Soul tip: Annie & The Caldwells!
Gospel, disco and family ties: a debut 40 years in the making
Some records are worth waiting for. Can't Lose My (Soul) by Annie & The Caldwells is one such album: a debut that finally sees the light of day after four decades and immediately leaves a deep impression.
Hailing from West Point, Mississippi, Annie Caldwell began her musical journey in the 1970s with the Staples Jr. Singers. She co-founded the Staples Jr. Singers at age 11, along with her brothers Edward and RC Brown. Hailing from Aberdeen, Mississippi, the group was inspired by the famed Staple Singers and chose their name as a tribute to the iconic gospel group.
In the 80s she formed a new band with her husband Willie and their children, with the goal of keeping their children on the straight and narrow and letting them grow up with music that is both spiritual and danceable. The band consists of Annie on vocals, her daughters Deborah and Anjessica as backing vocalists, niece Toni Rivers, son Willie Jr. on bass and son Abel on drums
Released on March 21, 2025 by Luaka Bop, this album is a mix of gospel, soul, disco and funk. It was recorded in their local church, The Message Center, and therefore sounds extra impressive. Producer Ahmed Gallab (aka Sinkane) managed to capture the raw energy of the live recordings without falling into retro pastiche.
Album highlights
- “Wrong” : A funky track with powerful vocals from Deborah Caldwell Moore, focusing on personal mistakes and forgiveness.
- "I Made It" : A rousing disco-soul anthem in which Annie sings about overcoming adversity, with a groove reminiscent of The Gap Band.
- "Don't You Hear Me Calling" : A mid-tempo ballad featuring Annie's powerful voice telling stories of perseverance and faith.
- "Dear Lord" : An emotional song in which Annie sings about a near-death experience, backed by a tight funk rhythm section
Critics have praised the album. The Guardian calls it a "gospel masterpiece" that offers hope in difficult times . MOJO praises the harmonies and the dynamics of the family band.
Can't Lose My (Soul) is of course available on LP with us. The vinyl edition comes in a beautiful gatefold sleeve, with liner notes by Danielle Amir Jackson and cover art inspired by the film All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt by Raven Jackson.
Photo credit: annieandthecaldwells.bandcamp.com
Order the LP here:
