Smooth soul is a subgenre of soul music characterized by its polished, radio-friendly sound, often featuring lush orchestration, jazzy instrumentation, and velvety vocal harmonies. Emerging in the 1970s and 1980s, smooth soul developed as a more refined and commercial offshoot of traditional soul, with a focus on sophisticated production and catchy, mid-tempo grooves. The genre's heyday coincided with the rise of urban contemporary music, and its relaxed, intimate vibes resonated with listeners seeking a more mellow alternative to the era's dominant disco and funk styles. Smooth soul's cultural significance lies in its role as a bridge between classic soul and contemporary R&B, with its blend of retro and modern elements influencing a generation of soul and R&B artists. Notable for its use of subtle, intricate musical arrangements and heartfelt, emotive vocal performances, smooth soul stands out from other soul subgenres for its elegant, refined sound, which continues to inspire and soothe audiences today.

This Christmas I'm Coming Home

Leon Bridges•

Norah Jones

Single - Released November 7, 2025