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Description
Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics' *State of All Things* (2018) stands as a neo-soul-inflected soul-R&B project that anchors Velle's early solo catalog with lush arrangements and emotionally raw lyrics. The album emerges from her tenure with London-based The Soulphonics, blending organic instrumentation-pianos, horns, and warm Rhodes-with modern production sensibilities. Critically acclaimed for its cohesive sound, *State of All Things* received praise from underground music press for bridging classic 70s soul aesthetics with contemporary songwriting, positioning Velle as a standout voice in the 2010s soul revival.
Production credits highlight a collaborative approach, with engineer and producer Mike Fraser noted for capturing live, room-acoustic qualities that give the record a tangible warmth. The album's title track, often cited in liner notes as a meditation on personal growth, stands alongside ballads like "Lately" that showcase Velle's dynamic vocal range, from intimate whispers to soaring high notes. Hidden gems like the jazz-tinged "The Way I Am" offer subtle nods to classic funk influences, while the closing tracks lean into ambient textures that hint at Velle's evolving interest in soundscapes.
While some tracks were later reworked for live performances, the core material remains largely unaltered-a testament to the album's tight composition. Velle's lyrics navigate themes of resilience and introspection, resonating with listeners who found connection in the album's confessional tone. For vinyl enthusiasts, this record captures a pivotal era of soul music that prioritizes authenticity over commercial trends, making *State of All Things* a cherished addition to collections focused on modern soul and R&B. The album's legacy endures through its influence on emerging artists, who cite its balance of nostalgia and innovation as a guiding blueprint.
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Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics' *State of All Things* (2018) anchors Velle's early catalog with neo-soul-inflected soul-R&B arrangements and emotionally raw vocals. The album emerges from her tenure with London-based The Soulphonics, blending organic instrumentation-pianos, horns, Rhodes-with modern production. Critically lauded for bridging classic 70s soul aesthetics with 2010s songwriting, it positions Velle as a standout voice in the soul revival era.
Production highlights include engineer Mike Fraser capturing live, room-acoustic qualities that lend the record warmth. Tracks like "The Way I Am" offer jazz-tinged funk nods, while title tracks meditate on personal growth. Hidden gems lean into ambient textures, hinting at Velle's evolving soundscapes. The closing tracks, with their ambient textures, suggest her transition toward experimental textures.
Velle's lyrics navigate resilience and introspection, resonating with listeners drawn to the album's confessional tone. While some tracks were later reworked live, the core remains unaltered-a testament to tight composition. For vinyl collectors, this record captures a pivotal soul music era prioritizing authenticity over trends. It influences emerging artists, cited as a blueprint for balancing nostalgia and innovation. Its legacy endures through its impact on modern soul and R&B.
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