Three Ways to Feel the Soul

We’re vibing out today and chillin with today’s selects. Little Royal’s “Jealous” burns with raw funk energy straight out of the ’70s, The Altons’ “Soon Enough” carries the torch for modern Chicano soul with effortless cool, and War’s “All Day Music” reminds us why their laid-back grooves became the soundtrack of an era.

Let’s get into it!

Little Royal was a funk and soul singer often dubbed “The James Brown of Washington, D.C.” thanks to his raspy voice, high-energy delivery, and tight horn-driven arrangements. “Jealous” is one of his most well-known cuts, released in the early 1970s. It’s a gritty soul-funk anthem built around fiery vocals, grooving bass, and a brass section that mirrors Brown’s influence. The track has become a deep-cut favorite for funk and Northern soul collectors. I’d love to hear this one on vinyl, it’s one of those tracks that would have so much character in the plastic.

Listen on all major streaming platforms here!

The Altons are a contemporary soul and R&B band based in Los Angeles, signed to Penrose Records. They’re part of the Chicano soul revival scene alongside groups like Thee Sacred Souls and Los Yesterdays. “Soon Enough” captures their signature style with soulful harmonies, vintage-tinged production, and a romantic yet melancholic tone. It’s smooth but with that analog grit, echoing the golden era of ’60s and ’70s soul. The group has slowly been building a loyal underground following and for good reason. Throw this one to get in your feels.

Listen on all major streaming platforms here!

War is a legendary American funk, soul, and rock band from Long Beach, California, originally formed in the late 1960s. They blended Latin, jazz, funk, rock, and soul into a socially conscious and groove-heavy sound. You most likely know them from their smash hit “Low Rider” or “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. The song I’m sharing today is a lesser known cut called “All Day Music” which is the title track of their fourth studio album. It’s a laid-back, feel-good jam about togetherness, music, and peace, a contrast to the heavier social themes in some of their other tracks. Its easy groove and singalong vibe made it a staple of their catalog.

Listen on all major streaming platforms here!

Two things. First, if you don’t know Trackstar it’s an incredible music game show that has taken the internet by storm over the past two years hosted by Jack Coyne. The show basically just tests people about their music knowledge. Second, I love how humanizing this video is of Zuck. It’s always cool to see our tech overlord in a new light. Enjoy.

This is an image shot by Ralph Dominguez of Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Rick James at the 1982 American Music Awards. Were they dancing? Sharing a joke? Did they just win an award? I love the happiness captured in this photo. You can tell they shared a close bond.

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