Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade
Soul II Soul · 1990
46 min · 10 tracks · blues
Smooth grooves blend with uplifting melodies, creating an infectious sound that captures the essence of early '90s British soul and R&B.
Top tracks — play these first
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Get a Life — The opening track sets a vibrant tone with its catchy hooks and danceable rhythm, encapsulating the album's spirit of empowerment and joy.
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Missing You — This heartfelt ballad features lush production and emotive vocals, highlighting the group's ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining their signature groove.
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In the Heat of the Night — With its infectious beat and catchy refrain, this track exemplifies the seamless blend of soul and dance music that defines this album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends smooth grooves with uplifting melodies, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within its genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The use of live instrumentation alongside electronic elements gives the record a rich texture, particularly in the bass and drum arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 groove for socializing
- uplifting vibes for celebration
- warm background for gatherings
- easy flow for casual listening
- reflective moments of nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense emotional highs
- prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Soul II Soul's second album, 'Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade' followed their breakthrough debut 'Club Classics Volume One' in 1989. At this point, the group was solidifying their unique identity in the UK music scene, gaining international recognition for their innovative fusion of soul, reggae, and hip-hop influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jamiroquai· Incognito· The Brand New Heavies
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Missing You
A poignant shift occurs when the singer directly addresses feelings of loss with vivid imagery that evokes nostalgia and yearning.
This direct emotional appeal contrasts with the more upbeat tracks on the album, showcasing the group's versatility in tackling complex themes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Get a Life 3:45
- 2 Love Come Through 4:31
- 3 People 4:57
- 4 Missing You 5:26
- 5 Courtney Blows 4:34
- 6 1990 A New Decade 4:03
- 7 A Dreams a Dream 5:38
- 8 Time (Untitled) 6:06
- 9 In the Heat of the Night 3:39
- 10 Our Time Has Now Come 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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