Courtesy of Ley Soul
Who is Ley Soul?
Ley Soul is a 19-year-old college student bringing back Neo-soul music to 2024. Inspired by Neo-soul artists before her, such as Erykah Badu, she is a new independent artist. Currently, her discography is small, but growing, with two of the best songs I’ve heard in a while. Ley Soul’s jazzy voice, similar to Laufey’s lower register, is silky against the most ethereal instrumentals.
Reviving Neo-soul, a genre deeply rooted in the ’90s, is not an easy task. You have to be very creative and find gorgeous, out-of-body melodies that mainstream artists just can’t nail. Her daringness in production is unique. No one would believe she is only 19 years old. She has clearly been studying old R&B and Neo-soul tracks to create these masterpieces. The intricate beats that make you feel like you are having an out-of-body experience floating in the clouds work perfectly against Soul’s dreamlike vocals.
The Chicago native found success while promoting her music on TikTok, which helped garner her first viral track, “Intergalactic Janet.” Released in April 2023, this song has over 15 million streams and was written solely by Ley Soul. Usually, artists have a few consistent writers to help create hits, but she is a songwriter at heart. Her talent soars great lengths and she should be the next big thing.
“Intergalactic Janet” Review
“Intergalactic Janet” serves as Ley Soul’s official entry into the world. With it, she dropped one of the most beautiful songs out there in recent years. The song is full of the most incredible vocals ever. Above all, Ley Soul’s register can go from so deep to hitting the most dreamy high notes. She sounds like a seasoned professional on just her second song ever released. Most can’t imagine a 19-year-old holding this much power in their voice. The “intergalactic” comes from the floating-in-space feeling of the song and how smooth it is. According to Genius, “Ley Soul created this song about a galaxy woman who lives in space. She was inspired by the stars outside of her window as well as the sound of Erykah Badu. It was created in her dorm room over the span of many weeks.”
“Fortunate Eyes” Review
“Fortunate Eyes” is her second April single. The production is very calming, with horns and nature sounds sprawled throughout it. Her layered vocals in this song are the icing on the cake, giving you full-body chills the first time you hear it. The talent running through her is so evident in this song and the imagery in the lyrics create beautiful visions. According to Genius, “Ley Soul describes “Fortune Eyes” as a song about finding your own purpose and gaining a new set of eyes and having the power to change your vision and go after your dreams.” She does a great job writing songs that have deep meanings to them with storytelling and perfect melodies.
Ley Soul should be on everyone’s radar as she is on her own level. Certainly, no one has been making music like this in recent years and she has such a bright future as a songwriter as she is so young. The vocals and harmonies are perfect every time. She could be the next big thing as she has already started solidifying herself with the first two tracks being released. Check out her latest single, “Into Sands” which is very dreamy. Perfect song as one transitions from summer into the fall.
