Solange: The Comfort Evolution

Solange builds a singular sound, moving from 2002's pop-R&B to 2008's retro-soul and 2012's new wave funk, culminating in 2016's self-care anthems.

Tracklist

  1. T.O.N.Y. — Solange
  2. You're Not Good Enough — Blood Orange featuring Solange
  3. I Decided — Solange
  4. Some Things Never Seem to Fucking Work — Solange
  5. Crush — Solange
  6. Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) — Solange
  7. Way to the Show — Solange
  8. Binz — Solange

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Evening's here — let's set the mood.

T.O.N.Y. — Solange

Solange's second album, Sol-Angel & the Hadley St. Dreams (2008), marked a distinct pivot towards colorful retro-soul, moving beyond her pop-R&B debut. This critically lauded work, featuring tracks like "T.O.N.Y.", established her unique artistic voice and proved she wasn't chasing her sister's lane.

You're Not Good Enough — Blood Orange featuring Solange

The 'True' EP in 2012 signaled another artistic turn, as Solange linked with Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes for many tracks. This collaboration solidified her shift towards a funkier, new wave-inspired sound, further explored on their joint efforts like "You're Not Good Enough."

I Decided — Solange

With Sol-Angel & the Hadley St. Dreams, Solange assembled a production team that included Cee-Lo Green and Mark Ronson, making a retro-soul album that never stooped to pastiche. The track "I Decided" opens with a horn fanfare reminiscent of 1968 Motown.

Some Things Never Seem to Fucking Work — Solange

The 'True' EP, released on Terrible Records, deeply embraced 1980s pop and R&B influences. Dev Hynes’s new wave synths and post-punk drum patterns suited Solange’s evolving voice, evident in the repetitive yet compelling hook of "Some Things Never Seem to Fucking Work."

Crush — Solange

Before her critical breakthrough, Solange debuted in 2002 with 'Solo Star', a pop-oriented contemporary R&B album. Producers like The Neptunes contributed to this early sound, showcasing her initial foray into music with songs like "Crush."

Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) — Solange

A Seat at the Table (2016) powerfully expressed Black identity and self-care, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Solange stated, "I probably wrote that because I need to manifest it more in my life," speaking to the album's comforting nature, particularly on "Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)."

Way to the Show — Solange

Her 2019 album, 'When I Get Home', is a deeply personal love letter to Solange's Houston roots, particularly the Third Ward. The album’s sound blends jazz, psychedelic soul, and hip-hop, embracing Houston's 'slab scene' culture as heard on "Way to the Show."

Binz — Solange

Solange’s 'When I Get Home' explores themes of origin, asking how much of ourselves we carry or leave behind in our evolution. The album celebrates Black wealth and references specific Houston streets, making "Binz" a vibrant homage to her hometown.

Thank you for sharing this space with me on OffStereo. May your own comfort records continue to resonate, reminding you of where you've been and where you’re headed.