Soultans deliver a very specific brand of mid-90s optimism, where the grit of classic soul is buffed to a high-gloss shine. Their sound is defined by tight, three-part vocal harmonies and a rhythmic foundation that sits comfortably between New Jack Swing and Eurodance. It is music that feels inherently bright, even when the lyrics lean toward romantic longing.
What sets them apart is their unique position as a German-based act with deep English ties, allowing them to bridge the gap between American R&B traditions and European pop sensibilities. They treat 1970s soul influences not as a museum piece, but as a blueprint for danceable, radio-friendly hits. The production is unmistakably of its era: crisp drum machines, shimmering synthesizers, and perfectly placed guitar accents.
Start with their 1996 breakthrough 'Can't Take My Hands Off You' to hear their signature blend of smooth crooning and upbeat pop production. It captures the essence of the group's appeal: soulful enough for the lounge, but catchy enough for the dance floor.
Soultans is an all-male R&B band notable predominantly in Europe, but also for signing on for a short contract with BMG. The Soultans originally consisted of three members and is based in Germany, although two of its members have English ties. The group resides under the German label, Coconut Records, which has also kick-started other small bands' careers. The lead vocalist, Marvin Broadie, and musician Marco Boi, were later replaced by Sascha van Haasen and Mike Marshall in 2002. Although the band suggested its inspirations as 1970's music, Soultans has added elements of hip hop, jazz and soul to their music, following in the lines of Londonbeat, another English band. The group is most notable for its popular 1996 songs, "Can't take my hands off you" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". The band released two albums in the 1990s, Love, Sweat and Tears in 1997 which reached #2 in Denmark, and Take Off in 1998. The band released another three in the new millennium with the albums Tribute to Soul with BMG in 2001, Hit Collection 1 and Hit Collection 2 in 2005 with Coconut, before re-releasing many of their songs on the album Can't Take My Hands off You in 2005. Their most recent CD release was in September 2007, with The Very Best of Soult, which compiles their earlier work. Australian-based singer/songwriter/vocal coach Scott Winter, of Spanish descent, joined the band after Marco Boi left in 1996. Scott wrote three songs on the Soultans second album Take Off and stayed with the group for three years touring Europe, recording throughout. Scott "Bradley" Winter is the first cousin of Amanda Ghost, President of Epic Records and Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter.
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