She is a three-time nominee at the SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards, and there’s a good reason: Castella is one of the most exciting young soul singers around. She’s a vocalist with the pipes to handle just about anything, and she’s brought that talent to a string of strong singles that have been fixtures on our “Fresh Soul” playlist over the past few years.
Earlier in 2025, Castella charmed SoulTrackers with a chart-topping cover of the Jones Girls classic, “Nights Over Egypt,” and it served as a sneak peek of her upcoming A Couple of Covers EP, due later this year. The second single from that anticipated project is her take on an all-timer from Little Anthony & The Imperials. “Hurt So Bad” hit the Top 10 back in 1965, and it helped to define the heartbreak song of the era.
It’s now 60 years on, and Castella has teamed with producers Jeff Canady and Darryl Swann to deliver a new take that captures the drama of the original, with a fullness of production that sounds refreshingly timeless. The Detroit-based band outdid themselves on this one, and with Castella’s powerful alto voice upfront, have delivered a worthy updating of a classic.
We’re proud to present ”Hurt So Bad” as our Song of the Month. Check it out below, and welcome Castella back to SoulTracks.
By Chris Rizik
