Albums to watch

Doctrine Of Love

Jalen Ngonda

Doctrine Of Love

Second full-length album of retro soul from Maryland-born, English-based musician co-produced by Michael Buckley and V Chiarito

ADM rating[?]

7.4

Label
Daptone
UK Release date
05/06/2026
US Release date
05/06/2026
  1. 8.0 |   All Music

    NEW After a couple beaming numbers that are all about devotion, Ngonda finishes with a distressed ballad of acceptance, "Taken Out of the Picture," a showcase for his upper register. The emotion he puts into the end of "You never wanted me" is powerful enough make an empath tremble
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  2. 8.0 |   Clash

    NEW Faced with following a completely unexpected – if deserved – breakout moment, Jalen Ngonda has opted to double down on his core influences, while also finessing his songcraft. It’s a complex trick, but he makes it look effortless – ‘Doctrine Of Love’ is truly a record to swoon over
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  3. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    NEW Jalen Ngonda wears his vintage soul influences on his sleeve
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  4. 8.0 |   Mojo

    NEW Way beyond pastiche, this is soul music filled with passion and attention to period detail. Print edition only

  5. 7.0 |   Uncut

    NEW It's nothing new, but the songwriting and arrangements are on point, the references impeccable and the execution classily heartfelt. Print edition only

  6. 7.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    NEW It is a joyous embrace of his influences, channelling them into something fresh and often exhilarating
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