The 10 best soul tracks, according to Ady Suleiman

A young singer from Nottingham, Ady Suleiman has quickly become to go-to choice for feel-good music that's just made for kicking back to. Lifting influences across blues, jazz, soul, R&B, reggae, and hip-hop – the sounds of contemporary artists such as Erykah Badu, DJ Premier, and J Dilla have helped to shape his soulful sound.

Suleiman impressed with his self-titled EP last year, which is led by his distinctive vocal delivery and even features a cameo from Joey Bada$$. Ahead of his appearance at Gilles Peterson’s ‘From The Soul’ show at Liverpool International Music Festival on July 21st, Ady dives deep into his influences and shares some of his favourite soul records.

Read Ady's selections below, and listen via our YouTube playlist.

Etta James I’d Rather Go Blind

Ady Suleiman: "Liam Bailey did a cover of this tune which reminded how incredible it was. Shout out to Liam for putting me back onto Etta James."

Ray Charles Drown In My Own Tears

Ady Suleiman: "Ray is one of my idols and made me fall in love with music."

Sharon Jones How Long Do I Have To Wait For You

Ady Suleiman: "I discovered Sharon Jones through The Dap Kings and have been a massive fan ever since, too sick."

Otis Redding Try A Little Tenderness

Ady Suleiman: "I used to sing this song in my old soul band and we would always end the night on it. Classic Otis Redding…what a legend."

Donny Hathaway Young, Black And Gifted

Ady Suleiman: "This song gives me shivers, Donny’s voice is too much."

The JB’s You Can Have Watergate, Just Gimme Some Bucks And I'll Be Straight

Ady Suleiman: "I mean this is funk really, but James Brown has the title of ‘God Father Of Soul’ so I'm gonna sneak The JB’s in."

Bill Withers Let Me In Your Life

Ady Suleiman: "I think this is my favourite song of all time…the lyrics, chords, and voice. Bill Withers is a huge inspiration."

Sly & The Family Stone Just Like A Baby

Ady Suleiman: "Vibezzzzzzzzzzzzz."

The O’Jays Back Stabbers

Ady Suleiman: "I always feel like a cool mo-fugger when I listen to this tune."

Al Green How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

Ady Suleiman: "This record is at my tempo…chillllll. I love the string arrangement and Al Green’s records always sound amazing."

Ady play as part of Gilles Peterson’s ‘From The Soul’ show at Liverpool International Music Festival on July 21st (info). His single Running Away is out now (buy).

You might like