Soul II Soul, "Back To Life" & The Third British Invasion | New British Canon

[@TrashTheory]

Every now and then I get people asking for a playlist of every song mentioned in my videos: Well here's a Spotify link for this one: open.spotify.com/playlist/5H6TY6xtlBpV7nIAWvrv91?si=ccf567d5a22d4753 and the KZbin Music one: music.kzbin.info/aero/PLooaZ33lSalc1xyI5Y3nsZg9Gk3lw60Zj&si=3Wc4WMSamMX8U-VE

[@montybrewster7]

What a brillant idea. Thanks for the link TT, i'll be having a piece of that.

[@jagshrapnel]

Tidal? :)

[@tgriffin5000]

Thanks!

[@djpastaofficial]

came here in the comments just for this! awesome! can't wait to play all these songs in a dedicated djset!

[@Utahsaint]

Apple Music?

[@gcarraig]

Typical TT video: play play pause look up song, add to play list... play play pause look up song, add to play list... play play pause look up song, add to play list... play play pause look up song, add to play list... play play pause look up song, add to play list... play play pause look up song, add to play list... STUNNING. All the gaps I had in the wild get filled right here.

[@RoxanneJ81]

Same! Plus learning where the sample from "Glory Box" came from after all these years nearly left me in tears.

[@RockyScorcese]

There should be an offical TT playlist on Spotify to accompany every episode containing all the songs referenced

[@jamescree6732]

Easily the best music documentary maker on KZbin.3/4 of the bands I'm not even interested in. Great work mate.

[@inkarn8915]

I wait for his videos. One of only a few creators on here.

[@montybrewster7]

@jamescree6732 Couldn't agree more mate.

[@TaiwoWilliams]

RIP Phillip Harvey, aka Dadae Harvey! You were my schoolmate and my sometimes tormentor (lol). We rarely hear about your significant contribution to Soul to Soul I remember the old-time warehouse raves. Then, Africa Centre in Covent Garden (I was in the music video “Fairplay”). What a glorious time to be alive❤🎉😊

[@juniorjames7076]

Soul II Soul was so huge in NYC (Kiss FM and WBLS playing Back 2 life remixes all summer long), for Black people in the US (many of us with Caribbean backgrounds), it was like getting a letter from a long lost relative, our cousins were visiting- and they were here to stay. Late 80s/early 90s was the most exciting time for music. No era has surpassed it!

[@iamthecrispconnoisseur]

Ahh love this comment

[@kharigraves1963]

It was almost exclusively rooted in Black American music though lmao. House, Soul, R&B, hip hop, etc. were all Black American creations. Not a long lost relative, it was essentially Black American music made by our Black British fam

[@henrigeorge9311]

@@kharigraves1963 The members of Soul ll Soul are of Caribbean background. We as Caribbean people are proud of their achievements regardless of the genre of music.

[@ibnzak6145]

​@@kharigraves1963 I think respectfully you are just looking at one facet of what the documentary is saying (and fair enough I can see where you are coming from). But For us in the UK of Caribbean origin and who's legacy is now just a fabric of the UK music scene, the Caribbean influence (and in particular sound system culture) plays as much of an influence on the music as does any soul, rap, or RnB. It is sometimes difficult for our black American fam to understand if they didn't grow up with us. In fact the first Black British genre "Lovers Rock" is straight UK love reggae with a certain distinct sound. And you can see with the other Black British genres that emanated from the UK the mix of influences from both U.S and Caribbean (Jungle, UKG, UK Funky, Grime) and now later with "Afroswing" our growing West African origin influence. The documentary also gets it wrong that Smiley Culture "rapped", he "toasted" on the mic, as he is from Saxon Sound system a British reggae/dancehall "toasting" sound system. And he (and the others in Saxon and other UK sound systems) used straight Jamaican patois not an American accent.

[@imperialrolls]

Exceptional episode. This one took me back to high school. Hard to believe that a couple of white kids in the Arizona desert were DJing Soul II Soul, and just about all the underground UK records, but we were. Thanks for this one!

[@thesuncollective1475]

DJing UK soul in Arizona.... excellent...keep movin my man 😊

[@imperialrolls]

@@thesuncollective1475 Thanks! That was back in '89 though. Now I just stare out my window and listen to jazz. Ha.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

It’s hard to believe you were DJing an act that had 2 top 20 hits and sold 2 million?

[@imperialrolls]

@@jamespohl-md2eq Does being a total twat on the interwebs make you feel like a big man? Fuck. Just here enjoying an excellent episode and thinking back to DJing in fucking high school. No need to be an asshole.

[@matthewrikihana6818]

Out here in New Zealand, the far edge of the Empire in 1990, we got the tape but not the background. I'd play it at work & tell middle-aged white dudes this was the sound of the future mainstream. They thought the kid was crazy but I think I was right. Thanks for another video adding fresh depth to my memories of youth. ❤

[@jacquelinea8719]

☺️

[@craigm2]

Crying - at a KZbin video. S2S was the first concert I went to in Bournemouth (so so far from Camden) - and was blown away. A happy face, a thumping bass, for a loving race. Thanks.

[@gabewho8414]

As an American soul II soul STILL get played. "Back to life" will forever be a classic

[@kerry-j4m]

AGREED.This song was played everywhere all the time-GOOD-song.I didn't know they were british either.

[@Thatveganlifestyle]

Agree. Soul is universal

[@bajanboinoho5378]

This brings back such sweet memories. Late 80’s early 90’s I left Canada and moved to Europe. Things were so alive and so electric in the streets there. The clubs in Germany and London kept me on the dance floor and flirting.

[@Andy_JS2]

Did you move back to Canada?

[@bajanboinoho5378]

@ No I Moved to the US. I often wonder what life would have been like had I stayed in Europe. I’ll never know but at least I have my memories

[@abumc5104]

​@@bajanboinoho5378 how is life in the US now ?

[@DJ-Daz]

If you were there, you know. If you weren't, trust me... Soul II Soul was an amazing quadruple step forward. So fresh and soothing at the same time.

[@mrkeeny]

Better than most of the trash at the time, but a pale imitation of the classic bands and artists featured in this very video

[@jamalrobinson2159]

Let’s be crystal clear… this track is the DEFINITION of timeless… I was a kid in Jamaica when this dropped…. Even in Jamaica, the home of reggae, this was the ONLY SOUND that mattered at the time… it was EVERYWHERE…

[@stuartevery1211]

The goosebumps hit me and my eyes watered with happy memories. I remember the summer of 89 in London, and that rhythm! Thank you. Such great work

[@maciveri]

The best musicology/documentary series on KZbin. Thanks for yet another superb episode.

[@bwagner23]

i was born early enough to hear "back to life" on pop radio but not early (or British) enough to know anything about soul ii soul so this is amazing! thank you.

[@mistertibbs2280]

Fantastic documentary! So well researched, detailed and ACCURATE! I was around 17 years old when Soul II Soul blew up. You cannot underestimate the impact they had in the black inner city communities of London and indeed the UK. Keep On Moving was the first track that really caught the attention of everyone. The extended 12" remix with the long vocal intro was 'rinsed' to death in my 'hood'. By the time Back To Life was released, Soul II Soul's impact on the music landscape was inescapable. The Soul II Soul beat was everywhere! Everyone was using that beat as the documentary points out. Often when the story of a particular band and phenomenon is retold (in this case over 35 years ago!) so many details, nuances and facts are often missed or overcooked. The documentary transformed me right back to that brief moment in time when Soul II Soul really rocked the world. Fantastic piece! One of the best on here!

[@josephharden5592]

I love how at the end you made the connection that nobody talks about in America... How they truly pioneered hip-hop soul 🤘🏽

[@enosger]

Soul 2 Soul equals Hip hop soul and Neo Soul

[@vch0013]

And then you have Brits like Omar coming in just a couple of years later with a completed final draft of what soon became known as “neo-soul”.

[@johnemanuelson7581]

Great video. I was 15 when I first heard Soul II Soul and they blew my mind. My father was in the army and stationed in Germany, so I was lucky to be exposed to music that was not being played in the US. Loved that beat- couldn’t get enough. Never thought about their influence on the industry tho- Massive Attack, PM Dawn, En Vogue, Mary J Blige- I jammed out to all of them back in the day.

[@thesuncollective1475]

Soul 2 soul were game changers that helped launch my band in the 90s

[@stellaVista]

Back To Life is so much more than the sum of it´s amazing and beautiful parts. But the one thing that REALLY makes it so special, is the genius idea to sample Caron´s short words "back" and "show" and then integrate it into her vocals. There is just a tiny bit of sound clipping and the way it repeats in the song just makes it stand out on an almost subconscious level. It adds a rhythmical empahsis and at the same time sprinkles some futusitic sheen on the otherwise grounded production. I get giddy everytime I heard it, even after all those years.

[@gorimbaud]

the video nods to this too by repeating the same video clip with those words

[@MedlifeCrisis]

Awesome stuff, great episode of the series. I checked out Netflix’s new History of Black and British music recently and admittedly I’ve not seen them all yet and I know they’re focusing on more contemporary genres but I was sad not to see more of a focus on this era, and Soul II Soul in particular, at least as key to subsequent genres developing.

[@TheFlargleblargle]

I've been watching it too - loved the Jungle ep. The big thing that's missing though is they don't let many tracks play for long, or talk much about the music itself, more the scene in general. This youtube channel is great bc it gives you those little tasters of what the genre actually sounds like so you can go away and listen. Big up yourself Medlife, hope the ward is treating you well.

[@Des_Zee]

Rest in Peace to soul II soul founder Philip “Daddae” Harvey This video is a nice tribute to him and the music.

[@lauriethomas4145]

Love your channel. I was so happy you covered Soul II Soul.

[@Mo-MuttMusic]

Thanks for sharing. "Back to Life" still holds up well. I hear Soul II Soul's influence most in Lisa Stansfield. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular

[@JazzyBlues79]

Brilliant retrospective essay on Soul II Soul. Love your essays and I appreciate the research and the hard work. Thank you, thank you thank you. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers!

[@troubleondemand7703]

1989 the number, another summer (Get down!) Sound of the funky drummer Music hittin' your heart 'cause I know you got soul! (Brothers and sisters!) What a great summer for music that year was. In Montreal Soul II Soul was playing everywhere. Back to Life and Fight The Power defined that year for me.

[@altitude-uf4ln]

Been listening to the Club Classics Vol 1 era tracks a lot recently: absolutely timeless and utterly magical.

[@ayefo7800]

Soul II Soul in NYC was a VIBE. I was only a kid, but I remember that summer when Keep on Movin came out. The song was everywhere and painted everything in my childhood for that one summer. It was BEAUTIFUL❤

[@marcusnolte7476]

Keep On Movin' was literally a life changing record (for me). I still remember where I heard it first and it is still a watershed momentas there was 80s dance music before the release of KoM and after the release. Gives me chills to this day!

[@-xirx-]

Never thought I'd hear Smiley Culture mentioned on here!

[@Bodyknowledge77]

This is a fine piece of work T.T! I had "onion moments" while viewing this because their hit songs were the soundtrack for a rather pleasant time in my life. I especially started to appreciate music in that time frame ( started playing guitar and first concert) Kinda slightly interesting that I was born in 77' and made the likes for this go from 77 to 78.

[@keithmichael112]

It's partly the melancholy music at the beginning too, I think

[@Spik3rSuppa]

I remember when "Get a life" hit the charts and noone knew the correct lyrrics. The chorus with the kids are singing "What's the meaning. What's the meaning of life." But we were all singing "Bosselini, bosselini alright." 🙄😂

[@peterbondmusic]

Absolutely one of my favourite songs, ever since I first heard it in 1989. Some of the most absolutely divine vocals ever.

[@macfilms9904]

1989 I was living in Tokyo going to university - spent a lot of time in clubs dancing - and "Back to Life" was getting a ton of play - was probably my favorite song to get out on the dance floor and groove. Super nostalgic for me...

[@sonofjak1971]

I was 19 and a mad keen raver in 89/90 and Soul ii Soul were a huge part of that. Such happy memories.

[@frederickleo2386]

I completely agree!!

[@unreelNgin]

After the desperate bleakness of the early 80's UK(especially in the north of the country)I found Soul ll Soul's message to be a burning beacon for making a better future for ourselves

[@nickabbott1352]

Utterly brilliant video for an utterly brilliant band. Thank you

[@hustler3of4culture3]

Yet another melody maker - NME miss. I can tell you, as a twenty two year old at the time, we danced to this song many many times in clubs in St Louis, along with primal scream and that hippie chick song. What a time.

[@averyintelligence]

lisa stansfield and soul II soul are both legendary

[@inkarn8915]

New Trash Theory? Yes please.

[@smk2457]

Even when about artists I'm not a fan of myself, your videos enhance my appreciation of music and popular culture. Thanks. 🎉

[@edward8597]

Two videos in one: great story of an impressive musical visionary, and an absolutely incredible playlist from start to finish. I'll be spending the whole weekend with the tracks referenced here.

[@Utahsaint]

Trash is by faaaaar everything that MTV isn’t. You make me want to put on a pair of cans and just feel the music. Well fucking done!

[@johnchedsey1306]

As always, these little documentaries are so good. This is a style of music I never listened to but totally enjoyed hearing their story.

[@Chevy-jordan]

Trash Theory is the type of guy that makes Britain great. These videos are always phenomenal. Big ups yourself. ❤

[@dreddguy6454]

Thank you so much for the Spotty playlist. Keep 'em coming.

[@moreorlesto]

Thank you so much for making this and adding Black artists to your repertoire of docs! It was one thing when "Keep On Movin'" came out, but when "Back to Life" hit...!!! And I'm not even talking about the video version - I'm referring to the 12-inch that had several versions including the one that starts as an acapella and ends with the signature Soul II Soul drums!! I was just a kid with no idea what the lyrics were about but I LOVED that song... ....and so did Rap duo EPMD. Erick Sermon has said numerous times that hearing "Back To Life" on one of the famed dub plates at a party during a UK tour is what inspired the beat for "Sowhatchasayin" and got them off their butts to start making their 2nd album "Unfinished Business". Luv from Toronto!

[@bwaw1972]

That was a wonderful episode! Soul II Soul had such an impact on me. It was the sound and feeling of a new beginning. It always brings joy and makes me feel whole (if that makes sense) when I listen to their first two albums. Wonderful to get insight in to the making of the album.

[@timhulsizer]

31:28 - Man, I'd love to see a Trash Theory on PM Dawn. "Set Adrift" got them labeled by a lot of Americans as a one hit wonder but their albums have a lot of depth and hooks for days. Kind of a slept-on group imho

[@sgtgrash]

Your passion for music shines brightly throughout these fabulously enjoyable tribute videos. Thank you so much for your time and dedication... 🫡

[@dejavu7031]

I love seeing a new upload, great work, thank you for taking the time :0)

[@LaurieHallLJH]

Outstanding documentary again. And what an important subject. I remember hearing ‘Back to Life’ when I was 13 and being transfixed.

[@khrashingphantom9632]

Well sir you did it! You opened the generation creating flood gates!! Soul II Soul is what got the lovers together dancing, and Sade what they played when they got home. 😉. You’re a legend!! Thank you for posting! I love this channel so much.

[@gardenboydon]

TT you create AMAZING documentaries! I love the curation of your videos! You've introduced me to so many songs.. thank you

[@austintayeshus1]

classic band, way overdue a revival. trash continues to be one of the best music channels on the tube. keep up the great work.

[@lefuphotography]

Their music touched me immediatly and will always be connected with my "clubbing days". 🤩Thanks for this documentary.

[@OrgaNik_Music]

It's unfortunate how often the originator of a sound or a style doesn't get the recognition they deserve until much, much later... or sometimes never.

[@DJ_Teknology]

Great video (as always, keep up the good work, long may it continue!) “Keep On Movin” was my introduction to Soul II Soul as the same sampled/interpolated beat to Biz Markies - Pickin Boogers, however FairPlay is now my favourite, happy to have found an original 12 inch promo of this awesome track!

[@frankwhite4643]

Brilliant exposition. Jazzy B is hugely significant as a DJ and artist Respectfully, Soul to Soul were not the only sound system playing soul, funk and hiphop in London in the early 1980s Notting Hill Carnival showcased the likes of Mastermind, Special Edition and rappattack sound systems I suppose musical history never happened if it was not covered by music journalists writing in the likes of the Guardian

[@Unik39]

This was brilliant and beautiful. Bought back lots of memories. Thank you ♥️

[@theOtherNism]

Great episode. I must admit that I knew very little about them. I’m old enough to remember them, and still listen to Back to Life once in a while, but I was too young at the time to realize how groundbreaking they were. I had no idea that they invented _that_ sound that was everywhere at the time and how they were a direct precursor to some of my favorite music ever. I got something to listen to this weekend!

[@nonconformist01]

One of the best channels on KZbin - hands down

[@21palica]

Today I've, at least for this half an hour, felt relaxed, enjoyed myself while learning more about another notable, but sometimes unfortunately, a bit sidelined, or almost forgotten, British branch on the humanities music tree. Trash Theory's videos always feel like celebration of a musical holiday, each day on which a new one is uploaded. Loved this Theory's reminder how Soul II Soul sculpted their sound for years, setting up strong foundations, that were quickly copied and imitated by lesser musicians, which maybe went on to make more lucrative deals, more popular songs or bigger careers than Jazzie B did, but most have since been left behind. S II S's music still gets frequent radio play, and those hits still sound fresh, uplifting and make me nod my head to their beat while listening, not to change the station, as a lot of music does now. Another amazing video...as always.

[@ForeverGotShorter]

First! …one to mention how great Back to Life is. Terrific tune.

[@jessop-]

Back to life is an ageless tune

[@BengaliMartyMcfly]

😂🎉

[@patricknichols4670]

Trash theory is always great, but even by their lofty standards, this episode is amazing and incredibly moving. I love soul ii soul so much, and everything they represent musically. I feel like they created a space for other artists like jamiroquai and omar. Music that lifts you up and inspires knows no time boundaries, and the music of soul ii soul sounds every bit as fresh and groundbreaking as it did 35 years ago. Thank you for this feature, it was masterfully executed.

[@Sangria]

The fact that Back To Life is still played in modern nightclubs tells you how good the song is. I've heard it mixed in between the banger club beats. It's the ideal transition song if that's what you call it.

[@mymonkeymovie]

So good! WOW do I miss Soul II Soul!

[@jasonsantiago4037]

Bravo Great work appreciate

[@mattnastasi1382]

Yesssss this was such a good profile of such an amazing collective. What a time that was to be alive.

[@jsmrt6875]

Always in awe of your deep dives, your knowledge and presentations are always inspiring me to expand my musical experience. ❤❤

[@ashleymzolo6013]

I'm South African. Loved Soul II Soul since I was young. I'm surprised they never came to South Africa. A mecca of music in Africa if I may say so.🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@Nozes..]

Exceptional work. My teenage self of early 90s thanks you for this.

[@poplifemedia]

This was an excellent analysis of Back To Life - especially pointing out the use of the same style in other artists' music!!!

[@StijnGamerXL]

Your voice is such an asmr treat, great to fall asleep to your videos :)

[@musiclover01ization]

This was a great video. Soul ii Soul are a cool group they made some cool music.

[@neildarr]

Another excellent video . Whenever they pop up on my KZbin feed I try and watch em right away . Forgot how much soul 2 soul had some jams . Might need to buy some

[@phillylifer]

Great video. I remember those days. Soul 2 soul was an anchor.

[@Gibbonik71]

Remember my teenage years late 80's early 90's growing up in Bristol listening to Soul II Soul at house parties in St Pauls along with Wild Bunch, Smith and Mighty and DJ Derek at the Star & Garter. That part of Bristol hummed with the sound of bass heavy and soulful music.

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

The Wall Hall alumni represent, those terraces they were dancing on in the video of "back to life", that was a tucked away amphitheater on our campus. Been to sooo many parties there. Some of which I even remember! 😜 Sadly the campus is now a gated community!

[@Prizzy999]

I love Soul II Soul a lot, have their albums and "Back to life" is one of the most beautiful songs ever for me. Still listen to it these days and love the lyrics, the vibes, the emotions it makes me feel. That song didn't age one bit. Didn't know about Caron's near death experience while giving birth and this makes me appreciate the depth of the lyrics even more.

[@Tatianaarc]

Big love from Australia 1990 ✌️❤️

[@butterfliesandtape]

Such ridiculously well researched and produced documentaries. Loved the info about Fairplay, never knew Levy laid down the bass on that track; obviously havent read the liner notes since the late 80s! Cheers!

[@ragozzinehq]

Great work - I learned a few new things for sure. A small funny moment for us stupid Americans: we pronounce NAACP as "En Double-A Sea Pee" so hearing you say it in a logical manner stuck out a touch. Keep up the amazing videos and playlists

[@geraldpower5491]

Brilliant video. It's not my favourite territory, but I'm very glad I took a dive into this fascinating video. Thanks!

[@MrDbuccaneer]

Excellent documentary, simply outstanding 🤜🏿🤛🏿

[@v.a.993]

I ❤ Soul II Soul. Keep on Movin' and Back to Life were massive hits in the U.S.

[@oluwolea1]

A great well researched documentary! Made me remember when I was young in 1989!

[@AnthonyThomas-o4l]

Nice work TT, Keep On Movin's secret weapon on side B of the US 12 inch was Teddy Riley's remix. This was the dominant track in hip hop clubs around 11pm-Midnight. Crowds would go nuts, all the Britishness with a touch of hardcore NYC Hip Hop!

[@maldaror7097]

There is absolutely no way that these guys didn't influence what happened in Manchester in their wake.

[@andreassn5050]

Another great episode. Love this song. Love Soul II Soul. Love UK street soul. I feel like there's even more look into with the street soul sound and how it influenced trip hop, acid jazz and even American hip hop soul and neo-soul. Also, speaking of Neneh Cherry at 29:05, a video on the history of "Buffalo Stance" would be fantastic! It went through various forms until the final product + Neneh's history in various bands leading up to her first solo album, her family's music history etc. would be interesting to look into.

[@okaythanksmaria]

this was SO good. i really love that club classics album, and had never put together the impact that this group had on music. wow! glad they did get some acknowledgement in later years, but kinda crazy how their ingenuity was downplayed & underappreciated at the time because they weren't the "right" kind of image Britain wanted to promote, yet their style was totally bitten by countless other artists. interesting, interesting. thanks for another banger video!

[@1keryl]

Excellent work my friend. I hope you get a Pulitzer for all this great journalism!

[@Sim-rh4tj]

Even when I wasn't into the music you cover it's still good to hear the story.

[@montybrewster7]

Another classic look into another classic band. Awesome stuff, cheers TT.

[@MrBillcurtner]

Oh my god! Moments in Soul! I’ve spent the last two weeks trying to find that song. I couldn’t remember the name or the group. Just their performance on TOTP. Great episode again!

[@woodybalfour8213]

These are so excellent...Thanks again

[@hulapineapple]

This was a beautiful tribute and account

[@zhukov43]

I live for TT releases, they feed my musical soul, thank you TT, you’re one of the greatest creators on here.

[@tgriffin5000]

I love your videos…but you have outdone yourself here! I’m an American but was totally into the music coming out of the UK during this period. As a result I’ve become somewhat of a student of this era. Your videos are a godsend. Keep up the great work! (Oh, and thanks so much for much for the playlist! If you did something like that for every video, how great would that be?)

[@Afrojoeful]

This highlights the need for structure and everyone towing the line. People hate meetings, structure etc but thats what most bands miss. This was such a missed opportunity for Soul2Soul. Growing up in Ghana as a teenager thered never been a black british band as big. We were used to cool and the gang, new edition, Cameo, Atlantic star, Marvin Gaye etc Soul 2 Soul blew out 1990 in Ghana with all the copy cats and its influences then died overnight. Keep on moving however remain one of my favourite Soul music mainly because I was in 6th form, going to the club 2twice a week and having loads of fun.