Jalen Ngonda – Doctrine of Love
On his latest album, Doctrine of Love, Jalen Ngonda wears his vintage soul influences on his sleeve
It wouldn’t come as a surprise to any listener of Jalen Ngonda’s second album that the Maryland-born, London-based artist claims to listen to almost nothing released after 1972. Tracing out cadences reminiscent of Smokey Robinson over 70s Marvin Gaye drum grooves and summoning the impassioned intensity of James Brown, Ngonda delves deeper into the vintage influences that furnished his 2023 debut.
Anyone in Love opens the album with a bold brush of strings and rolling drums. Gospel-inspired backing vocals are haloed in soft, organic reverb, creating a warmth and sense of space which producers Vincent Chiarito and Michael Buckley carry throughout the album. The title track follows: a solemn minor-key sermon with horns punching through the strutting riff and resounding authoritative church bells.
While it would be easy to dismiss Ngonda’s work as pastiche, the strength of his melodies shows a deep reverence for his craft. The sunny groove of Mr. Train Conductor and the piano-studded doo-wop of Good Good Love are undeniably spirit-lifting. I Can’t Ever Leave You is more adventurous, with its fanfaring horns and twisting guitar solo, while Hang It On the Shelf soars to the album’s most feel-good chorus.
Listen to: Hang It On the Shelf, I Can't Ever Leave You, Good Good Love