The album that finally made the world sit up and notice that Solange is a completely great artist on her own – and hardly needs to ever be spoken of in terms that involve her sister! The set's got a vibe that's as personal and put out there as Solange's image on the cover – music that's more openly expressive than you'd expect for a mainstream soul record, and linked together with these really creative interludes that continue the unique spirit of the songs and really makes the whole thing work together as one. Solange is clearly the leading attraction, but the set also features guest appearances from Q-Tip, Lil Wayne, Sampha, Kelela, Nia Andrews, and Kelly Rowland – on titles that include "Rise", "Cranes In The Sky", "Mad", "Don't Touch My Hair", "Junie", "Don't Wish Me Well", "Scales", "Tina Taught Me", and "The Chosen Ones". CD

Really mindblowing work from Jose James – an artist we loved right from his very first record, but one who has us completely over the top with this record – a set that may well push James from the soul underground into firmly classic territory – the sort of space that will have the record standing strong with soul classics from decades back, and for a long time to come! Jose's tremendous vocally, but there's also an extra-special spirit to some of these tunes – one that's still very strongly in the hands of the man himself, even though James opens the door for plenty of guests – a lineup that includes Ledisi, Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah, Aloe Blacc, Lizz Wright, Eric Truffaz, and others – not the kind of guests who overwhelm and take a too-strong turn in the spotlight, but the right sort of addition to the core sound. Titles include a surprisingly great remake of "Just The Way You Are" – plus "Turn Me Up", "I Need Your Love", "Saint James", "Take Me Home", "Oracle", "Feels So Good", "I Found A Love", and "You Know What I Do". LP, Vinyl record album

A stunningly soulful Holiday set – one that goes way past the overplayed Christmas soul tunes of the 70s and 80s, and which has a lot fresher feel than a Christmas Slow Jams set as well! Most of the numbers here are contemporary, and are a mix of Neo Soul artists from the underground, and a few favorite voices from years past – all represented in a batch of tracks that are mighty darn great, and will help your December listening get way past "This Christmas" and Motown Holiday records! Titles include "Give Me A Star" by Bebe & Cece Winans, "Christmas At My House" by Rahsaan Patterson, "Thank You" by Ledisi, "Christmas Day" by Frank McComb, "It's Not Really Christmas" by Trina Broussard, "A Love Letter Christmas" by R Kelly, "Christmas Time Is Here" by Jeffrey Osborne, "Cold Winter In The Ghetto" by Lonnie Hill, "December 25th" by Rosie Gaines, "Christmas Love & You" by Will Downing, "A Kiss For Christmas" by Luther Vandross, and "Christmas Of Emotions" by Eddie Sea with Shauntia Toussaint. (Holiday Music, Neo Soul) CD