

At this point in the history of soul, it’s rare for a record to show up that really shakes things up. Rarer still for it to shake things up by going back to the basics. Calling Curtis Harding’s debut record Soul Power would be ostentatious if the album was such a perfect display of the raw power of soul music.

Words by Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK Contributor

With the 1-2-3 combo of “Next Time,” “Castaway,” and “Keep On Shining,” Harding kicks things off by harkening back to the stripped down under-produced sound of the early Stax era. There are few, if any, overdubs. The documentary-style production gives the impression of being present in the rehearsal studio with a band that redefines what it means to be tight. They’re just loose enough to have some give; their rhythms and riffs feel lived in. Soul Power gives you the best of both worlds, it has the confidence and depth of a band’s late period release with all the excitement and freshness of a debut.

Of course having the tightest combo only matters if it’s in service of great songwriting, which Curtis Harding has down. Tracks like “Beautiful People” (no, it’s not a Marilyn Manson cover) and “I Need A Friend” show a thoughtful side of Curtis Harding. While “Drive My Car” (no, it’s not a Beatles cover) and “Cruel World” breathe new life into a very vintage bluesy stomp. Over the whole thing is Curtis Harding’s smooth, dynamic, and commanding voice. This record is the whole package.

Get it now on Burger Records.