Pop soul is a vibrant and emotive genre that combines the catchy hooks and production of pop music with the heartfelt, soulful vocals and instrumentation of soul and R&B. Characterized by its blend of upbeat, syncopated rhythms and introspective, often melancholic lyrics, pop soul typically features lush vocal harmonies, warm keyboard textures, and a mix of electronic and organic instrumentation. Emerging in the early 2000s, pop soul drew inspiration from classic soul and Motown, as well as contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The genre gained mainstream popularity in the mid-2010s, with its cultural significance lying in its ability to bring soulful, authentic storytelling to a broader audience. Pop soul's blend of timeless soul sensibilities and modern pop production sets it apart from more retro-focused soul revivalism, while its emphasis on emotional vulnerability and lyrical honesty distinguishes it from more superficial pop styles.

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James Berkeley

Single - Released April 25, 2025