It is a genuinely tall order for a contemporary artist to be spoken of in the same regard as these icons. Yet, Jalen Ngonda achieved this feat with his debut album, the widely acclaimed Come Around and Love Me in 2023. Far from being a pastiche of soul and rock 'n' roll acts of the 60s and 70s, it felt strikingly current, an ode to his influences certainly but cut through with a 2020s sheen.
Ngonda has been honing his craft since he relocated to the UK as a student in Liverpool. Anticipation has been high for his sophomore record, the first taste of which, the stellar “Anyone in Love”, came in 2025. Proving a huge success, it piqued interest further in his career. Since, he has been supporting the likes of The Teskey Brothers and Olivia Dean, bringing his unique spin to these wider audiences and honing his showmanship.
The timeless quality of his artistry is apparent across the record, “Train Conductor”, a perfect encapsulation of what makes his sound work so well. Rock 'n' roll grooves with his smooth vocals, a real delight, as it showcases both the obvious Motown influences with 60s rock 'n' roll, an equally important part of his repertoire.
Ngonda’s voice is once again a real delight throughout, and is undoubtedly the main draw, but the quality of musicianship across the board and songwriting should not be overlooked. The production quality is first-rate, and crafting something that appeals to both fans of classic soul and current audiences is an arduous task, but one Ngonda is more than up to. “Hannah, What’s The Matter” is a sumptuous advert for his vocal range, showcasing plenty of depth in one of the album’s highlights.
This is ten tracks that build on Ngonda’s debut. If perhaps not as fresh as that record, it proves he is far from a one-hit wonder, or a throwback soul act for a new generation. This album looks set to be the perfect accompaniment for summer BBQ’s, smooth, easy to digest and impeccably crafted. Ngonda’s beguiling take on classic soul, R&B, and rock 'n' roll is here to stay. It is a joyous embrace of his influences, channelling them into something fresh and often exhilarating.
