Music City Soul cover

Music City Soul

Beverley Knight · 2007

53 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant fusion of classic soul and contemporary rhythms, showcasing powerful vocals and infectious grooves throughout.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ain't That a Lot of Love — This track stands out with its heartfelt delivery and nostalgic sound, encapsulating the essence of classic soul while showcasing Knight's vocal prowess.
  • →
    The Queen of Starting Over — With empowering lyrics and an uplifting melody, this song exemplifies Knight's ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes of resilience.
  • →
    Saviour — The emotional depth of this ballad highlights Knight's vocal range and connects with listeners on a profound level, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends classic soul with contemporary R&B, showcasing strong vocals and cohesive production.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a consistent groove, followed by several songs that maintain this energy before introducing slower ballads in the second half.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between Knight's lead vocals and background singers, creating an engaging dynamic.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady rhythmic flow throughout
  • heartfelt storytelling in every track
  • soulful vibes for gatherings
  • uplifting tunes for celebration
  • easy listening for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer faster-paced music
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Music City Soul' was released in 2007, Beverley Knight had established herself as a prominent figure in the UK soul scene, following her breakthrough album 'Propped Up' in 1995. This release marked her fifth studio album, demonstrating her evolution as an artist while blending traditional elements with modern influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Jill Scott· Erykah Badu· Laura Mvula

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Every Time You See Me Smile 3:43
  • 2 Ain't That a Lot of Love 2:41
  • 3 After You 4:11
  • 4 No Man's Land 3:26
  • 5 The Queen of Starting Over 3:46
  • 6 Black Butta 3:39
  • 7 Saviour 2:55
  • 8 Time Is on My Side 3:31
  • 9 Why Me, Why You, Why Now 4:03
  • 10 Tell Me I'm Wrong 3:48
  • 11 Trade It Up 3:35
  • 12 Rock Steady 3:25
  • 13 Uptight 3:13
  • 14 Back to You 3:47
  • 15 After You (radio edit) 4:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata