American-born, UK-based soul artist Jalen Ngonda has once again captured the attention of the modern R&B and soul scene with the announcement of his highly anticipated second album, ‘Doctrine of Love’, set for release on June 5, on Daptone Records. The new record marks a major evolution in the young singer-songwriter’s sound and has earned him critical acclaim on a scene that can be quite nostalgic and unwelcoming to new sounds.
Ngonda first gained widespread success with his debut album ‘Come Around and Love Me’ in 2023. That record, despite being remarkably reminiscent of late-’60s and early-’70s soul and R&B, earned praise from critics and listeners across the world, helping establish him as a rising star in the “soul revival” movement.
The album blends mid-60s New Orleans R&B with the grit of Chicago and Detroit soul, resulting in a sound that does still feel nostalgic, but nodding to the grittier sounds of black 60s music, that is often overlooked by other artists, keeps it feeling fresh. According to Ngonda, the concept behind the record is guided by a philosophy he describes as “every thought and action should be guided first by compassion for others, because love is the highest measure of human worth.”
The announcement of ‘Doctrine of Love’ was accompanied by the release of its title track and the full trackless for the record. The tracklist reads as follows:
1. Anyone in Love
2. Doctrine of Love
3. Mr. Train Conductor
4. Burning Temptation
5. Love Is Gone
6. I Can’t Ever Leave You
7. Hannah, What’s the Matter?
8. Good Good Love
9. Hang It On the Shelf
10. Taken Out of the Picture
In the three years since his debut, Ngonda’s profile has continued to grow. His appearances at Radio 2’s Piano Room and Glastonbury Festival are some of his most notable and have earned his the recognition of some of the industry’s biggest artists, namely, Paul Weller, who spoke recently of his fondness for Jalen Ngonda in the latest issue of Detail magazine.
A tour has also been announced to promote of ‘Doctrine of Love’, which will take Ngonda across the UK, Europe and beyond later in 2026. he spring leg includes shows in York, Oxford, Margate, Leicester and Leeds, bringing his vintage-infused soul sound to some of the UK’s best venues. Over the summer, he is also set to appear at Love Supreme Festival in Lewes, one of the country’s premier soul and jazz gatherings, as well as Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival in Birmingham.
The new record is available for pre-order on physical formats here, as well as tickets for the upcoming tour here.
