Ninja Tune Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Jordan Rakei is a real poster boy for the current neo-soul scene. New Zealand-born, Australia-raised artist is hugely popular here in his adopted homeland of the UK, not least because of how much great music he puts out at a regular rate. This is his fourth album in five years - third on Ninja Tune - and he's also turned out a lush entry into the Late Night Tales series. His soulful tones remain a delight on these tracks, which feature elements of dub, house, and dub as well as his aching vocals and fine songwriting. The mood is the most vulnerable yet as a result of things he learnt about himself during therapy over the last two years. Dive in deep.

Review: Two years on from the release of his critically acclaimed "Wallflower" album on Ninja Tune, Jordan Rakei returns with his most eagerly awaited set to date. Happily, it doesn't disappoint. Beginning with the electronic soul-pop brilliance of "Mad World", Rakei effortlessly flits between synth-laden hip-hop-soul ("Say Something"), slinky downtempo songs ("Mind's Eye"), 21st century disco-boogie anthems ("Rolling Into One"), slow-burn musical fusions (the military drums, Juju guitars and heartfelt vocals of "Oasis") and the kind of sumptuous, sun-kissed fare that defies easy categorization. With Rakei's sultry vocals taking centre stage throughout, "Origin" is a sparkling set that just gets better with every listen.