By: Therese Burgo
Thee Sacred Souls released their sophomore album, Got a Story to Tell early this
October, showcasing the romantic, old-school style the group has so effortlessly
perfected in the past few years. As a soul music lover, I had been eagerly awaiting
this album’s release.
The first track, “Lucid Girl,” is one of several singles appearing on the album, and
quite literally tells a story, as suggested by the album’s title, about choosing and
loving oneself. The theme of self-love recurs throughout the album in other tracks
like “Live For You,” another single that showcases the group’s knack for catchy
basslines. “On My Mind” is a lyrical meditation on how lived experiences, good
and bad, shape a person. The song is accompanied by rhythmic shifts that mirror
the variable nature of those experiences.
“Losing Side of Love,” with its funkier composition, offers a fun contrast to the
rest of the album. While there isn’t as much going on instrumentally compared to
the other tracks, the song’s simplicity allows it to serve as an effective interlude.
The theme of lost love continues through the next few tracks, including
“Somebody Knew” and the yearning “My Heart is Drowning,” the latter featuring
a playful, almost mischievous arrangement that captures the emotional tension.
“Stuck in the Mud” is one of those songs that successfully slows time as it tells a
falling-in-love story. “In the Mirror” draws sonic comparisons to tracks from their
previous album while simultaneously dealing with harsher self-reflections within
its lyrics, like guilt and regret. The closing track, “I’m So Glad I Found You, Baby”
is the perfect way to end the story told: a slow, romantic song of gratitude and
happiness.
At the beginning of 2023, I had the chance to see Thee Sacred Souls live right here
in New York City, and no concert has yet matched the experience. Vocalist Josh
Lane is a stunning performer, and the band’s talent and distinctive style make their
concerts an absolute must-see. I definitely hope to catch the group as they tour
their second album.
Rating: 5/5
