(January 26, 2025) It is admirable when an artist boldly reinvents pop standards, especially when their daring artistic prowess draws astounding numbers on YouTube. Ben l’Oncle Soul completely reflipped one of Frank Sinatra’s trademark songs, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” which attracted an audience of over 51 million. In essence, l’Oncle Soul’s modern blues saturated, plaintive interpretation steered completely from Sinatra’s free swinging big band performance. But what initially brought the French nu-soul stylist to the forefront in 2009 was a Motown driven arrangement of the international rock anthem, “Seven Nation Army,” from his debut Soul Wash EP, another YouTube video bringing in over 5 million.
Ever since, l’Oncle Soul, who treasures ‘60’s soul and John Legend among other inspirations, produced a string of hits, including the suitably titled “Soulman,” that charted in his home country and Belgium. And SoulTracks warmly welcomed him in 2023 to First Listen with the bossa nova sweetness of “A Rose.” Besides his studio work, l’Oncle Soul’s captivating stage performances have been showcased at the Montreux Jazz Festival and on the Live Paris CD in 2011.
As we wait for l’Oncle Soul’s latest upcoming full-length, Sad Generation, the latest First Listen focus previews the debut single, “I Got Home” (Enchanté/Believe), sharing the thrill of a joyous romantic encounter. Bastien Cabezon, longtime producer for l’Oncle Soul, and Danny Van ‘T Hoff’ bridge 60’s southern soul grooves with modern tweaks in a brief yet enchanting connection with a special someone: “Gazing at your smile as you’re singing along/ And calling out the name of your favorite song/ I’ll keep you satisfied/ But it won’t be for long.” And l’Oncle Soul’s melt-in-your-ears voice undoubtedly channels John Legend, yet with a husky aftertaste. Check out “I Got Home.”
By Peggy Oliver