We sure we’re not the only ones pining for the good old days lately, and it seems like we’re in good company. San Francisco, CA based artist Raymond Coats gives us a fabulous taste of his classic soul stylings reminiscent of decades gone by in his single Take Me Back To The Old School.
Coats is a music industry veteran, with over 25 years of experience. He has appeared on numerous festival stages, including The Solano County Fair, The Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival, The 66th San Francisco Juneteenth Festival, The Davis Juneteenth Festival, and others, refining his art over many years of practice and dedication. Some have even referred to Coats as “The Voice” for his ability to deliver true old school soul at every performance.
In fact, Take Me Back To The Old School lives up to its name and then some. This song is quintessential classic soul music through and through. The organ, the layered backing vocals, even the guitar solo – they all radiate soulfulness at each measure. It’s a wonderfully produced track and it carries a message that so many of us can relate to – who doesn’t wish they could go back to their glory days? The smooth, repetitive hook puts us in the right mindset to reminisce.
And we fully agree with those who have called Coats “The Voice”, for indeed it is the defining characteristic and highlight of the track. His voice is the definition of soulful in every way, and this single showcases both his deep, rich tones alongside his expansive range. It’s smooth at all the right moments, and rough and gritty when it counts.
Take Me Back To The Old School feels like it could be kept in a stack of a 45’s on a dusty shelf, kept right between Try a Little Tenderness and I Heard it Through the Grapevine. It’s a true testament to the fact that while we might still pine for the artists of days past, not all of the good music is behind us – so long as there are artists like Raymond Coats releasing songs like this one, true classic soul stylings will continue to live on.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Luther Vandross meets Otis Redding
BELOW: Listen to Take Me Back to the Old School and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Raymond Coats by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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