The Soulful Magic of Opolopo & Angela Johnson in Their New Single “She Knows”

By FusioNostalgia

Opolopo and Angela Johnson’s latest single, “She Knows,” leads a remarkable collaboration through Reel People Music that captures the soulful energy and creative synergy of two of the label’s most accomplished artists. Their new album, Best of Both Worlds, not only cements their dynamic partnership but also brings a refreshing sense of purpose and joy to the dance floor, effortlessly merging classic influences with vibrant new sounds. From the moment Johnson sets the tone on the album’s introductory track, it’s clear that this is music meant to make you feel—to dance, to connect, maybe even to love a little deeper.

In Best of Both Worlds, Opolopo’s production work is seamless and electric, providing a lively, almost cinematic backdrop for Johnson’s powerful and textured vocals. Tracks like “Buffalo” and “The Ones You Love” are instant standouts, with “Buffalo” delivering an infectious combination of percussion, scat, and bass-heavy synth that morphs into a euphoric four-on-the-floor beat. “The Ones You Love” pulses with disco-infused energy, blending bass guitar and piano into a groove that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge. And “Possibilities” showcases the album’s versatility, marrying live house drums with layers of quick guitar riffs and swirling synths.

The heart of the record reveals itself most vividly on “Somebody”, a sassy anthem of self-assured love and redemption, where Johnson’s vocal finesse captures a delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. The theme of resilience continues on “She Knows”, where Johnson explores betrayal with striking emotional depth, her voice flowing over mid-tempo, piano-driven beats, embodying both defiance and sorrow. This track is a brilliant showcase of Johnson’s vocal agility, a testament to her ability to evoke complex emotions with effortless grace. On “In The Meadows”, she takes a more reflective turn, delivering tender vocals over a mellow, horn-accented production that feels like a smooth exhale.

Closing out the album, “Show Up, Show Out” is a powerful call-to-arms, filled with soaring horns and soul-stirring chords. The Outro track then brings the journey full circle, rounding off an album that celebrates not only groove and melody but a profound honesty that gives each song a life of its own. Opolopo’s meticulous craftsmanship behind the boards complements Johnson’s vocal storytelling in ways that feel both timeless and timely.

Reflecting on the project, Opolopo explains how organic the process felt: “Angie and I didn’t have any agenda when making this record other than just living in the feeling. The vibe between us was easy, as always, so the grooves and songs flowed organically.” He praises Johnson’s vocal prowess, saying her range and soulful energy elevate the tracks, bringing depth and a journey-like quality to the album as a whole. Johnson echoes this sentiment, adding that the album reflects themes that resonate globally, and credits Opolopo with pushing her creatively. With a nod to her gospel roots and a playful exploration of uptempo and soul beats, she describes the collaboration as the perfect blending of their unique styles, aptly naming the album Best of Both Worlds.

The journey to this album spans decades of experience for both artists. Stockholm-based DJ-producer Opolopo, known for his pioneering work in soulful, funky production, has remixed artists such as Gregory Porter and Jungle and has a reputation for consistently pushing the boundaries of electronic soul. Angela Johnson, a New York native with roots in the acid jazz group Cooly’s Hot Box, has established herself with a string of celebrated R&B records and memorable Reel People collaborations. Together, their musical worlds merge through the vision of Reel People Music, a label dedicated to soulful artist development and groove-driven songwriting.

Produced between Sweden and the US, Best of Both Worlds marks an exceptional addition to Reel People Music’s catalog, highlighting the joy and creative partnership between Opolopo and Johnson. This album is a celebration of soulful dance music that doesn’t just make you move—it makes you feel every note and lyric, speaking directly to the heart of the listener. Whether you’re new to Opolopo and Angela Johnson or a longtime fan, this is an album that will resonate, inspire, and remind you of the power of soulful music.