Soulsville is the eighth studio album by English singer Beverley Knight. It was released by East West Records on 10 June 2016 and marked her first major label release since Affirmation (2004). Produced by Justin Stanley, the album consists of twelve tracks, featuring seven original songs co-penned by Knight and five cover versions of classic Soul and Blues songs, three of which are duets featuring musicians Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland and Sam Moore.
Ian Sime from The Press found that the original songs on Soulsville sit "comfortably with the evergreen numbers [...] However, the cover of Big Momma ThorntonâÂÂs 'Hound Dog,' featuring Jools Holland, and BeverleyâÂÂs duet with Sam Moore on his classic 'Hold On, I'm Comin' are the stand-out tracks. Beverley Knight is a top drawer act and Soulsville is a wicked album." Renowned for Sound editor Michael Smith felt that "while KnightâÂÂs previous work has all been highly enjoyable, thereâÂÂs no doubt that Soulsville is some of her best work to date. The newfound inspiration has done wonders for her music, and she's come back in full force with a collection of tracks that stand together and alone while still remaining genuinely enjoyable either way. Better yet, she's managed to retain her own unique style whilst channelling these inspirations, which keeps it feeling distinctly like a Knight album."
Soulsville debuted and peaked at number nine on the UK Albums Chart in the week of 23 June 2016. It marked Knight's third studio album to reach top ten after 2002's Who I Am and 2007's Music City Soul. The album also peaked at number nine on the Scottish Albums Chart.
Notes