Reasons To Stay vinyl

Tanika Charles has long paired throwback soul with incisive songwriting, but this latest release feels especially raw. Now four albums deep, the Toronto-based artist pivots inwarditrading the usual tales of romance and heartbreak for something more fragile: the fallout of early family trauma. 'Don't Like You Anymore' and 'No More' snap with funk-driven defiance, but it's the quieter moments that linger. 'The Lament' and 'Talk To Me Nice' lean into vulnerability, while 'Win', a duet with Quebec's Clerel, glows with understated uplift. Charles leads a tight teamiScott McCannell, Kyla Charter, and Chino de Villa shape the grooves; Monophonics' Kelly Finnigan adds the rougher edgeibut the clarity here is hers. Her voice, resolute yet tender, is unafraid to ask difficult questions and even braver in leaving them unanswered. There's growth in every chord, as the arrangements span lilting r&b, classic soul, and easy-stepping slow jams. From Polaris nods to JUNO nominations, Charles has long commanded her placeibut this is something more personal, more courageous. Soul music as a form of release, not just rhythm.