What makes a track soulful?  What is it that touches you about one song over another? Soul music itself can be a rather abstract concept, once you get out of the realm of what soul music was in the historical sense.  I am constantly reading or writing about music that we claim to be “soulful,” but as I sat trying to write down a description of what it is that makes a track soulful, I came up short.  Definitions are overrated.

Anyway, if there is a way to define what modern soul is, this track by Stereotyp with vocals by Lauryn Hill comes close.  It has elements of the past, a 12 bar blues chord progressions, and gospel stylings.  It is a song about struggle, heartache, love, and joy.  However, it was recorded with modern production techniques and equipment, e-drums, and a downtempo electronic feel.  A perfect production, a perfect synthesis of classic soul and modern music.  Stereotyp feat Lauryn Hill- Keepin Me