Is Soulsville a good place to start with Huey Lewis and the News?

Yes, Soulsville is recommended as a starting point for new Huey Lewis and the News listeners. A vibrant tribute to soul music, blending energetic rhythms with heartfelt vocals and classic instrumentation. Released in 2010, Soulsville marked Huey Lewis and the News' return to the studio after a lengthy hiatus following their 2001 album, Plan B. This album serves as a homage to the soul music that influenced them, showcasing their enduring dedication to the genre while also addressing their evolution as artists over three decades.

Who is Soulsville for?

Soulsville works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, feel-good energy for gatherings and nostalgic vibes with modern flair.

How many songs are on Soulsville?

Soulsville has 14 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Soulsville

Huey Lewis and the News · 2010

43 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant tribute to soul music, blending energetic rhythms with heartfelt vocals and classic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't Fight It Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Respect Yourself — This cover of the classic anthem showcases the band's ability to reinterpret iconic songs while retaining their original message of empowerment.
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Got to Get You Off My Mind — The track highlights a smooth blend of soulful melodies and Lewis's signature vocal style, encapsulating the essence of the album’s tribute to soul music.
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Soulsville — As the title track, it serves as a heartfelt declaration of the band’s roots in soul music and reflects their personal connection to the genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album effectively channels classic soul influences but lacks standout originality and depth.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of classic soul instrumentation, including horns and rhythm sections that drive the tracks.
Vocals are prominently layered, often featuring harmonies that reflect the call-and-response style typical of soul music.
Each track maintains a mid-tempo groove, with only slight variations in pace across the fourteen songs.
Several tracks include extended instrumental breaks, allowing for improvisation reminiscent of live soul performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 throughout
feel-good energy for gatherings
nostalgic vibes with modern flair
sing-along moments with friends
for sunny afternoons

Maybe skip if you

prefer intense, fast-paced music
seek deep, introspective themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revived interest in classic soul, showing the band's continued vitality after a hiatus.
Themes: soul music revival· Memphis roots
Career context: Released in 2010, Soulsville marked Huey Lewis and the News' return to the studio after a lengthy hiatus following their 2001 album, Plan B. This album serves as a homage to the soul music that influenced them, showcasing their enduring dedication to the genre while also addressing their evolution as artists over three decades.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· Hall & Oates· Chicago