The Architects of Soul Vol. 16 – 20-Track Summer 2025 Soul Collection

The architects of soul return with Volume 16, a stunning 20-track Summer 2025 collection of premium mid-tempo Northern and Crossover soul. Digging deep into the Charly archives and rare U.S. independent labels like True Soul (Little Rock), Soulin’ (New Orleans), and Soul Clock (Los Angeles), this compilation uncovers the building blocks of modern soul.

Curated with the help of the Modern Soul Collective’s Andy Rix, the set features gems from both well-known and overlooked soul artists. Choice Of Colour opens the collection with the heartfelt groove “Your Love,” while Adam Wade’s “Russell Never Had A Chance” showcases his smooth, emotive vocal style. Thomas East’s “Follow The Rainbow” is a melodic gem from the St. Louis soul scene, and Tony Owens’ “All That Matters” demonstrates the polished crossover appeal that made Northern soul so irresistible.

Premium Fortenberry III contributes the infectious “You Know You Want To Be Loved,” a track that highlights his silky vocals and intricate arrangements, while The Whispers’ “Needle In A Haystack” adds a classic touch of vocal harmony and sophisticated groove. The Fuller Bros. deliver the rawer soul of “Stranger At My Door,” while Ohio Players’ “I Gotta Get Away” leans into funk-infused rhythms that prefigure their later hits.

The Impalas’ “Speed Up” and The Esquires’ “Listen To Me” represent the energetic pulse of mid-tempo soul, and Swiss Movement’s “Trying To Win Your Love” captures the smooth, romantic sensibility of the era. Al Wilson’s “Touch And Go” is a perfect example of crossover soul sophistication, and Kenny Smith & The Lovelitters’ “One More Day” radiates heartfelt emotion and vocal prowess.

Jackey Beavers’ “Bring Me All Your Heartaches” and Ruby Winters’ “If Only We Had Met Sooner” offer deep lyrical intimacy, while Don Varner’s “When It’s Over” and Swamp Dogg’s “Synthetic World” introduce socially aware storytelling with lush instrumentation. John Craig Doing’s “My Own Thing” is a standout track blending groove and melody, and Bill Brandon’s “All I Need Is You” captures the passionate essence of modern soul. The collection closes with Music ‘N’ Motion’s “I’ve Got To Find My Place,” a reflective and rhythmically compelling finale.

From Northern soul classics to rare crossover treasures, Volume 16 brings together a rich tapestry of voices, grooves, and styles, celebrating the diversity and depth of soul music. Each track has been carefully selected to honor the legacy of the artists while introducing listeners to hidden gems that shaped the genre.

Track Listing

Disc 1

1. Choice Of Colour – Your Love

2. Adam Wade – Russell Never Had A Chance

3. Thomas East – Follow The Rainbow

4. Tony Owens – All That Matters

5. Premium – You Know You Want To Be Loved

6. The Whispers – Needle In A Haystack

7. The Fuller Bros. – Stranger At My Door

8. Ohio Players – I Gotta Get Away

9. The Impalas – Speed Up

10. The Esquires – Listen To Me

11. Swiss Movement – Trying To Win Your Love

12. Al Wilson – Touch And Go

13. Kenny Smith & The Lovelitters – One More Day

14. Jackey Beavers – Bring Me All Your Heartaches

15. Ruby Winters – If Only We Had Met Sooner

16. Don Varner – When It’s Over

17. Swamp Dogg – Synthetic World

18. John Craig Doing – My Own Thing

19. Bill Brandon – All I Need Is You

20. Music ‘N’ Motion – I’ve Got To Find My Place