Sophia Bolinder Under The Stars Review Featuring John Soul
REVIEW
9 Lounges Team
7/22/2025
A Nostalgic Nod to R&B Royalty
Sophia’s vocal inspirations are no secret — names like Toni Braxton and Usher are echoed in the lush textures and emotional nuance of Under The Stars. Much like Braxton’s emotionally rich delivery or Usher’s smooth seduction, Sophia channels passion, vulnerability, and confidence in a way that’s both authentic and refreshingly modern.
There’s a noticeable reverence for the late 90s and early 2000s R&B era, a time when slow grooves, intimate lyrics, and layered harmonies ruled the charts. But rather than simply mimic the greats, Sophia and John Soul reinterpret the sound through their own artistic lens.
Sweden’s rising star Sophia Bolinder is turning up the heat in the R&B scene with her latest original single, Under The Stars — a sultry, romantic duet featuring the soul-drenched vocals of John Soul. Born in Malmö, Sweden, and now stepping boldly into the global music spotlight, Sophia delivers a timeless track that feels like a love letter to the golden era of R&B.
Produced with Soul in Falkenberg, Sweden
The track was recorded in Falkenberg, a coastal city in Sweden that’s quickly becoming a creative hub for emerging artists. With its tranquil setting and growing indie music scene, Falkenberg provided the perfect backdrop for crafting a track that’s both emotionally rich and sonically smooth.
The chemistry between Sophia and John Soul is unmistakable, and the production—both minimalist and deeply polished—leaves plenty of room for the duo’s voices to shine.
Lyrical Intimacy and Sensuality
The song opens with introspective vulnerability:
“Lately I’ve been thinking 'bout you, twice a night...”
From the very first line, Under The Stars pulls listeners into a story of longing, connection, and sensual chemistry. The track evolves into a call-and-response duet, with Sophia and John Soul trading verses that mirror the uncertainty and excitement of budding love.
Lines like:
“Tell me boy, where we going tonight? Just say the word and take me there...”
evoke classic duet energy reminiscent of Brandy & Monica or Alicia Keys & Usher.
It’s R&B at its most honest — intimate without being overproduced, expressive without overreaching.
A Promising Chapter for Scandinavian R&B
With this release, Sophia Bolinder joins a growing number of Scandinavian artists bringing soul and R&B to the forefront. Artists like Seinabo Sey and Snoh Aalegra have paved the way, and Sophia is carving out her own space—one that’s intimate, romantic, and wholly resonant.
The track Under The Stars is more than just a single—it’s a declaration. A statement that Swedish R&B is alive, evolving, and ready to own the global stage.
If you crave the kind of R&B that speaks from the heart, recalls nostalgic melodies, and showcases real vocal chemistry, Sophia Bolinder’s Under The Stars featuring John Soul deserves a spot on your playlist.
As she continues to explore new sonic territory and emotional storytelling, one thing is clear: Sophia Bolinder is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more in 2025.
