William Stuckey – Love of Mine: A Soulful Masterpiece in 8 Tracks
William Stuckey – Love of Mine: A Soulful Masterpiece in 8 Tracks
Tracks
🎧 Released on January 29, 2021, Love of Mine introduced the world to William Stuckey—a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and one of the finest new voices in modern soul.
With eight carefully crafted tracks, this debut album takes us on a nostalgic, analog-rich journey of love, hope, and inner groove.
👉 Read the original article in French on Funky Pearls Radio
🏛️ Background: A Soul Artist Comes Into His Own
Before stepping into the spotlight, East Coast native William Stuckey built his chops behind the scenes.
He worked as a session keyboardist on R&B tours, arranged strings for gospel singers, and composed for commercials.
But Love of Mine is the project he always wanted to make—a deeply personal blend of vintage soul aesthetics and modern textures.
Inspired by early 2000s neo-soul and classic Motown, Stuckey’s sound is steeped in analog warmth, evoking live recordings and emotional honesty.
🔍 Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. The First Time (7:32)
A stretched-out mid-tempo groove opens the album with Rhodes keys, soft live strings, and a subtle bass-drum combo.
Stuckey sings of first love with layered harmonies, building toward a gospel-infused climax complete with a sultry saxophone solo.
2. Wise Men Say (5:56)
Brighter and more upbeat, this track rides a slapped bassline and a tight funk guitar riff. Stuckey blends old-school advice with youthful defiance.
Jazzy horn sections and a dancefloor-ready instrumental bridge add an irresistible groove.
3. Got Plans (4:16)
A stripped-down soul ballad with acoustic guitar and electric piano interplay.
The lyrics are defiant: "I got plans, I won’t be stopped."
The production lets the vocals shine, especially with a cappella harmonies in the chorus.
4. Country People (4:50)
An unexpected but smooth fusion of country and soul.
Banjo and folk percussion give way to a classic R&B beat.
A pedal steel guitar adds subtle warmth while the lyrics celebrate community, family, and simplicity.
5. Just Around the Corner (5:47)
This one channels 90s neo-soul: suspended chords, chopped vocal samples, and off-kilter drumbreaks.
The chorus—"Better days are just around the corner"—feels like a quiet anthem of hope.
6. Hold Me Close (7:15)
The album’s longest track is a slow-burning, intimate jam.
Cello swells, soft jazz guitar, and a dreamy vocal performance turn this into an emotional centerpiece.
Minimal percussion lets the melody breathe.
7. If You Want To (4:44)
Back to the funk: a high-energy track built on tight live bass and drums. “If you want to, you can fly”—the message is empowerment and self-determination. Stuckey keeps the horn section subtle, letting the rhythm drive.
8. Love of Mine (5:23)
The title track closes the album on a lush, warm note. Clavinet keys and wah-wah guitar create a soul-jazz atmosphere, while female backing vocals recall the Motown greats. A celebration of love in all its forms.
🎛️ Production and Sonic Identity
Produced and mixed by William Stuckey himself, the album was recorded between Los Angeles and Atlanta on analog consoles and tape.
Live rhythm, horn, and string sections were recorded in single takes to preserve their organic unity.
Mastering was done by Gavin Lurssen, ensuring a warm, dynamic final product.
The result? A sound both classic and timeless.
🌟 Legacy and Reception
Critics from the soul and R&B communities praised the album’s emotional depth and analog richness. Love of Mine led to festival performances at Essence Fest and Bonnaroo, and over 2 million streams in just three months.
For fans of vintage soul with a modern edge, William Stuckey is an artist to watch.
📻 Why Play Love of Mine on Funky Pearls Radio?
🎤 Emotion and Groove: An elegant balance of heartfelt ballads and head-nodding jams
🎚️ Analog Warmth: A rich sound that stands out in radio rotation
🎶 Stylistic Range: Country-soul, funk, neo-soul—all in one album
🌱 Emerging Talent: Support an authentic new voice in contemporary soul
💎 Vocal Quality: Honest, silky, and deeply expressive
🎵 Love of Mine — A Future Classic
From its vintage charm to its modern soul flair, Love of Mine is more than a debut—it’s a mission statement.
William Stuckey reminds us that authenticity never goes out of style, and that soul music—when done right—can still move hearts and feet.
