Soul Tracks - Tracking the World's Greatest Soul Music

So you didn't like our album review?

ChrisWow.  SoulTracks has been in the middle of a mild firestorm of controversy lately and that is something we're not used to.  We've been working hard for over 6 years now to support the growth of quality soul music and the artists behind it.  It has worked wonderfully for us, as SoulTracks has become the most popular soul music website in the US and the soul music movement has made significant strides, even as the music business as a whole is troubled.  But with our growth and increase in profile has come a pressure from some artists and record companies to make sure we cover them and their music, always in a favorable way.  We've continuously increased the number of reviews we write, now totaling between 15-20 new music reviews every month.  But lately we've been getting hit with some surprisingly vocal disapproval from some because we don't give every album a glowing review, with more than one saying that any criticism we may give regarding an album makes us "haters" who are "hurting the cause."

Let's start by telling you what our mission is:  To advance the cause of soul music around the world and to expose readers to both major label and independent artists who are deserving of praise - many of whom would never receive the exposure they deserve without SoulTracks.  In order to do that, we owe an obligation to our readers to always be honest.  No artist can "buy" a good review from us; they have to earn it with their music. 

Michael GipsonBut it is also important to know that any review we post is just the opinion of one person, and that person may or may not agree with what you think of the album.  In fact, we post many reviews that our music editor Michael Gipson and I don't agree with (we even disagree often on each other's reviews).  As an example, my favorite album of 2008 was one that our reviewer thought was mediocre and said so.  Any review we post expresses a very personal view of the reviewer and it isn't the Gospel on the merit of an album; it is simply a conversation starter about a disc that we felt was worthy of having a conversation about - even if our reviewer didn't love it.  We try not to write about albums that have no merit whatsoever, but if an album has something to recommend, even if it isn't fabulous, we feel it is worth bringing it to your attention, warts and all.  As long as a review is honest and intelligent and doesn't personally insult the artist, it is fair game.  We feel we owe that honesty to our readers, who can make up their own minds about the album (to make sure of that, we typically provide a link to a place where the readers can hear the album for themselves).  And we're all growing as people and writers, so we may just be dead wrong about an album.

Those who feel our readers are robots who follow everything we say are insulting the intelligence of SoulTrackers.   Our readers are passionate and opinionated, and don't hesitate to tell us when they feel we're wrong.  They sure did last year, when they made an album that our writer only "mildly recommended" the most popular album of the year on our charts and in our annual awards.  And they did it again this month with the #1 album, a disc that I liked but didn't love.  Most artists cherish the thoughtfulness we give to our reviews, and countless artists have told us that they appreciated even a fairly critical review, because it allowed our audience to hear about them and made them work all the harder on their next album.

The last point we want to make is about advertisements.  SoulTracks has been an amazing resource that has never charged our readers for our content, even as we continue to add new features.  In order to run the site and pay our writers, we accept advertisements from artists and record companies.  Our rule is that we only accept advertisements from artists with artistic merit and who do not promote things like violence and hate.  But simply because an artist purchases an advertisement doesn't change one bit our review, as we've shown in many so-so reviews of talented artists who have advertised with us but who our writer felt did not deliver a killer album.  Again, our loyalty is to our readers and to our editorial integrity.

So, in the end, the point I wanted to make with this note was to remind folks that SoulTracks is not a fan page or simply the mouthpiece of any artist or record company.  It is an honest resource for soul music lovers. We are like our readers: opinionated, intelligent and most of all passionate about soul music and the important role it plays in our lives.  And we're also imperfect, making mistakes and growing as we go along. Thanks for going with us on this journey.

We'd like to hear your thoughts on this.  Comment below and let us know your opinion.

Chris Rizik
Publisher

Comments

Artists Can't Buy A "Good"

Artists Can't Buy A "Good" Music Review @ SoulTracks! That is THE truth! It is insane for some artists to think and expect that just b/c they are labeled a soul artist that ST to be 100% in support of their music...I love the honesty by the reviewers @ this site--I don't expect anything less! (Kudos to Chris, Mike, Trel and the rest of the team)

Peace
Chante

Get in Synch with Synchronized Rhythm--Cultural Arts Promo Team @ www.myspace.com/synchronizedrhythm

As a long-time, regular

As a long-time, regular visitor of this site it's good to know that it is the readers that are the main focus (not that i ever doubted it).

If an artist submits their work for review then they must be prepared for the fact that the reviewer may not like the project, or may find fault with certain aspects of it. I think the issue here is that constructive criticism and honesty are being confused with being a 'hater'.

I have read many leass than glowing reviews here and have still gone out and purchased the album in question in order to form my own opinion. Sometimes i agree with the review, sometimes not ... but at least the review in question comes from a place of honesty and integrity.

www.souluk1984.wordpress.com

Very Well said! We cannot do

Very Well said!

We cannot do better if we are surrounded by enablers and "yes" people! It's called constructive criticism!

Keep doing what you do SoulTracks!

CHRIS...KEEP UP THE GOOD

CHRIS...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK...YOUR SINCERITY AND DEDICATION IS BEYOND REPROACH...YOU HELP TO KEEP THIS GREAT MUSIC ALIVE AND WELL....SGT.GARY.

You Guys Rock - I totally

You Guys Rock - I totally support your editorial approach, and I thank you for doing what you do. - William Kates

Visit my website, Music & More at http://billsmusicblog.blogspot.com/

Miss Mona I applaud the

Miss Mona

I applaud the efforts of SoulTracks as they provide reviews of new music. The reviews have been on point and I encourage them to keep up the good work!

I think you are to be

I think you are to be commended for "keeping it real" with reviews. If I am going to shell out my hard earned money these days for product, I want to make sure of what I might be getting, and I find you can't always rely upon reviews in certain publications like Billboard or Rolling Stone, especially for Urban based product. I can honestly say that when I have read a review on a project here and it was a positive one, I could then rely that I would be getting my money's worth. I can trust that if you gave something a luke-warm or unfavorable review, then I would know not to go there. With all of that said, I plan on gettting my Whitney next week! Keep up the good work guys.

Dear Chris and SoulTracks

Dear Chris and SoulTracks team, we've been fans of this page for many years now and one of the MANY reasons we're fans is because of the ongoing integrity shown here!!!!!, thanks for stepping up to the plate and addressing this issue HEAD ON!.. We appreciate you. Sincerely. The Commodores. WAK, Clyde and J.D.

I wholeheartedly agree,

I wholeheartedly agree, Chris with you. I have read reviews written by you and your staff at Soultracks and completely disagreed. Others I have found spot on but the fact remains, I made up my own mind about the music I heard. I have learned that opinions and tastes vary widely and readers are intelligent enough to be able to decide for themselves. Any suggestion otherwise is, indeed, insulting to our intelligence. I have found the same to be true with Amazon reviews of music. I can't tell you how many times I've read reviews that I found to be completely opposite what I thought of an effort by an artist. It's a good thing I didn't listen to those reviews to make my own decision or I would miss out on what to me was a great piece of music. Keep doing what you do at Soultracks. We who love music truly appreciate it and because of your reviews, I have been turned on to artists and music I would never have known about otherwise (i.e. Darien).

IceAge1906 I have to say

IceAge1906

I have to say that I am in total agreement. Your readers are not robots and we know how to make our own personal choice about an album. Some of your reviews I agree with and some I feel are way off. It's all a matter of taste. There have been CD's I've purchased based on your reviews that has opened me up to new artist and the fact that you provide a link that allows me to hear the music, gives me the opportunity to hear it for myself. I like your honesty in your evaluations regardless of whether I agree with it or not. NOT EVERY CD IS GOOD. One or two songs don't make it a good CD. Keep doing what you're doing. I buy more music now than I have in a long time thanks to SoulTracks. I think the good that result from your reviews far outweigh the bad and ultimately, the artist benefit.

Hi Chris, Don't give an

Hi Chris,
Don't give an inch. I absolutely agree with you. To compromise the integrity of Soul Tracks would be a disaster. So many people, not just singers, seem to be unable to cope with any criticism and are in complete denial about their perceived abilities. Continue to tell it like it is. I know you will.

A clear, no-nonsense

A clear, no-nonsense response to the inevitable pressure from artists and record companies for you to do their bidding. While it's in their interests to get fawning, favourable reviews, things don't happen like that in the real world. Surely, they already have PR staff promoting their work.

As you rightly say, SoulTrackers is for the readers. Artists and record companies that find it hard to accept this need to get off their high horse!

Dear sirs: It is well known

Dear sirs:
It is well known that everyone has an opinion. But Once you give your opinion, whether you recommend a project or not, you as critics are expected to have an expert opinion. Your opinion could make or break an artist. I feel it should be stated in a review,"This is just my opinion and not a recommendation either for or against a paticular project". It is good to know that Soul Tracks cannot be bought by artist or labels, but the decision to purchase ,as in Highly or mildly reccommend, should be left to the consumer.

VERY interesting article.

VERY interesting article. The short and sweet bottomline to this is that not EVERY project is a GOOD one. Period. Artists KNOW that there's one or more projects that they can name that they've BOUGHT and said "This wasn't very good." Sometimes the truth hurts. OUCH!

There have been many albums

There have been many albums that were reviewed that SoulTracks like but I did not. I get that a review is an opinion, that is all and the review will not sway or cause me to dismiss what I may feel at the time I listen to the clips. Often times our opinions of an album or song are based on what we are feeling at the time. I may not like your review today but I may revisited the album and say "How did I miss that". You have done a great job and just keep doing what u doing since you can not please everyone all the time. You have turned me on to some unique artists and some that I have never heard of before and I like that you are keeping it fresh. Just remember that some folks still believe if it ain't on the radio it ain't real.

"Women are Soldiers & Veterans, too!"

Please continue to express

Please continue to express your honest, not fabricated, opinions. You owe that to your readers. I love the site and wish you continued success in promoting "soul" music.

Oh, Puh-LEEZ!! Are you

Oh, Puh-LEEZ!!

Are you serious? Artists/labels complaining because of criticsm? How unrealistic! Instead of calling you haters, let's call them WHINERS!! Get over it! Everyone's not going to like what everyone puts out--and guess what? That's what actually makes music INTERESTING! I'm an artist and yes, it's sometimes hard to hear criticism. But to ask for all positive reviews is ridiculous. As I tell my music students, you're in the wrong profession if you are afraid to hear the good *and* the bad about what you do. And as long as you've HONESTLY put your heart and SOUL into what you've done--who CARES what the critics think? Keep it movin'. SoulTracks is a breath of fresh air--don't change!

You’re my most reliable

You’re my most reliable source of music reviews and I know that when something is highly recommended by you, then I’m never disappointed. On the other hand, I’ve also bought albums that you didn’t praise because these albums were done by my favorite artists - just to check if we have the same feeling about it (usually we have).

I think that music reviews are just opinions of the critics and the rest and the final decision is up to us, the fans. But I definitely appreciate your honesty.

THE SPIRIT OF

THE SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE

you cannot give your honest opinion on certain artists work w/o being called a HATER. in fact, you cant disagree with them about anything or you'll be BANNED from their community. (even an artist who you may genuinely love, just not certain elements of their work or a particular song or project.) and its not just opinions you cant state, its FACTS about how the music industry works. opinion or fact, some people cant handle any dissent from the machine. and that is exactly what INDIE music is supposed to be against! we're not interested in people BUYING our taste. the MAJORS already OWN the GRAMMYS, BILLBOARD, and now even iTUNES. isnt that ENUFF? do they have to try and buy our INDIE sites TOO?

congrats to SOULTRACKS for not being BOUGHT by the machine and staying true to the spirit of INDIE!

Chris I have been coming to

Chris

I have been coming to soul tracks a long while now, back when it was just you and your daughter Katie would pick the giveaway winners. I come here to see what is new in soul music and also to get your honest opinion.

I remember distinctly winning a copy of Latoya London's debut cd and coming back to express how disappointed I was in the effort. We discussed how disappointed we both were. You have never steered me wrong when given your opinion on the music. Let's be honest here just because an artist puts something out does not mean that it is good. I have learned about Artists that I would have never known had I not come to this site.

Please don't change, soul tracks is a labor of love for you and you have done us proud. If the record companies want good reviews then put out good quality music like you are supposed to. That is all. Carla

Chris et al. - You guys are

Chris et al. -

You guys are the best. Sure, myself and others may not agree with reviews that get submitted from time to time, however it must be understood that these are not your opinions but those sent in by others ( like me... yikes!!! ). In any case, thanks for your forthright honesty in bringing this up to us. You guys, rock! Nothing else need to be said...at least from me, anyways. Keep up the great work you're doing.

Peace, MattiS

Boston, MA

And thanks for fixing my user name and password situation ( you know what I mean ). You will never hear me complain about this situation again. LOL

I notice there are no

I notice there are no comments here from the haters. I wonder why? Could it be that they scurried away like the rats that they are in the light of day? If their claims were so legitimate, they would be here backing those claims up. But, uh, they're conspicuously absent. To me, that symbolizes case closed. Know what I mean?

Okay so let me

Okay so let me understand...people are upset because you are too harsh on your reviews?? If I were the writers of Soul Tracks reviewing music, I would tell anyone that doesn't like your comments to have a Coke and a smile and shut the f@%^#!k up!

Just because you disagree on a artist doesn't mean you are imposing your feelings on others to follow suit. Sounds like folks need to get a reality check and realize we all have different taste in music so it should be respected.

Get a grip goddammit!! It's just an opinion! Whew...I can relax now.

Uno

Is this even a

Is this even a controversy?
Artists should recognize that their music is not for everyone, and that getting someone to listen to their albums in the first instance is an extreme privilege.
My group, Excellent Gentlemen, was fortunate enough to receive a glowing review of our album from SoulTracks.
Had we NOT been so fortunate, I would have appreciated the fact that a reviewer took the time to listen to the record and provided an honest account of their impression.
Don't change a thing, SoulTracks. You guys are number one for a reason, and you should be flattered that so many artists want their output reviewed on your site.

I think it's a great thing

I think it's a great thing that there is still integrity to be found in this business of music. I had my CD "Back In The Mood" reviewed by SoulTracks and I found it refreshingly honest. A nice mix of verbal caress and respectful sting.

All in all I thought it was an honest opinion. I was even able to capitalize on some of the suggestions which I incorporated in my new single "Take The Chance". I have nothing but respect for the process.

Let go of the Ego's people...

Check out the review:
http://www.soultracks.com/node/5329

Thanks Soultracks,

Dennis Coleman
www.pristinestudios.com

It is hard enough for an

It is hard enough for an independent artist to get their CD reviewed, let alone from a reviewer who has a love of the genre.
While a review is always going to be personal taste, surely we would all agree that the very basis of soul music is honesty.
It speaks the truth... no holds barred.
Stand strong Soul Tracks - this independent artist is so very grateful for all of your support and the great work that you do spreading the word for the artists out there that don't have the benefit of the strong marketing arms of the record companies.

I am a recent member, but I

I am a recent member, but I have enjoyed the respectful and critical commentaries of the new music that has been featured. Keep up the good work on informing your audience.

True artists can take

True artists can take criticism. This is why the major labels are lost, confused and gone because it became more about corporate activity than art. The whole buying your good review is unfair anyway. Chris do your thing and keep it raw and honest.

Greg "Olskool Ice-Gre" Lewis
Honest Management LLC. /
4 The Soul-Reciprocity Inc.

I totally agree with you

I totally agree with you Chris. We as the listening public have to make up are own minds on whether we like a project put out by a particular artist. The music business is always blaming the internet and illegal downloads for the sad state of music. That is because the record companies aren't putting out anything most of us want to hear. I'm not a twentysomething or a teenie bopper. Don't forget about us old school music lovers. Just because someone can shake their booty doesn't make them artists.

The difference is: does a

The difference is: does a review divulge an educated opinion, or is it derogatory, only serving to harm an artist? I have never read a review that you have written that that has been derogatory. Your views have provided an educated basis of strengths and / or weaknesses on merit alone for each album. That is what a good reviewer will do. You do not have to back off from an honest and educated review.

Now to the music companies! You should become more concerned with the real product which is music and much less on creating the next (glamour / thugish / preppy) visual image. Stop trying to make a quick buck on the junk and maybe you can learn what real reviews are for: THE CONSUMER WHO PAYS FOR THE PRODUCT!

Thanks Chris and don't let this change your approach.
jazzygc

There should be no confusion

There should be no confusion concerning this matter. Great platform, great reviews, real opinions, tireless effort to promote, enhance, and educate the world about the alternative.

Keep up the "GREAT" work!!!!

Lou

Pretty typical of the music

Pretty typical of the music industry really Chris.....crass!!

You guys at SoulTracks offer measured, thoughtful and insightful reviews....always have done! Everyone is entitled to their opinion and you're entitled to yours. If people don't like what they're reading then they should tune out!

Keep up the outstanding work, since the death of Blues and Soul here in the UK, for me SoulTracks has become a beacon of light.

I love it!!

You guys rock! Unlike

You guys rock! Unlike reviews by Billboard's personnel who almost always give positive reviews for new product,no matter how awful the album, your website is one of the last bastions to a) find out what is being released when and b) a way to evaluate what is out there before you drop any coin on it.

Thanks again.

Honesty still the best

Honesty still the best policy?

Some people don't want to know or hear the truth. However Chris and the guys at Soultracks continue to give it, regardless of who can or can't "handle the truth". Integrity is key and we the artist community respect the work Soultracks brings to the table year in and year out - keep up the good work!

Eric Stinnett
www.ericstinnett.com
myspace.com/estinnettmusic
305-588-0008

Bottom line is if an artist

Bottom line is if an artist wants a good review, put out good material! If you put out garbage don't expect people to like it. I hate when radio stations play some of the crap they play and rave on and on about how good it is when in reality it is horrible! Our airwaves are filled with really terrible music nowadays. I'm glad you guys are honest and don't fall into the "we have to support every project" vein. I still make my own decision even if the reviewer may not like the project. I refuse to just blindly buy a cd if 8 out of 10 tracks are not appealing to me. Thank God for being able now purchase individual tracks like we did in the old days buying 45's or 12 inch singles...

Hello Chris & Soul

Hello Chris & Soul Tracks,
Your response to those who are not comfortable with less than favorable reviews is warranted. As a radio host who plays much funk & soul music from the past to the present, by both major & independent artists, I get much, much music sent to me for airplay. Many times I get comments that "this artist, track, or release is the BOMB!" After listening to it. I'm not always moved, touched or impressed with the product.

In today's music market, one of the problems is that there are few if any original,creative,truly unique, artists. Although I respect every artists right to do what they do, again many of them need to realize, music, the industry, and even performances are not what they use to be.Back in the "real day" artists had so much to offer. Now much of what's out there is recycled at best. I pay attention to your reviews because I am always looking for that "something special." I have ordered music based on some of your reviews, and will continue to do so. Some of the reviews I agree with, others I don't. Never the less, you have a great service and product.
Keep up the good work!!

Respectfully,

Skip The Funktologist
Syndicated Radio Host
www.afunkabovetherest.com

Well...Some people will

Well...Some people will never be happy....I think that Soultrack is one of the best web page in the internet...
I find the best comments, supports and music reviews ever...I use this to my radio show and my orients...
And I mean it!!
From Venezuela, Southamerica....
Biosouler

Chris, I could not agree

Chris, I could not agree with you more.

Reviews are exactly that - an individual's review. Any seasoned artist or label rep should know that any artist should seek to obtain many reviews from many different publications, websites, radio hosts, and other credible music industry activists, in order to develop a well-rounded opinion of their project.

Just because someone produces a project does not automatically mean it is fantastic. If you came out the gate at the top, where would you grow and go? There MUST be room for improvement, even on the most stellar projects.

There would be no need for music pubs and e-zines if they all praised every album ever. Honesty is indeed the crux of the purpose of pubs & e-zines that are respected resources for new and quality music.

It sounds like someone is very, very confused about what a "hater" is. LOL.

I also find it to be very insulting when websites such as yours get slandered in cases such as this...for, it reminds me that *still* too many people obviously do not understand what it takes to run an a-zine like this...the work, investments and resources it takes... all so that these artists can receive the FREE (repeat: FREE) promotion and publicity they need to get tout there. Especially when we all know what the alternatives are.

In today's mass media climate, I would be very thankful for sites like this if I was a Soul artist, rather than EXPECT praises of perfect glory just because I submitted something.

I think all artists need to heed a bit more respect for the thoughts, work and opinions of indy marketing/promotion agencies and writers/journalists who get the word out about this music at all.

If this artist that thought you were "hating" wants exposure that they can 100% control, then I suggest buying a full-on advertising campaign with a major agency, or with several indy agencies.

Otherwise, take all reviews of your work into consideration as food for thought. No one's word is the final one, or as you say, the Gospel of Soul music... it is a seasoned head's view.

Anyway, props to SoulTracks for participating in the movement to improve the quality of popular music.

Peace & Beats,
J

-Jocelyne Ninneman
Senior Editor
jocelyne@fusicology.com
http://www.fusicology.com

Chris & Company, Please keep

Chris & Company,

Please keep up the fantastic work you guys are doing and pay no attention to the artists and naysayers who believe your reviews are too harsh.

Being a follower of your amazing site, I find the reviews on-point, intelligent, honest and many times accurate. Besides, criticism should bring about growth, which is what an artist should embrace from their product.

Thanks again for all that you do for us soul music lovers. You are much appeciated!

Any and every one has an

Any and every one has an opinion. One should be able to express their opinion in a review of the news letter and website they created!

I don't always agree with a critic's review. While some critics' reviews are malicious with no regard to an artist's craft, some critics are respectful.

In any case, I like to find things out on my own, not letting a critic's words make the decision for me as to whether a record stinks or passes the smell test.

I worked as a publicist who got reviews for an artist. I found that some music publications choose to publish favorable reviews only. That's all good! Some artist should only seek reviews from those publications. We even got a less than favorable review from one publication in our own home town! In my book, a less than favorable review was better than not getting a review at all.

I wanna know, how does an artist improve their craft if a less than favorable review (especially if its valid) falls on an artist's deaf ear?

A less than favorable review... Its all in the game!

Keep doing good work, Soultracks.com. And keep folk posted on new music, whether it should be dissed or kissed.

I to agree we need to honest

I to agree we need to honest whenever offering thoughts about any material,Yet i also accept that in many cases i have (or my friends have) disagreed with me on certain albums we have heard and later i or they have changed our minds about the thoughts we had we honestly admit to it also.The thing is about being a critic when one cristises, they themselves come in for being criticised and this isnt a bad thing at times we all need to learn that being told we dont agree or dont like somthing isnt a bad thing .This should add to the cause of soul music not distroy it .you guys at soul tracks do well in in this cause keep it up.By C W

http://www.devendo1981musicmovies.com/
FOR THE BETTERMENT OF SOUL MUSIC

Of course any opinion is

Of course any opinion is subjective and a definition of soul is an area which invites discussion, one which I would contribute to but I am realistic enough to know that my idea of soul would not align with other opinion. I just love a soulful voice, male or female which is not adorned with warbling up and down the scales purely for effect. I, and the "voices" that I grew up with in the 60s and 70s were influenced by the socio-economic trials and tribulations of the time and times have changed. I try my hardest to appreciate the voices of today but try as I might they do not have the "desire of yesterday" and sound too much as if they are going through the motions without emotion or soul. Bessie Banks, Doris Duke, Irma or Aretha, Bobby "Blue" Bland and David Ruffin et al - where are their like? Answers on a signed blank check to...

No artist can "buy" a good

No artist can "buy" a good review from us; they have to earn it with their music.

Hi there, this is the key. As mentioned reviews are the personal feeling, reaction, etc from a person to an artist production. And that is exactly the same feedback I can provide when I listen to a work. I'm now mid 47 have a music collection over 4.000 cds most of them are R'n'B and Jazz works, and I do not have any problem in not matching my feelings with artist intention, music reviewers or radio djs preferences.

With an old friend of mine we are covering a process to recover all our old school tunes available on cd, most of the times we match but there are others where the disagreement is complete,

In spite of that, the groove is still on!

Hey Chris Keep doing what

Hey Chris

Keep doing what you're doing...reviews are in fact subjective, and any informed individual or company knows this!! That being said, your responsibility is to be sincere; I believe you and your staff have done that consistently.

Thank you for your work, and please consider doing an expose on those of us who may not record the records, but do the touring & gigging behind these artists that we love!!

Best Always,

Mike Griot
Bassist/Producer -- "Black i"
Musical Director -- OMAR U.S.Band

www.myspace.com/mikegriot

"New Black i coming in 2010!!"