Street Soul Soothers
In an era when newly-accessible music technology breathed fresh life and potential into independent musicians, Street Soul – a fusion of various styles of music of black origin – emerged from the bedroom studios, pirate radio stations, blues dances and clubs of late 1980s Britain.
With roots in sound system culture as much as funk and R&B, its architects drew from a musical melting pot. Lovers rock riffs and ethereal synths combined with hip hop breaks. Dub and soul linked up in a dancehall skank. Harmonies levitated above boogie basslines and the unmistakable touch of the 808.
Though it had a hybrid blueprint, the music was stripped-back and raw, made with an uncompromising attitude, DIY energy, and with an ear firmly to the streets and away from the charts. One of the style’s pioneers Toyin Agbetu referred to this in a 2020 interview: “Our tracks were protests against excess, our independence a cry for self-determination.”
Here are five scene-defining favourites:
Sam – Life (Club Mix) [1991]
A reflective cut about riding out the stresses of life, laced with keys that flicker like passing feelings and blissed-out strings to guide the way.
Bassline - You’ve Gone [1989]
A heartbreak anthem with a soul stirring soundscape, soaring vocals and a break that cuts as deep as those breakup scars.
(Reissued on Isle of Jura, 2021)
Mary Pearce - Legacy [199?]
Produced by Agbetu, a sparse tune about hope in a fucked up world, with lush chords, delicate synth licks and the style’s distinctive swing.
Gold In The Shade - Shining Through [1990]
A love & devotion song with mellow percussion, slick composition and a bassline ripe for the shubeen.
(Reissued on Heels & Souls, 2023)
Ashaye - Dreaming (Jungle Mix) [1994]
Jungle in a Street Soul palette: sweet rave dreams, just close your eyes and pour one out for the champagne crew.
(Reissued on V4 Visions, 2021)
By: Max Self
March 2023