This year saw some great music come out Philly’s soul music scene. Here are Philly Soul Now’s editor Toya Haynes’ favorite songs from Philly’s music scene that made her personal playlists this year.
It is never an easy feat to narrow down my favorite songs of the year from our New Music Playlist on Spotify. That is why after trying to narrow it down to a smooth 10 songs, I gave up and made the cut at 12. If not, this article would have never gotten out before 2023! So here are my Top 12:
- “Better Days”- AAries: I don’t think anyone was more excited about the return of AAries than I was this year. Check out the interview I did with them about their return to music here. I really hope 2023 brings us more music from them sooner than later.
- “Crime”- Ryan Gilfillian: Ryan Gilfillian has a voice that instantly captivates whoever is listening. I was so happy to hear he was releasing a full project this year. His EP Evergreen is as soulful as it is honest and heartbreaking. If you got your heart broken this year, this is may become your soundtrack.
- “Get Right”- Carla Gamble: I also got to interview Carla Gamble this year who penned this song as a tribute to Philly’s own Queen of House Music Lady Alma. It’s such a great feel good song that really captures the energy of Carla Gamble as a performer.
- “Swindlers”- AJAY: If I had to describe AJAY’s style, I’d have to say he reminds of Michael Franks meets John Mayer (I say that respectfully because I know many artists don’t love comparisons). I totally mean that as a compliment. There’s a smoothness but an intricacy to his arrangements and I love the melodies he creates. I often wind up singing his songs after hearing them just once.
- “Align”- Balmour: I love concept albums- albums that have a theme, come off as a complete thought or message. Similar to Ryan Gilfillian’s EP Evergreen, Balmour’s EP Double HP gives insight to how many men feel in romantic relationships. He doesn’t always paint himself as the good guy either. It’s honest and I really admire that. As they say, this song had me in a chokehold this year.
- “Here’s to the Weekend”- Lynda: This is my WE OUTSIDE song (LOL). 2020 felt like a year of no weekends for so long. It was nice to be able to look forward to a weekend this year. For me, this song celebrates that.
- “What You Want”- Kingsley Ibeneche– Kingsley Ibeneche’s artistic expression is so beautifully fluid, not just in his music but in his movement onstage. I was happy to see that he also dropped a full project, Udo, this year. Another fave, “So Kind” which was on my 2021 year end list, is also on this album.
- “The Summertime”- Jean Carn, Adrian Younge, Ali Shaheed– It’s incredible what Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed are doing with their Jazz is Dead project. Teaming up with legendary songstress Jean Carn was just *chef’s kiss*. I really enjoyed this album.
- “Bamboo”- “Ivy Sole”– I can’t even count how many times I’ve listened to Ivy Sole and said “Why is she so good?”. This is my fave off her 2022 release Candid.
- “Into the Deep”- Tuck Ryan I really love how so many artists support each other inside the music community. I saw a good number of IG posts about this single dropping. I had no idea what to expect. Even with no expectations, I was still really pleasantly surprised. I really love this song. It just feels good and the ending is clever.
- “Maybe”- Taylor Kelly– Taylor Kelly’s songwriting has been tugging at my heartstrings in 2022, especially this song. It’s my fave off of her 2022 EP All I Need.
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”- The Baylor Project– Getting to hear this song, which is my favorite hymn, during their live show is such a magical moment. I am so glad The Baylor Project blessed their fans with a live album this year that includes this beautiful rendition.
Check out this playlist of my Top 12 faves of 2022 below: