If you’re a soulful house lover (I know you are), you already know it’s the perfect soundtrack for a love-filled day. Your partner, however might need convincing.
The warmth. The swing. The emotional lift. The vocals.
Soulful house is built for connection.
Realistically, you probably won’t win the battle to get it played all night. So here’s a selection of beautiful, romantic tracks you can confidently weave into the playlist without to much non-soulful house loving partner pushback (lol). They’re elegant enough for the occasion and strong enough to keep people moving.
The list here is vast, and spans what I consider to cover the soulful house genre. Some of these border mainstream house too, so might sweeten the deal for you.
I have categorised tracks into moments.
Guest Arrival and Early Atmosphere
Soulful house naturally suits lounge and bar settings, and has been prevalent in that space a while, so it works perfectly during arrivals and early mingling. These tracks create warmth without overpowering conversation.
Crossroads – Alison Crockett (DJ Spinna Mix)
All I’m Asking – Yass Presents Jay & Tahira
The Sun Can’t Compare – Larry Heard (a bit left of field, but chill nonetheless)
Cocktails and Dinner
The energy lifts slightly here. Still refined, still romantic, but with enough groove to get guests gently moving in their seats.
You – Soulstation (DJ Spinna Mix)
Soulmate (Restless Soul Mix) – Summerland
Underneath the Moonlight – Cinnamon Brown
Don’t Change – Erro (I love this version, but this Joey Negro Club Mix is a bit more upbeat)
I’m Lovin’ the Way You Love Me – Ron Hall & the Muthafunkaz Marc Evans
It’s So Easy Lovin’ You – DJ Spen & The Muthafunkaz feat Ann Nesby 🔥🔥🔥
Flowerz – Armand van Helden feat. Roland Clarke
Love Is What We Need – Ann Nesby
Cake Cutting and First Dances
This is where the emotion peaks. These are the full, unapologetic love records. Rich vocals, strong lyrics, and timeless energy.
To Be In Love – Masters At Work
Let No Man Put Asunder – First Choice
Love Of My Life – Nathan Adams & Zephrain Saint
Can’t Do Without – Peven Everett
Unconditional Love – Dennis Ferrer (Just, DAMNNNN)
Special – Sara Devine (Louie Vega Mix)
Lifetime – Maxwell (Shelter Vocal)
He Loves Me 2 – CeCe Peniston (Steve Silk Hurley Original 12 Inch)
Party Time and Dancefloor Fillers
Nothing better than singling at the top of your lungs-dancing your heart out with all your friends and family to the best music ever. The kind of tracks that bring everyone in, whether they’re house heads or not. For maximum appeal I have snuck in some tracks that border mainstream house. Nothing worse than an empty dancefloor at a wedding!
Beautiful People – Barbara Tucker (MAW Underground Network Mix) (not really a love song but very uplifting – all we need is loooooooove!)
Most Precious Love – Blaze pres. UDAUFL. ft. Barbara Tucker
Music Sounds Better With You – Stardust
You’re In My System – Kerri Chandler & Jerome Sydenham
Final Note
This list is not final and will continue to evolve. New releases, forgotten classics, deeper mixes. They all find their way back into rotation.
If you have a track that belongs here, or if you’ve played soulful house at your own wedding, I’d love to hear about it. Connect with me on Instagram and send through your feedback or suggestions.
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