Syleena Johnson is ready to reintroduce classic R&B songs using her voice. The singer has teamed up with her father and legendary musician/singer Syl Johnson for a new album called Rebirth of Soul.
Scheduled for a November 10th release, Rebirth of Soul features Syleena’s rendition of R&B songs from the ’50s and ’60s. The songs were recorded in real time with live musicians just like the good ole days.
“The inspiration behind Rebirth of Soul is my father,” Syleena said in a press release. “I wanted to honor him and classic soul music in a time when auto tune and electronic beats reign supreme. While I am not against this kind of creative musicianship, there is so much more to the real thing. True Soul music tells stories…stories that can heal a nation.”
The first single from the album is “Make Me Yours,” which was originally recorded by Bettye Swann. The album will also include a mix of landmark and underrated R&B gems from back in the day.
“For each song I channeled the emotions of the record,” Syleena said. “I put myself in the mind of each storyteller and in doing this I was able to merge myself into the story of each record. This is how I was able to put my own personal stamp on each record.”
Over four years ago, in 2013, Syleena told Rated R&B about her plans to release a collaborative album with her father.
“The good thing about Rebirth of Soul is that it’s a timeless record,” she said. “It’s a remake album, so it can come out at any time.”
In other news, catch Syleena as a co-host on TV One’s new talk show Sister Circle weekdays at 9 a.m. local time.
Listen to “Make Me Yours” below.
