nu soul
C1Artistic, journalistic, specialist.
Definition
Meaning
A subgenre of soul music originating in the 1990s that combines classic soul vocals with contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and electronic production.
A modern revivalist style of soul music characterized by its blend of vintage soul elements with 1990s and early 2000s influences, often with a more minimalist, lounge-like, or alternative aesthetic than mainstream R&B.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Nu soul" is primarily a categorical term used in music journalism and marketing. It implies a conscious stylistic departure from both 1970s soul and 1980s/1990s new jack swing, embracing a more eclectic and often introspective sound. The spelling "nu" is intentional and distinct from "new".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more commonly used in British music press and radio (e.g., BBC) than in mainstream American media, where the artists might simply be categorized under "R&B" or "alternative R&B."
Connotations
In the UK, it often connotes a stylish, sophisticated, and somewhat intellectualized take on soul music. In the US, it may be seen as a niche or critical designation.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK music journalism; lower, more specialist usage in US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Genre: nu soul] emerged in [TIME][ARTIST] is a key figure in [Genre: nu soul]The [ALBUM] has a distinct [Genre: nu soul] vibeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the music industry for marketing and categorization (e.g., 'targeting the nu soul demographic').
Academic
Used in musicology, cultural studies, and media studies papers analyzing post-1990s black music.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing music tastes in detail (e.g., 'I'm really into 90s nu soul').
Technical
A precise genre label in music databases, streaming service algorithms, and discographies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The band began to nu-soul their sound on the second album.
American English
- Her latest record nu-souls its way through 70s influences.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like this song. It is nu soul.
- Erykah Badu is a famous nu soul singer from America.
- The late 1990s saw the rise of nu soul, which blended classic vocal styles with hip-hop beats.
- While often conflated with neo-soul, the nu soul movement of the UK was distinctly more influenced by the trip-hop and lounge scenes prevalent at the time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"NU" stands for "New Understanding" of soul music.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUL MUSIC IS A FUSION CUISINE (blending old recipes with new ingredients).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'nu' as 'нью' or 'новый'; transliterate as 'ну-соул'.
- Do not confuse with 'new-age' music; they are unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'new soul' (loses the genre-specific connotation).
- Using it as a general term for any new soul music after 1990.
- Pronouncing 'nu' as /nʌ/ instead of /njuː/ or /nuː/.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of 'nu soul' music?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related and often overlap. 'Neo-soul' is a broader, more commonly used American term. 'Nu soul' sometimes refers more specifically to the British interpretation of this movement in the 1990s, with stronger electronic influences.
The spelling 'nu' deliberately references the late 1990s/early 2000s trend of using "nu-" as a prefix (e.g., nu-metal) to signify a modern, hybridized version of a genre. It sets it apart as a specific subgenre.
UK examples include Soul II Soul (later work), Brand New Heavies, and parts of Massive Attack's work. US artists often grouped under this term include D'Angelo's early work, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill (in parts).
As a distinct movement, its peak was the late 1990s to early 2000s. However, its influence is pervasive in modern alternative R&B, and the term is still used retrospectively to classify music from that era.