Above & Beyond Celebrate Detroit With "Northern Soul"

Richard Bedford makes his triumphant return with “Northern Soul”, the latest single from iconic trio Above & Beyond.

Today marks the release of a remarkable new tune by Above & Beyond. Premiered during their latest landmark set as part of ABGT250, “Northern Soul” also heralds the return of longtime collaborator and perennial favorite Richard Bedford to the Anjuna fold.

Set in the city of Detroit, Michigan, “Northern Soul” employs Bedford’s powerful vocals to their best possible effect. The lyrics tell a sorrowful tale of the city’s variable history, from its mid-century turn as one of North America’s most powerful and prestigious cities to its more recent decay and decline. It’s a tune that is bound to tug at the heartstrings of even the most stoic among us.

Evident as always is Above & Beyond’s signature production and flawless attention to detail, and in their capable hands, “Northern Soul” is bound to be an instant classic. The track is the third release off of their upcoming album, Common Ground, following “Tightrope” and “My Own Hymn“.

Stream “Northern Soul” on Spotify:

Stream or purchase “Northern Soul” via your favorite digital platform.

Tony McGuinness had this to say about the track:

“We’ve had ties to Detroit since before we met. Along with the world’s best chrome wheels the city gave us all such sweet soul music, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Stevie Wonder and the rest of the legendary Tamla Motown alumni, The Parliaments, Patti Smith, The White Stripes and Eminem – the list is endless. And let’s not forget techno, without whom etc. So we’re all hugely indebted to Detroit.

We tried a lot of singers, many of them great in their own way, but you have to hand it to Richard Bedford – his performance is fabulous and real and human – above all he makes it believable.”

Richard Bedford has long been one of Above & Beyond’s most venerated and recognizable collaborators, and his return in the form of “Northern Soul” was fiercely celebrated at ABGT250, even featuring an onstage appearance with the trio.

As the voice of some of Above & Beyond’s most well-loved tunes like “Thing Called Love“, “Alone Tonight”, and “Sun & Moon“, it was appropriate to celebrate his homecoming in such a fashion.

Watch “Northern Soul” Live at ABGT250 on YouTube:

Make sure to catch Above & Beyond at one of the stops on their Common Ground tour, and snag your copy of “Northern Soul” today!

Above & Beyond “Northern Soul” – Lyrics:

Midnight, moonlight
The wind blows off Saint Clair
I’m stuck at a red light, waiting
At Six Mile and Delaware
The sound of a distant Firebird
The echo of a rhyme in Smokey’s words
And absence, sweet absence
Fills the freezing air

I’ve been wayside for years now
But no one seems to care
Their eyes on a distant horizon
I drove them out of here
I gave you the American dream
And the music for your movie scene
But you left me bleeding
So listen to my prayer

You can break my heart and crush my dreams
But you can never take my soul
You can crack my stones and melt my steel
But you can never take my soul
You can break my heart and crush my dreams
But you can never take my soul
You can crack my stones and melt my steel
But you can never take my soul

You can never take my soul