10 Floetry Songs That Feel Like Fresh Air

The band is back together, so we’re celebrating Black Music Month with nothing but the hits.

Floetry carved a unique place in the pantheon of neo-soul when the British duo made their debut in the early 2000s. Armed with one of the genre’s best debuts, 2002’s Grammy-nominated Floetic, the duo of Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart had their own unique spin on the genre. Ambrosius was the powerhouse vocalist, while Stewart was the introspective poet and spoken word artist. Their partnership proved to be a perfect match.

That partnership has had its famous ups and downs (Amanda “Diva” Seales briefly replaced Stewart in the early 2000s), but Floetry is reunited and in recognition of Black Music Month, here are 10 Floetry songs that feel like fresh air.

10. “If I Was A Bird”

Self-produced by Ambrosius, this smooth ode to heartache opens with Stewart’s powerful lyricism and is a standout on Floetic. The pain of a loveless relationship leads Ambrosius’ vocals to fantasize about “spreading my wings” and “flying away.”

9. “Ms. Stress”

Its skittering beat and lush harmonies set the stage, as Stewart comes in championing a love that hurts. Her wordplay sits centerstage, as she talks about settling for being secondary in a love triangle and losing her sense of self.

8. “Hey You”

It’s a deep groove that never tries too hard. It’s minimalist soul  –and as chill as a hazy summer evening. Another perfect example of the balance between Stewart and Ambrosius, the vocals are so buttery and velvet, as Stewart bemoans having to leave a lover.

7. “Now You’re Gone (More Than I Can Feel)”

Featuring vocals from Sebastian Rogers, this thumping midtempo banger appears near the end of Floetry’s debut, and its percussive feel, light guitar and sumptuous strings make it one of the most uniquely produced tracks on the project.

6. “Sunshine”

It’s the kind of bubbly-yet-earthy soul that seemed to be everywhere in the early 2000s, but sounds so refreshing decades later. One of the best album cuts from Floetic, and Ambrosius soars on the lead vocal.

5. “Butterflies” (Demo Version)

It’s a classic for a reason. Yes, the Michael Jackson version could be considered the definitive performance of this gorgeous single, but the original demo from Floetry is close to immaculate. Nobody would fault you if you even said it’s the superior version.

4. “Imagination”

One of the most atmospheric tracks in their catalog, it features futuristic soundscapes and breathy background vocals – with Ambrosius offering a deliciously sensual performance. A truly distinct feel – and a standout on their second album, Flo’Ology.

3. “SupaSTar” feat. Common

So much of Floetry’s catalog sounds like it was recorded on a warm night, but this is one of their most summery tracks. Boasting a guest appearance from Chi-Town’s own, it’s one of the group’s most effervescent singles.

2. “It’s Getting Late”

Early aughts seduction doesn’t get sexier than this. From the crescendo of Ambrosia’s orgasmic ad-libs, to Stewart’s husky lyrics evoking a late-night conversation between lovers–it’s perfection. And the strings in the production? Sublime.

1. “Say Yes”

It’s a classic of neo-soul and early ‘00s R&B. Written by Ambrosius and Andre Harris, and originally intended for Ronald Isley, it became the duo’s breakout single when it was released in early 2003. Arguably their most definitive track, it captures the essence of what has always made Marsha and Natalie so special.