Soul St by Caron Wheeler: A 1992 Pop Gem Worth Revisiting
Alright, so let’s talk about Soul St, the debut album from Caron Wheeler, an artist you might know from her killer work with Soul II Soul. Released in '92 under EMI Records Ltd in Australia, this pop masterpiece doesn’t get nearly enough love. It’s smooth, soulful, and packed with vibes that still hit different today. While it didn’t blow up like some of the other albums from that era, there are moments here that stick with you—like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First off, the track “Soul Street (Album Version)” is just straight-up addictive. The groove grabs you right away and doesn’t let go. There’s something about how Caron delivers those lines—it’s like she’s whispering secrets directly into your ear but in the coolest way possible. You can tell she’s got stories to tell, y’know? And when the beat kicks in fully, it’s impossible not to nod along or even bust out a little shuffle if no one’s watching. This one feels timeless, like music that could’ve been made yesterday or thirty years ago. Honestly, I think it should’ve been bigger than it was. Maybe people were too busy obsessing over grunge at the time? Who knows.
Then there’s “Wind Cries Mary,” which—if we’re being real—is kind of random for a pop album, but wow, does it slap. If you’re familiar with Hendrix’s version, hearing Caron tackle it brings a whole new energy. She makes it hers without losing the raw emotion of the original. Her voice has this warm, velvety quality that wraps around you while the production keeps things fresh. It’s bold as hell to cover a legend like Hendrix, but she pulls it off effortlessly. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why taking risks pays off sometimes.
Oh, and shoutout to “Need A Man” too—it’s kinda cheeky and fun, with lyrics that feel both vulnerable and empowering. Like, yeah, relationships are messy, but who cares? Just enjoy the ride. That’s what makes this album relatable; it’s not trying too hard to be anything other than authentic.
Looking back now, Soul St feels like this hidden gem waiting for rediscovery. Sure, it came out during a chaotic time in music history, sandwiched between all the big-name releases, but maybe that’s part of its charm. It wasn’t chasing trends—it was just doing its thing. And honestly, isn’t that what great music’s all about?
Random thought: I wonder if Caron ever gets tired of people asking her about Soul II Soul instead of her solo stuff. Like, give the woman her flowers already! Anyway, next time you’re scrolling through Spotify or digging through crates, give Soul St a spin. You won’t regret it.
