by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

The Ten City name is famed in dance music circles, ever since their formation as a trio in 1989. Led by charismatic vocalist Byron Stingily, they return with an album where Stingily is joined by Chicago producer Emmaculate (Eric Welton), who produced the previous Ten City album Judgement, not to mention working as a mix engineer on Beyoncé’s Break My Soul.

The two play host to a number of guest vocalists, with the tracks delivered in club-ready 12” versions.

What’s the music like?

In a word, uplifting. There are some brilliant soulful house music cuts on here, with typically soaring vocals from the frontman but a host of complementary voices to enhance the excellent production.

Mon’Aerie impresses on her contributions, Unique and Live My Life, while My Paradise (featuring DRAMA), the distinctive Stop & Go (with D. Lylez), Feel Good (with OVEOUS) and Release (featuring Uneq’ka) are all strong productions liberally laced with soul.

Meanwhile there are gospel interactions with memorable anthems Hands To The Sky and He’s A Friend. Welton delivers strong, chunky beats and riffs aplenty, much of the material suited to peak time dancefloor action.

Does it all work?

It really does. The quality threshold is high throughout, while the gospel moments – He’s A Friend in particular – provide memorable earworms.

Is it recommended?

Without hesitation. It is so gratifying to see the longevity names like Ten City now have in music; even more so when it is backed up by an album of this quality. Your life will be enhanced by experiencing The Next Generation, for sure!

Published post no.2,673 – Tuesday 30 September 2025