Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – Give the People What They Want

Now over ten years into their career, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings show no sign of deviating from their authenticity-obsessed soul revivalism; as the title of this sixth LP indicates, it’s earned them an ever-expanding fanbase, and Give the People What They Want is sure to continue the trend. Jones’ vocals sound as rich and strong as ever, and the Dap-Kings’ implausibly accurate channelling of vintage, brass-laden soul feels almost uncanny throughout.

Much has been made of Jones’ attention to detail in terms of recording equipment and instrumentation, and the warm, analogue textures remain in evidence here; but ultimately it’s the strength of the songwriting – whether on stompers like Retreat!, or sultry slower tracks like Long Time, Wrong Time – which ensures that the LP feels justified in joining the canon of classic soul. It may be more of the same, but that is undoubtedly what the people want. [Sam Wiseman]