Top 20 CDs of 2004

  1. The O'Jays - Together We Are One (US Right Stuff)
    - okay it's unreleased 70s and 80s material (that the group wanted to prevent for release but the standard shows just how good they were (and still are - see later)
  2. Chicago Soul:The Truth In RnB (US 1time Records)
    Brilliant independent soul in style varying from 70s to contemporary. The George Jackson produced "If I Could Open Up My Heart" is probably my favourite new recording this year (assuming it is new - the sleeve notes fail to match the quality of the music)
  3. Phyllis Hyman - In Between The Heartaches (UK Expansion)
    Superb Expansion collection of this underrated diva who we lost some ten years ago. Includes some gems of unissued cuts such "If You Ever Change Your Mind" and "Hottest Love Around".
  4. Various Cafe de Soul - From The Beginning (UK Cafe De Soul)
    Excellent value double CD compilation of contemporary soul taking tracks released on the Cafe de Soul label over the past few years - includes the likes of Tashan and Jean Carne
  5. Various - You Better Believe It (UK Warner Bros)
    Fine compilation of Warner Brothers, distributed work from the seventies, some available elsewhere some, such Major Lance "Without A Doubt" making their debut on CD. A well thought at compilation from start to finish.
  6. Tina Marie - La Dona (US Cash Money Records)
    magnificent return. Killer cut for me is "I'm Still In Love"
  7. Mo Pleasure - Elements Of Pleasure (US Watersign Records)
    One of the best all round albums of the year with a strong Earth, Wind and Fire influence as both Phillip Bailey and Larry Dunn guest
  8. The O'Jays - Imagination (Sanctuary Records)
    New material from one of the finest groups ever to grace soul music, continuing the quality of their 2001 release.
  9. Anita Baker - My Everything (Blue Note)
    Slightly disappointed on first listen, but this CD is one that just gets better with every play.
  10. Various Artists - Togetherness 2004 (UK Expansion)
    As always, a worthwhile purchase even though there's bound to be a few tracks you will have elsewhere - such as John Gary Williams which must be available on half a dozen different compilations. High spots to me are Sunburst Band, Chante Moore, Rick James and We The People
  11. Nicolas Bearde - All About Love (US Right Groove)
    Quality music, if a little over smooth. If you like Nathan Heathman, James Aldridge, etc, you'll like this. Now has a UK release on Expansion
  12. Soul Divine - Soul Divine (US Mad Scientist Entertainment)
    Excellent group soul available via www.cdbaby.com
  13. Lemar - Time To Grow (UK Sony)
    Because he was on some made for tv contest, I'd totally ignored him, then I heard "If There's Any Justice" when accidentally switching on a kids tv program when it was a single release - just knew I had to investigate the album when released. No idea what his first album was like but this is one of the best UK Soul CDs ever
  14. R. Kelly - Happy People/U Saved Me (Jive)
    He has his critics but can't deny that I enjoy his music
  15. Angie Stone - Stoned Love (J Records)
    Doesn't contain a "Wish I Didn't Miss You" but still a very worthwhile purchase
  16. Jabari Grover - When I'm With You (US Watersign Records)
    Yet another independent CD that is now available on Expansion in the UK
  17. Various - After Hours 2 (UK Warners)
    Quality 26 track Northern collection from the Atlantic, Atco, Warner Bros, Loma and Reprise labels. Not a dud track but my favourites are Esther Phillips' "Catch Me I'm Falling", Bill Cosby's "Little Ole Man" and Bobby Sheen's "Something New To Do"
  18. Sunburst Band - Until the End Of Time (UK Z Records)
    Talk about happy, joyful music. Real disco
  19. And three that I need to get - Gerald Levert "Do I Speak For The World", Lori Perri and Gordon Chambers.
  20. Oh that's 21 and the Maysa Smooth Sailing album's pretty good, in fact 2004 has been the best year for new soul for a long time. Note omission of Jill Scott - I was so disappointed with her first album after all the hype that I've not bothered getting the new one although many rate it very highly.