Album: Anthony David, As Above So Below (Dome)

Anthony David is apparently the Obamas' favourite nu-soul dude – and it's not hard to see why, given his espousal of core 1970s social-conscious soul values, particularly the "on-message" reference in "Reach Ya" to "hoping we get healthcare rights, so she won't be a victim".

Stevie Wonder-esque harmonica strokes home the song's starkly black-and-white scenario, which contrasts the malign influence of powerful businessmen with the plight of a cancer sufferer scared she'll be sacked for her illness. David's style is smooth but earthy-textured, a blend of Bill Withers's warmth and D'Angelo's liquid cool, effortlessly harnessed on gently emotional songs like "Let Me In" and "Forever More". Elsewhere, Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" gets an understated R&B makeover.

DOWNLOAD THIS As Above So Below; Reach Ya; Forever More