VA - Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Vol 5 (2019)

Stunning soul from the deepest depths of the American underground – upbeat groovers that mix a clubby vibe with deeper vocals – but all without hitting a disco sound at all! Some of these numbers are from the years before Studio 54, but showcase a changing style of soul – more sophisticated, a bit more funk in the mix – and this fantastic blend of instrumentation, arrangements, and production – all of which give the songs a level of perfection that definitely deserves the "masterpiece" in the title! Most of these tracks are from rare singles, but a few haven't been issued before – and together, the cuts really show the ever-evolving understanding we have of classic soul – always shaped strongly by excellent collections like this. Titles include "LOVE" by Leon Thomas, "How Can I Go On Without You" by John Edwards, "Mr So & So's Daughter" by Loleatta Holloway, "Can We Talk It Over" by Eddie Floyd, "I Believe" by New Experience with Elayne Starr, "I Guess God Wants It This Way" by Freddie Scott, "We'll Go On" by Eon, "Ride The Disco Train" by The Moderations, "That's The Story Of My Life" by Major Lance, "Your Momma Had A Baby" by Street People, "I'll Continue To Love You" by Millie Jackson, "A Star In The Ghetto" by Foxfire with Johnny Adams, "Hello Stranger" by Reggie Milner, "Gotta Be Loved (part 2)" by Herman Davis, "I'll Life My Life Loving You" by The Headliners, and a great version of "Lucky Fellow" by The Independents – a song later made more famous by Leroy Hutson!