“Northern Soul” by Above & Beyond (ft. Richard Bedford)
Detroit is in fact one of the famous cities in America. Yet this is a distinction it earned back in the day, as in more recent times it is known to be in a perpetual state of decline. But those of us who are familiar with the music industry also know that many famous musicians, especially from back in the soul era, trace their origins there. For instance, even though the vocalist only mentions “Smokey” Robinson in that regard, we already know that Motown itself was based in the Motor City. And the narrator is using that distinction as a cornerstone to express his pride in his hometown.
He perceives Detroit as a city that has been pushed to the “wayside”, even though it was once the epitome of “the American Dream”. But he is telling the world that regardless, he and like-minded individuals, presumably themselves being Detroiters, are such that the “northern soul” which they possess can ‘never be taken’.
When was “Northern Soul” released?
On November 3rd, 2017, “Northern Soul” was released as the 4th single from Above & Beyond’s 2018 album, “Common Ground”.
Credits
The following core members of Above & Beyond hold the writing credits to this tune:
- Jono Grant
- Tony McGuinness
- Paavo Siljamäki
The trio also co-produced “Northern Soul” with Richard Bayer.
“Northern Soul” receives a Grammy Nomination
This song earned a nomination for a Grammy in the “Best Dance Recording” category of 2019. It was nominated alongside the songs listed below.
- Disclosure and Fatoumata Diawara’s “Ultimatum”
- Fisher’s “Losing It”
- Virtual Self’s “Ghost Voices”
- Silk City, Dua Lipa, Lipa and Mark Ronson’s “Electricity” (Winner)
Is this Richard Bedford’s first collaboration with Above & Beyond?
No. Richard (who is from England) had worked with the band numerous times in the past before this collaboration. One of their earliest collaborations happened as far back as in 2008 on a track titled “Alone Tonight”. Since then Richard and the band have gone on to collaborate on over a dozen more songs.
