Playlist: Jonathan Baines sets his soul on fire

Welcome to Playlists, a series where we turn over the reigns to artists to curate the next big playlist

Vocalists all have inspirations. Most often, those very early recollections of music-taped memories following them around for the rest of their lives. Pop upstart Jonathan Baines is forever fated to a diet of soul and R&B music, finding solace in silky vocal acrobatics and skin-warming melodies that ring in the ears. As you’ll hear with his song “Just as You Are,” there’s something thickly caramel about the way he molds the melody in his hands, melting away the layers to reveal and gutting performance. “You make me move, baby, just as you hear,” he croons.

His apt to sink your heart right in the middle, and that’s certainly A-OKAY. Even his brand new cut, a stark piano ballad called “In Between,” he leans heavily into wielding his voice like an anvil, beautifully floating away from the here and now for something uniquely timeless. It’s enough to rip your heart out completely.

Below, Baines walks us through his batch of songs which have become distinct vocal and lyrical inspirations in his own work.

“Coming Home” by Leon Bridges

When I first discovered Leon Bridges, it was on a new music playlist, and I remember feeling the nostalgia from when I was younger listening to other artists he embodies like Sam Cooke. I would love to see more artists release music like Leon has. My favorite lyric from this song is: “You’re my one and only woman / The world leaves a bitter taste in my mouth / Girl you’re the only one that I want.” We need more soul like “Coming Home.” I hope I can make people feel like this when I sing.

“Million Years Ago” by Adele

This is my favorite song off of her ’25’ album. I listened to this song over and over again and knew I wanted to write songs that were this honest. We all have regrets, and we all at times feel like we’ve had to “bear our soul.” Her voice is matchless. This song is the most intimate on the album. The guitar and Adele’s voice was enough for me. I would love to see her release an acoustic version of ’25.’

“Say It” by Maggie Rogers

All of us have someone we know or have known that makes us wanna fall in love, but we know they might not be good for us. Maggie can sing anything she wants, in my opinion. She brings some soul to the chorus that I really liked.

“Deep River Woman” by Lionel Richie featuring Little Big Town

I have always loved Lionel Richie and Little Big Town ⏤ both for their voices. I was heavily inspired by Little Big Town’s harmonies in high school. Jimi Westbrook brings his own soul to the second verse. It was a fantastic song choice for Lionel Richie to feature LBT on. Harmonies are a big thing for me, and LBT inspired why I bring that element into my own music.

“Evergreen” by YEBBA

I cannot get enough whenever YEBBA sings. This was her first single I heard. Her range, the harmonies, the lyrics, the control. She’s insane. “You bring the meaning to my moments” ⏤ great line, even better melody. There are a few runs in there that make your jaw drop.

“My Love Remains” by Jonny Lang

I heard this song in 2008, two years after the release, driving home from college. You don’t expect him to sound like he does when you see him. Needless to say, I bought the whole album, and Jonny was actually the vocal inspiration behind my newest single. He’s in his own league for sure, but his music challenged me to see what I could do with my range.

“I’ve Got a Woman” by Ray Charles

Who doesn’t love Ray Charles? I have this record on vinyl, and it makes me happy every time I listen to it. He sings a version of “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” that isn’t published. If you can find it on YouTube, I recommend listening to it.

 “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Another song that was played frequently in my house, especially by my Maw-Maw. Duo’s similar to these two inspired my love for soulful classics. I’m all about male/female duo’s ⏤ especially in soul/pop music.

“Daddy” by Coldplay

This song hit me right in the center of my heart. I had a father who loved me very much, but he was hurting and going through very personal trauma. I think we were disconnected emotionally for a period of time. While I saw him everyday, it didn’t always feel like I knew him, and I don’t think he always felt like he knew me. Our relationship has grown immensely. He’s an amazing person, and I admire him for a lot of what he has gone through. Sometimes, they just need to hear: “it’s ok.” I wouldn’t ever want him to feel like he was alone in this life. This song is truly tender and honest. Chris Martin has always inspired my writing, especially when I’m writing songs in my personal time.

“Your Body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer

This was the first John Mayer record I ever heard. It’s my wife’s favorite song. It’s sexy in a way that respects who this woman he’s singing about. He lets her lead the way. John has inspired me in different ways vocally and in writing songs. It’s hard to pinpoint, for me, vocally who John is… but that’s what I love about him.

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