An astonishing debut 40 years in the making, steeped in gospel roots, blues grit, and unstoppable family chemistry.

The story behind Can’t Lose My (Soul) is as compelling as the music itself. Annie Caldwell, once the teenage voice behind a long-forgotten 1974 gospel single rediscovered by collectors, has spent the past four decades leading a family band in relative obscurity. Now, thanks to a chain of rediscovery sparked by DJ Greg Belson and David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, her group—featuring her husband, children, and goddaughter—has finally released their debut album and begun playing European festivals. It’s an unlikely path, but the sheer quality of their music makes the outcome feel inevitable. Recorded live in a Mississippi church with no audience, the album pulses with intimacy, raw power, and spiritual fire. Annie’s lead vocals, weathered and rich with emotion, are perfectly complemented by the seamless harmonies of her daughters. Their improvisational chemistry is electric on the title track and Don’t You Hear Me Calling, with the band sounding both tightly locked-in and joyfully spontaneous—a testament to years of church performances rather than rehearsals.

Musically, the group draws from a wide well of inspiration: blues seeps through the title track, Dear Lord brings Bootsy Collins-worthy funk, I’m Going to Rise channels southern soul with wah-wah drenched warmth, and I Made It and Wrong flirt with disco energy and late-70s R&B flair. The latter, featuring Deborah Caldwell Moore, even pivots from praise to personal betrayal—albeit laid at Satan’s feet—against a hook so catchy it’s already been remixed by Nicky Siano. What makes this album resonate so deeply is its sincerity. There’s no nostalgic filter or faux-vintage patina; just unvarnished, real-time testimony—hardships endured, faith maintained, and joy expressed. The lyrics may be rooted in gospel, but their emotional reach is universal, radiating hope without proselytising. Can’t Lose My (Soul) isn’t just a triumphant musical arrival—it’s a vital, timely reminder of resilience, unity, and the enduring power of soul.