Preview: 100 New Soul Music Albums coming in 2017

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    2016 was a year of highs and lows for soul music fans, with the biggest lows being the deaths of many legendary greats, and the highs being some high quality releases by both new artists and longtime favorites.

    With the New Year comes the glance into the future, and one of the most fun features we run each year is a look at upcoming releases that should bring smiles to soul music fans in the first part of this year. So, sit back and look into the crystal ball with us to see what musically lies ahead.

    The Classic Soul Stars

    There are some longtime favorites who will be returning with new music in the new year. Heading that list is Charlie Wilson, whose In It To Win It hits the streets on February 17, just a few weeks after the “Poison” trio Bell Biv Devoe shakes off the cobwebs to deliver Three Stripes (January 27).

    2016 was a year of highs and lows for soul music fans, with the biggest lows being the deaths of many legendary greats, and the highs being some high quality releases by both new artists and longtime favorites.

    With the New Year comes the glance into the future, and one of the most fun features we run each year is a look at upcoming releases that should bring smiles to soul music fans in the first part of this year. So, sit back and look into the crystal ball with us to see what musically lies ahead.

    The Classic Soul Stars

    There are some longtime favorites who will be returning with new music in the new year. Heading that list is Charlie Wilson, whose In It To Win It hits the streets on February 17, just a few weeks after the “Poison” trio Bell Biv Devoe shakes off the cobwebs to deliver Three Stripes (January 27).

    Mary J Blige will be working out on Strength Of A Woman, and Michael McDonald will return after nine years with a new recording. Also, Motown stalwart Dennis Coffey will provide Hot Coffey In the D on January 13, and Club Nouveau’s Jay King will issue Helen’s Son on his January 27 birthday.

    We remain in waiting mode for the long discussed new album by Anita Baker, tentatively titled Only Forever, as well as for word on rumored new discs by Chaka Khan, Rahsaan Patterson, En Vogue, Tevin Campbell, Stevie Wonder, Floetry, Evelyn Champagne King, Erykah Badu, Deborah Cox, Bunny Sigler, Vanessa Williams, Tony Rich and New Edition.

    The Next Generation

    At the head of the list for releases by the new generation of soul music stars are several past SoulTracks Readers' Choice Award winners, including Avery Sunshine and her highly anticipated album, Twenty Six Four, Leela James, riding high on her radio hitDon’t Want You Back,” and Darien, who will release an ambitious 3-Disc set over the course of the year.

    Also among the most anticipated new projects are Brian Owens, will follow his duet with Michael McDonald with the anticipated Soul of Ferguson in February, and hot new band Southern Avenue, who will give their Memphis Soul sounds to the world on February 27. Also, we'll be all tingly as we wait for Terisa Griffin to issue her LIVE album, and Raul Midon to deliver Bad Ass and Blind.

    Much lauded songwriters will also be in the forefront: James Day brings his famous friends together for Song, Soul & Spirit in the Spring, while Grammy winner Gordon Chambers will Surrender on January 16 and Simon Law will grace the Summer with Look to the Sky, with the help of Chante Moore, Caron Wheeler and others.

    Also expect new ones from The Baylor Project, Ty Waters, Jennifer Hudson, Teri Tobin, Maya Azucena, Donald Sheffey, Bey Bright, Cleveland P. Jones, Men of Essence, N’Dambi, George Tandy, Qupid, Donald Sheffey, Water Seed, Soul Understated, Everett, Dr. E and Beat Funktion.

    The Jazzy Side

    Two longtime SoulTracks faves will be lighting up 2017, as Phil Perry will be Breathless on his album of new songs and covers, coming February 27, and Maysa will issue a new R&B oriented album in April. Carmen Lundy will break the Code Noir in mid February, Nathan East will give Reverence on January 20, and Jose James will be crooning his way back into our hearts (release date unknown). Also look for new albums by Larry Coryell, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Jeff Lorber, Pieces of a Dream, Mike Phillips and Billy Price.

    Giving Praise

    Heading the list on the Gospel side of the world is the long-awaited new album by CeCe Winans, Let Them Fall In Love, her first all new solo album in nearly a decade. Vocal group V3 also returns with Alive, and Ted Winn will give Perspective in March. Lastly, in the Spring legendary producer Marlin McNichols issues the compilation WOW The Joy of Urban Worship and Praise.

    Looking Back

    The new year also promises to bring some terrific compilations and reissues of past soul music gems. Expect a two disc retrospective of The Manhattans' productive Columbia years and a much welcome career retrospective from Kashif, as well as hits collections from Teena Marie, Mtume, Jermaine Stewart, Mother's Finest, Norman Connors, Johnny Nash and The Moonglows. Also coming are very nicely compiled multi-album sets from Graham Central Station, Willie Hutch and Starpoint, as well as the oft-sought Thom Bell-produced soundtrack to The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. Vinyl lovers will continue to receive new offerings aplenty, including 12 inch releases of past classics from TLC, The Isley Brothers, Philip Bailey, Funkadelic, Sly and the Family Stone, Sam Cooke, John Legend and several by Prince.

    All in all, it looks like a very promising 2017. We can't wait!

    See the full upcoming release listing HERE