What happens when you take a gospel staple and add in the soul of an Otis Redding or a Sam Cooke? I think you’d get something like Dedicated Men of Zion’s “Lord Hold My Hand.” The song is deeply entrenched in its spirituality and gospel roots while also having a funky instrumentation and the overall feel of classic soul without losing its religion. I love this one because it adapts the song to a sound that is distinct, religiously steeped and beautiful as a whole. In other words, it’s a song that wouldn’t feel out of place in a retro soul playlist–especially when you consider that the group’s sound is a throwback to the 1960s era of soul music.

The quartet’s been making waves, even appearing in a Tiny Desk Concert. With songs like these, that’s not a surprise and it’s a welcome change from most of the songs I get. As I’ve mentioned, I may not be the most-religious, but I love soul and I love gospel more than you’d probably think. It’s especially because I know that, without God, I wouldn’t be able to sit here and recommend great music to you all. Check this one out below and support dope music in all its forms–especially if it’s meant to uplift and encourage.