Are you a soul music fan? Do you adore songs about heartache, pain, and longing? If so, you’re in luck because one of the best albums of the year just got even better. Soul Pattinson’s new album, Permanent Record, is out now and it’s an exact replay of the the band’s successful debut, Soulfin’. You may know Soul Pattinson from their viral video for “Goin’ Back,” in which the band’s members cook dinner for a homeless Vietnam veteran while the track plays in the background. The video went viral and helped land their record label, Capitol Records, on the Billboard Top 50. After its success, Soul Pattinson signed a record deal with Capitol Records and this year they have been releasing some of the best songs from the legendary R&B song book. Now that they’re back with a new album and another viral hit, “Goin’ Back,” it seems the band is here to stay. Check out the new album and find out what all the fuss is about. We think you’ll agree it’s pretty great.
Album Rating: 4.5 Stars
One of the best things about Permanent Record is that it sounds exactly like Soulfin’. There’s a reason why this album has been compared to the legendary Marvin Gaye album, What’s Going On: Gaye was a longtime friend of the band’s and he even sang back-up on a couple of their songs. The album opens with an amazing rendition of What’s Going On and it wouldn’t be remarkable if it wasn’t for the fact that Soul Pattinson sound so much like Marvin Gaye that it is impossible not to compare their music to him. It’s clear that Marvin Gaye had a huge impact on this album and it shows in every way. First off, the production values are excellent, comparing to the band’s first album, which was released ten years ago. Soul Pattinson also uses a wider variety of instruments on this album, incorporating more contemporary sounds into their retro funk. There are also several homages to Marvin Gaye on this album, from the song, “One More Try,” which contains vocals similar to those in “Inner City Blues,” to the use of organ and piano in several songs. Overall, Permanent Record is the perfect album to bring back all your dusty Marvin Gaye and Temptations CDs and show them off. You’re going to love it.
Track Rating: 4.5 Stars
You know what else is great about Permanent Record? Every single song is a gem. Even if you haven’t heard of Soul Pattinson, you will soon after listening to this album. Their song, “Goin’ Back,” is currently at the top of the Billboard Top 50 and has been out for a while now, but this is the first time it’s made it so high up on the charts. The song is about a homeless veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome and he battles addiction. The song is mostly composed of wordless vocals, with some backing from the band, and it’s one of the most emotional songs we’ve ever heard. It’s difficult to put into words how much this song means to us. As one of the band’s biggest fans, it’s obvious that this track is going to be the next single. It’s going to be hard to keep this album in the top spot on the Billboard Top 50 now that we’re in the middle of March and “Goin’ Back” has slipped to number twenty-two. Maybe next month it’ll make a comeback and knock “Inner City Blues” out of the top spot.
Artist Rating: 4.5 Stars
Is Soul Pattinson the new John Mayer? After their incredible debut album, Soulfin’, which was released in 2012, it’s hard to argue. Not only do they sound like John Mayer, but they have also covered some of his songs and have even been compared to him. The biggest difference between these two bands is that while John Mayer released an album every few years, Soul Pattinson consistently puts out an album every year. Maybe that’s why they’re currently one of the biggest bands in soul music, while John Mayer is still searching for the formula that made him famous.
If you’re looking for the new John Mayer, check out Soul Pattinson. You won’t be disappointed.