(November 28, 2025) Omar Lye-Fook MBE has marked his 40th Anniversary in the music industry with a busy schedule: a 2025 U.S./U.K tour, an NPR Tiny Desk appearance and an ear opening CD filled with his impressive musicality. In fact, one of the U.K.’s most prolific soul men these past few decades was especially proud of his latest project, Brighter the Days, featuring Eric Roberson, Ledisi, and many others.
Since Omar first entered the U.K. Top 20 in 1991 with the reissue of his 1990 debut, There’s Nothing Like This, his body of work has merited him both acclaim and awards. Naturally, SoulTracks made sure Omar felt at home, including two First Listens in 2025 – an homage towards classic soul’s longevity and Detroit’s inimitable influence for “On My Own”; and “Back to Dilla,” a smorgasbord of Omar’s musical grab bag with Soul Prophet.
Besides many collaborations from both sides of the pond, a major player on Omar’s soulful studio road has been his brother, Scratch Professor, who has masterminded the one’s & two’s since a teenager, producing several of the London born singer/songwriter’s soundtracks.
For our latest 2025 holiday offering, First Listen presents “That Time Again” (Impressive Collective/BBE), where classic soul with a modern flair pours into a joyous tale of rediscovering love during this enchanting season. Scratch Professor’s charming soundtrack opens “That Time Again” with a slice of a majestic movie overture before settling into a snap your finger groove. And S.P.’s smooth production compliments Omar’s laid-back baritone, celebrating full-circle romance joined by Charlene Hamilton. While images of snow, Christmas trees and the like may be absent, co-songwriters Omar, Hamilton and Scratch Professor’s artistic contributions are suitable enough in conveying holiday sophistication sans the stress. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
