Soul is a sneaky little thing.

So sneaky in fact, a few of us missed it on it’s way to other genres, where bands like Queens of The Stone Age and Incubus wield it as powerfully as they swing their guitars.

Before jaws reach the ground, I”m not talking about a soul extravaganza; rock and alternative bands aren’t necessarily exploding with it. Rather, there are pockets of soul in verses, bridges and choruses that could make you raise an eyebrow or two. Even the instrumentation gets groovy.

Listening to these bands has taught me that soul has no formula. Traditionally, some may think saxophones, crooning voices and slow-moving tracks are key ingredients to making a culturally defined soul tune. Think Erykah Badu’s “On and On.” Songs like those are the traditional make up, but it’s exciting when bands outside the stereotype can break the mold, probably without even knowing their own version of soul diversifies the playing field.

It’s easy to loose track of soul because it has traveled a long way. From gospel in black churches to funk beats to emcees rapping over those beats to create hip-hop to contemporary R&B – it made its way to a few overlooked places. While we were pondering these transitions over the decades, here’s how some bands were using soul (whether they knew it or not).

1. Alabama Shakes – Sound and Color

First off, the introductory tune sounds like the Sunday devotional before 10 a.m. church service. You already know a bundle of soul is about to explode in your ear. Where’s Al Green? Bobby Womack? James Brown? It feels like they’re back.

2. Queens of the Stone Age – I’m Designer

Can you hear it? It’s in lead singer Josh Homme’s voice. The verses are sung with attitude – yes, there’s soul! Peep the way he says “I’m designer” in the last verse. Block out the instrumentation. If a soul singer used his tone, inflection and that slinky, slurring of words all the time…whoa.

3. Cage the Elephant – Back Against The Wall

Me: Attitude! Give me attitude!

Cage The Elephant: Sure thing, girl.

Just listen to the chorus. A unique voice can take a song and all the feels in your body a long way.

4. The Black Keys – Tighten Up

This reminds me of blues music. The tone of the lead’s voice is full of soul, hurt and longing. Emotion is an important part of soul. We found another one!

5. Alabama Shakes – Don’t Wanna Fight

You probably knew what Alabama Shakes was about after hearing “Sound and Color.” Well, here’s a continuation, in what I see as a very passionate way to tell someone fighting isn’t called for. Honestly, I don’t think it’s scientifically possible to fight during this song. The instrumentation during the verses sounds like the soundtrack of a 10th annual “insert family name here” cook-out.

5. Incubus – Stellar

It’s the instrumentation this time. It’s a bit dreamy, dark and reflective. Notice how Incubus takes you up and down; the verses are mellow but when the chorus hits – turn up. Coming down from the chorus’s high, it’s like the dust settling after a bombing, and the bass guitar is quick and cool before the second verse. Also, the topic is love, and if that’s not an entry point to the soul then I don’t know what is.

6. Arctic Monkeys – Fire and Thud

A-woo-oo-oo-oo. The opening vocals, the down tempo beat – it’s soulful. Lead singer Alex Turner has a smooth, mellow voice that lends itself to heartfelt emotion. His voice creeps into your sentiments in a way only soul-inspired music can.

7. Incubus – Here In my Room

Incubus has a few good love songs under their belt. Add their lyricism about love to this tune, and everything’s just fine.

Notice how many different types of sounds we have here. Soul is eternal.

I’m not saying a soul fanatic could swap their playlist for this collection and call it a day. What I’m saying is, let’s break tradition and find soul wherever it grows. That could be alongside the swamps of the Mississippi or your favorite rock band’s concert. You decide.

@lydthekid_1