Kendra Morris: Next [Album Review]

Kendra Morris
Next
Colemine/Karma Chief Records [2025]

“Lean, vibrant, and irresistibly catchy—Next proves Morris is writing a chapter of modern soul on her own terms.”

Album Overview: Even though Next is Kendra Morris’s fifth full-length album (sixth if you count the expanded reissue of 2016’s Babble), it’s an album of firsts. Recorded at Colemine Records’ Portage Lounge studio, it’s the first record Morris has produced herself (along with Colemine mastermind Terry Cole). It’s also the first recorded with her excellent touring band, which includes multi-instrumentalist Andrew “Monti” Miramonti on bass, Chauncey Yearwood on drums, and Supremo “Premo” Massiv on guitar. Anyone who’s caught one of Morris’s shows over the last few years knows that’s a very good thing, since the band’s playing is tight and meshes perfectly with Morris’s performance style. Oh yeah—the the vinyl version of the album is also a board game!

Musical Style: Morris’s debut record was titled Banshee for good reason—she can belt out a tune with the best of them. Mixing classic soul moves with modern songwriting sensibilities, she’s a perfect fit on the Colemine/Karma Chief roster. She’s a versatile vocalist (and musician) who is equally at home atop upbeat funk grooves or wistful ballads.

Evolution of Sound: Where previous album, 2023’s I Am What I’m Waiting For, pulled out all the stops on the production front, Next is a more stripped-down affair. Many of the tracks lean toward the softer side, but even the more uptempo tracks feature a leaner, tighter sound that highlights their inherent catchiness and allows Morris’s singing to stand out more effectively. It’s a “less is more” approach that really works, giving you a chance to appreciate the band’s ability to harmonize (both in a figurative instrumental sense and a literal one—they turn out some great backing vocals on multiple tracks).

Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Colemine’s other acts will definitely want to check out Next, since followers of Durand Jones and the Indications or Monophonics will feel right at home. Those who dig classic soul and funk artists like Roberta Flack, Diana Ross and Betty Davis will find plenty to love on Next too, as will devotees of more modern artists like Solange or Erykah Badu. 

Pivotal Tracks: Quieter, more introspective moments are abundant on Next, the best of which include the touching “Dear Buddy,” the raw authenticity of “After Midnight,” and the earnest plea for compromise and connection of album-closer “Something In Common.” The funkier cuts, meanwhile, give both the band and Morris’s vocal chops a chance to shine. Songs like “If I Called You” and opener “In My House” will have heads bobbing and feet tapping, while others like the slow-burn crescendo of “Bill” and the breezy, reggae-tinged “Flat Tire” demonstrate Morris and the band’s ability to toss musical curveballs into the mix.

Lyrical Strength: Morris’s lyrics are personal, but always written in a way that allows the listener to connect with them. Her songs are filled with recognizable situations, relatable feelings, and dashes of wry humor, all of which adds to their sense of authenticity.

Final Groove: As the title implies, Next feels like Kendra Morris has turned a page and started fresh. She’s put out plenty of great records in the past, but none of them feels as self-assured as this one. The songwriting, playing, and production form a cohesive whole that allows Morris’s artistic vision to flourish. If you’re new to Kendra Morris then Next would be the perfect place to start; if you’re a long-time fan, it should more than satisfy and make you excited for what comes… Next.

KENDRA MORRIS REVIEW HISTORY
I Am What I’m Waiting For (2023) / Nine Lives (2022)

KENDRA MORRIS LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Karma Chief/Colemine Records