Soulsville cover

Released 10 years ago

Soulsville

Beverley Knight · 2016

46 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of classic soul and contemporary R&B that showcases Knight's powerful vocal delivery and heartfelt songwriting.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Can’t Stand the Rain — This track is a soulful reinterpretation of the classic song, showcasing Knight's emotional depth and vocal prowess while maintaining its timeless appeal.
  • →
    Hold on I’m Coming — Knight delivers a powerful rendition that infuses energy into the classic, making it an anthem of resilience and hope amidst struggle.
  • →
    When I See You Again — The poignant lyrics combined with Knight's passionate performance highlight themes of longing and remembrance, embodying the heart of 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 varied arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track, followed by a ballad that showcases Knight's vocal range, creating an immediate contrast.
  • Several tracks feature prominent brass sections and rhythmic grooves, typical of classic soul, while others incorporate modern R&B production techniques.
  • The last three tracks include a cover of 'Hound Dog' and end with a duet, providing a varied emotional landscape as the album concludes.
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 mid-tempo groove
  • heartfelt lyrics for connection
  • for soulful evenings
  • vibrant energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2016, Soulsville marks Beverley Knight's sixth studio album, following her 2014 project, Elevation. At this point in her career, Knight was solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in British soul music, drawing from her extensive experience and musical influences to create a deeply personal record.
Stylistic neighbors
Jill Scott· Erykah Badu· Laura Mvula

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • All Things Must Change

    The bridge shifts focus to personal growth amidst challenges, emphasizing acceptance as a theme throughout the song.

    This moment introduces a reflective tone that contrasts with earlier verses, illustrating how change can foster resilience.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Middle of Love 4:10
  • 2 When I See You Again 3:58
  • 3 Private Number 3:12
  • 4 All Things Must Change 4:00
  • 5 I Can’t Stand the Rain 3:59
  • 6 Red Flag 3:19
  • 7 Don’t Play That Song for Me 4:51
  • 8 Still Here 3:35
  • 9 Sitting on the Edge 3:41
  • 10 Hound Dog 3:06
  • 11 I Won’t Be Looking Back 3:50
  • 12 Hold on I’m Coming 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata