“Soul Believer” sounds like a song created for those who have known music all their lives and still possess a few songs in their hearts. Combined with the polished pop sound of Johnny Hates Jazz, the soulful vocals of Jaki Graham bring warmth and strength to the track, making it feel natural from the get-go.
One of the first things that pop out is the groove. The bassline is smooth and is underneath the glossy synth-pop production, so the song has a steady movement without being too heavy. Jaki’s voice brings an extra dimension with the more prominent roles on the larger sections of the song. Her voices add a lot of variety to the chorus and complement the melodic approach of Johnny Hates Jazz.
But the lyrics of “Soul Believer” are even more interesting. Each verse and chorus is structured around more than 27 popular soul songs from the 1960s to the 1980s. The references have been edited and compiled to communicate a story about love, about memories, about the enduring role music plays in our lives, instead of being a collection of titles.
There’s a certain comfort to when these two styles of music collide. The sophisticated pop writing and soulful delivery lend the song a timeless feel, which is further enhanced by the production.
“Soul Believer” is a celebration of the songs and artists that have inspired generations. It’s a feel-good pop track and there’s a nice idea beneath it too, meaning that it’s even more rewarding to listen to the lyrics.
