When American urban-contemporary radio was bombarding its listeners with one Guy clone after another in the late 80s and early 90s, British neo-soulsters like Soul II Soul, Lisa Stansfield, and the Chimes offered highly creative and gutsy alternatives. With influences ranging from Chic to hip-hop to African music, Soul II Souls debut album, Club Classics Vol. One (titled Keep On Movin in the U.S.), was among the most rewarding R&B releases of 1989. Soul II Soul leader/producer/composer Jazzie B takes one risk after another -- all of which pay off. The group enjoyed major hits with the Chic-influenced gems Keep On Movin and Back to Life (both of which feature the gifted Caron Wheeler), and equally superb are the African-influenced reflections of Dance and Holdin On, the soulful grit and intensity of Feel Free, and the hypnotic house music of Happiness. Though Wheeler was Soul II Souls best-known singer and went on to enjoy a career as a solo artist, Rose Windross and DoReen (both expressive soul divas) also do their part to make Club Classics Vol. One the artistic triumph that it is. ~ Alex Henderson

Rovi