Soul Jazz In The House: A UK House Gem That Still Bangs (2006)
Alright, let’s talk about Soul Jazz In The House, a killer compilation album that dropped in 2006 courtesy of DJ Rico and the Slip 'n' Slide label. This one's got all the vibes—smooth grooves, deep basslines, and that unmistakable UK house energy. If you’re into electronic music with soul (pun totally intended), this is the kinda record you’ll wanna dig out on a lazy Sunday afternoon or when you're trying to set the mood for something lowkey but vibey.
The album’s packed with bangers, but two tracks really stuck with me: "Beautiful (Brent Laurence Vocal Mix)" and "Our Time (King Britt's Funke Mix)." Let me break it down for ya.
First up, "Beautiful." Man, this track just hits different. Brent Laurence’s vocals are so smooth they feel like warm honey dripping over crispy toast—it’s impossible not to vibe with it. The production has this lush, almost dreamy quality, like you're floating through clouds while still keeping your feet planted on the dancefloor. It’s one of those songs where you don’t even realize you’ve listened to it three times in a row because it feels that good. Honestly, if I had to pick a soundtrack for my life during sunset drives, this would be it.
Then there’s "Our Time," which King Britt absolutely murdered with his remix skills. The original must’ve been solid, but damn, King Britt took it to another galaxy. There’s this hypnotic rhythm running through the whole thing, paired with these glowing synths that make you want to close your eyes and sway like nobody’s watching. Every time this track comes on, I’m reminded why house music is such a big deal—it’s uplifting without being cheesy, emotional without being over-the-top. Props to DJ Rico for including this gem; it’s the kind of song that makes you think, “Yeah, we do have our time right now.”
What’s cool about this album is how DJ Rico managed to curate something that feels cohesive yet unpredictable. You get these moments of pure euphoria mixed with deeper, more introspective beats. Tracks like "Still A Dancer (Sole Channel Dub)" and "We Got The Swing" keep things fresh, showing off different shades of house music without ever losing that signature Soul Jazz touch.
Reflecting on Soul Jazz In The House, it’s wild to think this came out back in 2006. Some albums age like fine wine, getting better as time goes by, and this is definitely one of them. Listening to it today feels like reconnecting with an old friend who hasn’t aged a day.
Oh, and here’s a random thought—imagine hearing this album live in some underground London club back in the day. Bet the energy was insane. Like, people probably lost their minds dancing to "Jus’ Dance" or whatever else was spinning. Makes me wish I had a time machine, honestly.
So yeah, if you’re looking for a slice of timeless UK house magic, grab yourself a copy of Soul Jazz In The House. Trust me, your ears will thank you later.
