Album Review: Harry Gray and MK Zulu's Album One More Time is a Feel-Good Soul Revival

Just a week after spotlighting another Harry Gray release, it's time to kick off this work week with something on the feel-good side of things.

Harry met Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalists while both attended Howard University’s Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts, and that's when the creative spark between the two ignited. Their shared passion for soul, rhythm, and using music as a way to tell a story resulted in the creation of their first collaboration, "Like You". Fast-forward to today, and we get to enjoy the beauty of fostering a long-term friendship and years of honing their skills as musicians, taking the shape of their brand-new 10-track album One More Time.

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One More Time is a nod to the timeless, funk-infused sound of legends like d'Angelo, Chaka Khan, and Lauryn Hill, stirred with the off-kilter peculiarity of Anderson .Paak. A sound that will easily add a much-needed positive feel, especially in the weird world we love in lately. The album moves effortlessly through soul, funk, jazz, and hip-hop, wrapped in rich harmonies, detailed rhythms, and deep emotional weight. I also love how the duo opens a window into the vibrant DMV scene. By bringing in rising local voices like Deacon Izzy, Lavonne, TurnUpDeante, and Coby Williams, the record feels rooted and alive. It’s an easy entry point for listeners like me to explore a scene that isn't geographically close, but instantly feels within reach.

A quick public speaking announcement, on-the-spot drum fill, and we're instantly invited to the artist's "Soul Train", featuring TurnUpDeante. A song that makes a nod to the prolific TV show, known for celebrating Black music, dance, and fashion for over 3 decades. Personally, I find this one of the most electrifying songs on the record and couldn't think of a better opener. Warm, yet elegant vibes that set the mood for the rest of One More Time.

The inclusion of a funky version of their very first collaboration, "Like You", instantly makes the album a personal journal of their friendship and growth as artists. Early on in the record, on "Water", the duo introduces that modern scent to the whole production. Just like water, the music flows from smooth to groovy, leaving us, listeners, without a second of boredom. Easily one of the stand-out tracks on the release.

In case you're looking for a dancefloor-ready joint, look no further than anthems like "One More Time", "Passport Baby", and the unambiguously titled "Party", and while it's Monday, I can feel I'm ready for some end-of-the-week boogie.

If there's a track where classic soul and jazz coalesce together, then that's "Good to Me". If you ever want to melt that special person's heart, damn... that song is something different. An exploration of the beauty of being in a relationship where love is reciprocal. Also, that mid-track brass solo feels like a beacon of light.

I have to say, this has been one of the most enjoyable and well-balanced soulful experiences I've heard in a while. Harry Gray and MK Zulu blessed us with the perfect sonic revival of authentic soul and funk. And yes, once you reach the end of One More Time, you'll want to experience it once more.