Kenny Thomas is one of the best soul voices that the UK has ever produced. The London-born singer-songwriter enjoyed a huge breakthrough in the early 90s with his ever-green hit ‘Thinking About Your Love’ from his album ‘Voices’. That record established Thomas as one of the brightest new stars in music and it laid the foundations for a recording career that has been going strong for well over 30 years. Following time away to attend to personal family matters, Thomas returned in 2022 with new music and he’s been spending a lot of time on the road too, reconnecting with his fans in the live arena. Now, in the run-up to Christmas, Thomas has released ‘The Best of Kenny Thomas’, a new retrospective collection.
‘The Best Of Kenny Thomas’ contains all of the singer’s big hits, his recent releases – ‘Contagious’ and ‘Got It On Time’ – alongside fan favourites and two previously unreleased tracks. Opening with the Opolopo Mix of 2006 single ‘Crazy World’, you’re immediately captivated by Thomas’ unmistakeable voice. His range is remarkable as he effortlessly glides over the song’s melody finding nuance in places that a lesser singer would simply just miss. Across all of the tracks here, it’s Thomas’ voice that’s the star and he sounds no different on the more recent material than he does on the classics.
Of course, the hits you’d expect to hear are included here including the mighty ‘Thinking About Your Love’ and the supremely soulful ‘Best Of You’ albeit in the form of the six-minute ‘Touchdown Mix’. 1994’s ‘Destiny’ is remixed by ‘Danny D’ while the 1993 classic ‘Stay’ is just over six minutes of pure bliss thanks to the ‘Sassy Soul Edit’. Fans will be drawn to ‘Him’, the title track from Thomas’ third album that never saw the light of day and fans will get to hear songs from that record on Thomas’ ‘HIM’ tour in 2024. The album’s other unreleased track “Bring Your Lovin’ Back” is an uptempo soul gem that fits neatly in Thomas’ pristine catalogue of tunes.
It’s remarkable how well the newer tracks fit alongside the classics. ‘Contagious’ feels like it could have been a hit back in the 90s and it’s proof that Thomas has looked after that incredible voice of his. The smooth groove is perfect to dance or chill out to. ‘Got It On Time’, the ‘Opolopo Remix Radio Edit’, is another uptempo jam of the like I wish people made more of these days. It’s a pure soul-pop rush that sticks in the head and you’ll be humming for ages after you hear it.
‘The Best of Kenny Thomas’ is a reminder of just what a talent Thomas is. Singers don’t sing like this anymore and it’s a real treat to hear these remastered versions of Thomas’ classic songs. There’s plenty on here to satisfy long-time fans and those who may only just be discovering Thomas now. With his current tour under-way and another already confirmed for 2024, I suggest you book your tickets and go and see him as you most definitely will not be disappointed.
Track list: 1. Crazy World (Opolopo Mix) 2. Got It On Time (Opolopo Mix) 3. Best of You (Touchdown Mix) 4. Him 5. Tender Love 6. Contagious 7. Bring Your Lovin’ Back 8. Turn It Up 9. Thinking About Your Love 10. Wait For Me 11. Stay (Sassy Soul Edit) 12. Outstanding 13. Will I Ever See Your Face 14. Destiny (Danny D Mix) 15. I Found Lovin’ (Radio Edit) 16. When I Think Of You Record label: Chrysalis Records Release date: 3rd November 2023 Buy ‘The Best of Kenny Thomas’ now
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