Some collaborations simply make sense, and the radiant ‘Soul Believer’ is one of them.
Bringing together British pop and soul icons Johnny Hates Jazz and Jaki Graham for the first time, the single combines the duo’s trademark polished pop songwriting with Graham’s unmistakable soul vocals – making it a partnership to remember.
Penned by Clark Datchler and Average White Band’s Hamish Stuart, the track offers a fun and uplifting celebration of classic soul music, blending more than 27 classic song titles cleverly woven into its lyrics. It’s a fun, and loving, touch that rewards anyone familiar with the genre, while the song itself remains warm, melodic and accessible.
Graham sounds fantastic and euphoric, adding depth and emotional weight to Johnny Hates Jazz’s sophisticated production. While it recreates the nostalgia of the 60s, 70s and 80s in a sparkling melodic whirlwind, Soul Believer arrives like a natural meeting of two established artists bringing their musical heritage into the present.
With Johnny Hates Jazz preparing to celebrate 40 years of Shattered Dreams in 2027, this is an encouraging first taste of what’s to come – and, hopefully, not the last time these two British pop-soul favourites share a microphone.
A classy, feel-good collaboration that proves great songs really can transcend generations.
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