So, here we are, just over six months after the release of Volume 1, and I’m delighted to bring you the next instalment of The Contemporary Soul Songbook series.

Volume 1 took quite a few people by surprise, especially those who had previously ignored our “unsigned” series of compilations.

It’s rather ironic that the majority of artists featured on the first Songbook were also unsigned and independent, but it’s amazing how differently an album is perceived when you drop the words “unsigned” and “independent” from the title and tag line!

Something else that I learnt from Volume 1 is that everyone has their own idea of what soul music is. Indeed, several reviewers questioned whether the music featured on Volume 1 was actually, in their opinion, soul music at all.

Others went to great lengths to try to apply their own categorisation of exactly what they were listening too.

On the positive side, the vast majority of review websites and DJs liked the music, even if they didn’t always know what to call it!

Putting the semantics to one side for a moment, let’s talk about The Contemporary Soul Songbook Volume 2...

You'll find a slightly different mix of material on this compilation. To start with, we have more guys this time round, something which I think was lacking in its predecessor.

And the mix of tempos on this album is more varied too. I always want our compilations to reflect the vibe of the radio show, so the pace changes that you hear on the show (and on the “unsigned” series) are replicated here.

The ladies get things underway with some nice uplifting modern soul, then the guys take over for the r&b/urban tinged mid-section, before the ladies return for the soulful/jazzy finale.

Having just typed that last sentence, I realise I've fallen into the labelling trap myself. It really is unavoidable. How do you describe music on a CD without applying labels?

I could, I suppose, just use comparisons. In which case, I think track 3 reminds me of Millie Jackson, track 5 could easily be Barry White and the production on track 4 is a ringer for the classic Dennis Edwards’ “Don’t look any further”.

But do you really care what I think the music sounds like? Probably not. Much better to just pop the CD in the deck, kick-back, relax and enjoy it. Let’s leave the labelling for another day.

Phil Driver