The Pop Corporation

2026 is shaping up to be a hot year for R&B lovers, with a load of albums and single drops heating things up. One of the most exciting has been the releases from the UK’s very own Elmiene, who has managed to marry classic soul with modern production and jazzy flourishes.

And you’re probably thinking you’ve heard all this before, and that the latest saviour is here to bring Neo Soul to us again, but sincerely, this time it feels different – Elmiene is not some cut ‘n’ shunt D’Angelo/Badu-alike – we’ve got someone with their own unique voice and version of things, with the only similarity being an abundance of talent.

To say that Elmiene might be the most naturally gifted R&B artist these shores has ever produced may seem like big talk and recency bias, but by god, when you’re listening to him perform, it’s very difficult to argue against it.

He’s been cooking up great stuff for a while now, with a mix of his own music, tapes and great cover versions for the internet – now, we’ve got his debut LP ‘Sounds For Someone’ which strives to provide something a little extra, and boy howdy, does it deliver.

Alongside the album from Ego Ella May (review incoming), we have two emerging titans in the British soul/jazz/R&B scene, and Elmiene not only possesses an easy, natural talent, but a meticulous vision of what he needs to do with it, and the stories that come along for the ride.

Whether he’s breaking your heart with his arresting ‘Cry Against The Wind’ for his late father, or the uplifting jam of ‘Reclusive’ that’ll get you in your feelings in a good way, we’re certain that he’s released one of the finest albums of 2026, and we’re not out of Spring yet!

When a lesser artist makes grown-and-sexy R&B, or nods to Neo Soul, you find the production can often compete with the vocals sat on top, for some false air of authenticity – but that’s never the case with Elmiene, so glides and navigates his way through the augmented chords and smart percussion.

His talent is in good company too, with appearances from Raphael Saadiq, Sampha and other. Alongside his own musicianship, we’re given a rich and layered backdrop to Elmiene’s cinematography and narration.

While a lot of the subjects can feel bit, it never feels cloying or heavy – we’re treated to turns of phrase that allow us to brush up against the feelings he’s feeling, and process them ourselves rather than being beaten over the head with them. He’s a brilliant teller of stories, which happens to be blessed with the voice of an angel.

The whole history of soul music seems to have been poured into Elmiene, and no joke, you’ll find yourself thinking about Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, Minnie Riperton and a host of legends.

If there’s any sense of Elmiene being a loveable dork, unassumedly shuffling into view from years past, this album sees a much steadier footing with a confidence that really suits him. He’s the real deal, and if this album is him believing that in a non-conceited way, then sign us all up for whatever comes next.

Sensational. Essential.