Soul Togetherness 2017 (CD)

Item ID: CDEXP57
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If CDB EXP 26 is the future of the label, CDEXP57 represents a vintage year for the "Soul Togetherness" series. Released in 2017, this compilation was significant because it marked a shift towards a more "global" soul sound, pulling in high-quality independent productions from the US, UK, and Europe that had previously only been available as digital files or limited-run vinyl.

Soul Togetherness 2017

Label: Expansion Records

Format: CD (Unmixed)

Catalog Number: CDEXP57 Release Year: 2017

The Concept

The "Soul Togetherness" series is the "Best of the Best" curated specifically for the dancefloor. Unlike the "Luxury Soul" series, which can be more "chill-out" and mid-tempo focused, Soul Togetherness is aimed squarely at the DJs and the soul weekenders.

Key Tracks & Highlights

  • The O'Jays – "Enjoy Right Now": A massive inclusion. Having the legendary O'Jays on a modern compilation was a major coup for Expansion. This track captures that classic Philly energy updated for the modern era.

  • Brian Power ft. Lifford – "Time After Time": A powerhouse of UK soul. Brian Power is a master of the "Soulful House" crossover, and Lifford Shillingford (of Artful Dodger fame) provides one of the best vocal performances of the year.

  • Tracy Hamlin – "Stand Out": A sophisticated, mid-tempo floater that became a permanent fixture on the UK Soul Chart.

  • SouLutions – "Somewhere": One of the most successful UK soul bands of the decade. This track defines the "North East" soul sound—melodic, driving, and incredibly catchy.

Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures

1. The "Vinyl to CD" Transition

In 2017, many of these tracks were released as extremely limited 7-inch singles (the EXS and EX series).

  • The Figure: For many collectors, CDEXP57 was the only affordable way to own these tracks in a physical format, as the 7-inch versions were selling out and hitting £40–£60 on the secondary market within weeks.

2. The "Modern Soul" Barometer

This specific edition (2017) is often cited by DJs as one of the strongest in the series’ 20-year history.

  • The Fact: It captures the exact moment when "Independent Soul" started to sound just as "big" as major-label productions again. The mastering across the 15 tracks is remarkably consistent, favoring a "punchy" bottom end designed for club sound systems.

3. The "SouLutions" Rise

Expansion has always been a springboard for UK talent, and this CD cemented SouLutions as the label’s "Golden Children."

  • The Impact: Their track "Somewhere" became so popular on this compilation that it led to a surge in demand for their back catalog, making their early 7-inch releases some of the most expensive "new" records on the market.

Technical Specs for Collectors

  • Mastering: Unmixed and digitally remastered for maximum headroom. This is vital for mobile DJs who need to mix these tracks without worrying about volume fluctuations.

  • The Booklet: Features the trademark Ralph Tee liner notes, providing the "who’s who" of the musicians and producers behind the independent hits.

Feature Details
Track Count 15 Full-length tracks
Key Remix Includes exclusive edits not found on digital versions
Energy Level High (100–120 BPM)


Track List

  1. History - Los Charly Orchestra feat. Omar
  2. Love On Hold (Extended Mix) - Aeroplane feat. Tawatha Agee
  3. 2nd Time Around - Tuxedo
  4. Love x Love - Thames River Soul feat. Kenny Thomas
  5. There 4 U - Leela James
  6. When I Luv - Mike City feat. Faith Evans
  7. Lost Without You - Will Sessions and Amp Fiddler
  8. T's All Divine (extended Boogie Back Mix - James Day
  9. Good Kinda Lovin - Jay King
  10. Doublin' Down - The Jack Moves
  11. Keepin' Love New (Club Mix) - Wez
  12. Flowered Tears (DJ Spen Soul Flower Remix) - S.E.L
  13. One For The Money (Gold Digger Mix) - The Groove Association feat. Georgie B, Wez & Everis
  14. Back To You - Paul Craver
  15. Kissing You (Original Mix) - Wipe The Needle feat. Lifford

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