Thee Sacred Souls have a captivating sound that can help anyone going through a heartbreak dive deeper into their feelings. Their self-titled debut album features standout vocals and instrumentation, making it nearly impossible to not groove to their music.
The San Diego-based trio of Alex Garcia on drums, Sal Samano on bass and Josh Lane on vocals were founded back in April of 2019.
Their album was released on Aug. 25 on all major music streaming platforms and consists of 12 tracks with a prominent R&B/soul feel.
The sound brings nostalgia to anyone that has envisioned life in the early-to-mid 1960s. Anyone who listens to any part of the album can easily pick up on the inspiration from the 60s especially with the rich bass and horns used.
When listening to the album, I visualize myself slow dancing in a pub, drinking until my head spins while under the heating lights of production lamps and a blinding disco ball. Lane's voice brings me comfort by evoking dreams of dancing alone or in the embrace of a lover.
The opening song, “Can I Call You Rose?” illustrates the desire of wanting to keep a lover close to your heart because of how much they have impacted your life. This is an amazing introductory song that sets the mood of the entire album, from its soulful R&B tones to its lyrics about lovers.
I felt an immediate connection with the album’s sixth song, “Weak for Your Love.” The lyrics help listeners comprehend how much of an unhealthy chokehold a past relationship can have over you.
While these two songs were early releases in April 2020, they are timeless enough to be played over and over again. It was only right for the group to include them in their first album.
In the lyrics of “Sorrow for Tomorrow,” there are no words in these languages we share to make the pain any easier to bare” had me bawling my eyes out. The song is an anthem that serves as a reminder that healing is not linear and how being patient is key.
It’s simple to understand the vocalist’s message when listening to the combination of the instruments and lyrics. Their lyrics really force you to reflect on current and past relationships, toxic or not.
The horns and background vocals in “Love Comes Easy” have a distinguished old blues sound that reminds me of the frontman and vocalist of the Miracles, Smokey Robinson– an R&B soul icon in the '60s and '70s. Robinson and Thee Sacred Souls both have a groovy sound followed by heartfelt words.
Without collaborating with other artists, the trio has proven themselves to be a group that can incorporate the sounds of the past into modern day music.
The seventh song “Future Lover” captures the moment when you lock eyes with someone in a crowd and feel that instant spark. Time stands still for a moment and the world stops when you two finally talk– everything else becomes background noise.
The feeling of safety and at peace when you’re with someone is clearly demonstrated in the last banger, “Love Comes Easy.” This track will make you appreciate that special someone and the bond you two have.
The trio has a way of relating to ones who have been heartbroken on a whole other level. They have the craft of putting feelings into words you would never come up with yourself.
This 12 track album has no skips, with each song having the capability to emotionally move you. Don’t listen to the album if you aren’t ready to reminisce about a past lover because tears and feelings will arise!
Thee Sacred Souls did an outstanding job that truly showcases their raw talent. The group’s unique sound makes me confident that their future releases will only get better and better.
With how much traction they have been getting, it would be no surprise if they were to become a mainstream group that inspires other artists to pay tribute to retro soul music.
