Since discovering SOLE in 2020 through her captivating cover of ‘Close to You’ featuring THAMA, we’ve been hooked on her artistry. Her soulful voice, rich tonality, and undeniable talent have made her music an essential part of our playlists. This year, SOLE gifted us her EP ‘Time Machine’, released in August, and after months of anticipation, we’re diving in to share our unfiltered thoughts on this stunning release.
As expected, ‘Time Machine’ is a masterclass in soulful R&B, blending old-school vibes with modern flair. Here’s our track-by-track breakdown of why this EP is a must-listen:
Serving as the title track and opening single, ‘Still LOVE’ sets the tone with its groovy blend of old-school hip-hop beats and smooth R&B. SOLE’s exceptional vocal layering, effortless rapping, and standout ad-libs create a vibe that’s both timeless and fresh. It’s an instantly addictive introduction that hooks listeners from the first beat.
Channeling the golden age of 90s R&B, ‘GONE’ leans into a smooth instrumental loop with impeccably mixed beats. The groove in this track is undeniable, and SOLE’s heartfelt lyrical delivery hits every emotional note. This song is a love letter to classic R&B, with a modern twist that keeps it fresh.
Slowing things down, ‘Just a Moment’ brings a softer, more delicate touch to the EP. Its flawless flow and subtle instrumental sequences elevate the track, adding layers of emotion and passion. This song feels like a quiet confession, delicate yet powerful in its simplicity.
SOLE teams up with THAMA for ‘Situationship’, a soulful and groovy masterpiece. The interplay between the groovy piano instrumentals and the two artists’ contrasting vocal tones creates a striking narrative. It’s a stunning duet, rich with feeling and perfectly showcasing the two perspectives in the story.
Adding diversity to the EP, ‘1minute’ blends R&B with EDM-inspired beats. The pace shifts and intricate harmonies in this track are showstopping, with powerful ad-libs and grooves that steal the spotlight. It’s dynamic, fresh, and absolutely unforgettable.
The EP closes with ‘Killing Me Softly’, a breathtaking track that feels like pure magic in musical form. Its dreamy flow, rich beats, and layered instrumentals create an immersive listening experience that’s as powerful as it is beautiful. This song serves as a perfect, emotional conclusion to an already stellar release.
SOLE’s Time Machine is everything we hoped for and more. She continues to prove herself as a vocal powerhouse, blending soulful expression with innovative production. Every track on this EP showcases her growth as an artist, while staying true to the essence that first captured our hearts back in 2020.
If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and dive into this masterpiece. SOLE has outdone herself, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.
This was originally published in our 2024 magazine.
