"Don't Stop Smiling" (sample_1) by Jus' Us, an Ohio soul group that released only two 7-inch singles over a two-year period starting in 1973—a track featuring a wonderful contrast between beautiful harmonies and the rhythm section’s groove. Also from Ohio, “Gentle Man” (sample_2) by The Defaulters—a mysterious group for whom only the 7-inch containing this track has been discovered—is another incredibly sweet, mellow track featuring smooth electric piano and guitar parts. These tracks gained widespread recognition after being featured on a NUMERO compilation in 2011; the Jus’ Us track was even sampled in NxWorries’ “Dntstop (Interlude),” making the originals highly sought-after rarities.
Featuring a generous lineup that even includes Sweet Breeze’s “Slow Change Up” (sample_3)—which was aired on a UK radio show dedicated to rare soul and now fetches over 2,000 euros for the original. From tracks that could be called NUMERO classics to hard-to-find gems, this is a wonderful compilation that perfectly embodies the “Sweet Soul” concept. Highly recommended! (Original Japanese text by AYAM)