Soul II Soul – Keep On Movin’

Britannia Row, 1989: Wheeler’s vocal, Hooper’s mix, London soul that crossed the Atlantic

On 6 March 1989, Soul II Soul released Keep On Movin’ featuring Caron Wheeler as the second single from their debut album Club Classics Vol. One (issued in the US as Keep On Movin’). Jazzie B (Beresford Romeo) wrote the song and produced it with Nellee Hooper. Sessions are credited to Britannia Row Studios in London (1988). The album version runs about 6:02; the 7-inch edit sits nearer 3:38. Virgin / 10 Records handled the UK release.

Wheeler was first brought in as a guest vocalist; after the 1988 recording she joined the Soul II Soul lineup for a period. What you hear is a patient groove: soft drums, deep bass, string and keyboard pads, and Wheeler’s clear lead on the hook. There is no shouty climax. The mix leaves space so the vocal sits on top of the loop rather than fighting it. Two different videos were shot for different markets.

In the UK the single peaked at number 5 (first chart date 18 March 1989, 12 weeks). In the United States it reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Dance Club Play, Hot Black Singles, and 12-inch Singles Sales charts. In October 1996 a reissue climbed back to UK No. 31 after use in a Renault Clio “Papa and Nicole” advert. The album later hit UK No. 1 and became the frame for the follow-up smash Back to Life (However Do You Want Me), also with Wheeler.