Nathan Sykes is a talented artist, and just might be the United Kingdom’s answer to America’s John Legend. His voice is similar to an R&B crooner in that it can hold its own with just a piano and be just as powerful and emotional with a big band. This 22 year old from Gloucester, England was previously performing and touring with the British-Irish boy band The Wanted, who were put together in 2009 by Jayne Collins. The band’s members Tom Parker, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes all decided to go off and do their own things musically in 2014.

As the youngest member of The Wanted at just 16, Sykes and the rest of the band released three albums and sung chart topping hits such as “Glad You Came,” “Chasing the Sun” and “Heart Vacancy.” Their number one single, “Glad You Came,” topped the Official Singles Chart for two weeks in July 2011. It was their biggest selling track in the UK, and sold over 115,000 copies in its first week making it their fastest-selling single. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as of March 29, 2012.

Sykes described his music in his solo venture as quiet soulful pop. While he is quick to state he is very appreciative of his time with the boy band, Sykes was aware he had matured as an artist with The Wanted, and that it was important for him to branch out and do his own thing. In Sykes departure from the band, he released singles “More Than You’ll Ever Know” and “Kick Me Quick.” These singles show a completely different side to him. Sykes has reintroduced audiences to a more personal side of him that utilizes elements such as soul and jazz to give a new life to the pop genre.

If Nathan Sykes sounds familiar, it is probably because he was the soulful counterpart vocals to Ariana Grande in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones soundtrack song “Almost Is Never Enough.” He co-wrote “Kiss Me Quick” after reminiscing “I can’t flirt” and the lead in chords to the song immediately let the listener know that what’s to come is surely to be a sensational R&B smooth jazz smash hit. It’s reminiscent of the Motown era, yet it is still modern and truly just has a nice groove to it. Sykes voice has a cadence that puts you in the mood to dance as his sweet falsetto serenades you. Audiences can’t get enough of his sound as they crashed his website just a mere ten minutes after tickets went on sale for his 2012 Gramercy Theatre show.

When you hear Sykes’ music, it transports you back to the Rat Pack era with a singer surrounded by a big band. That should come as no surprise since his mother was a music teacher who played the saxophone, clarinet and flute, and his dad showed him Motown and R&B. That influence is ever so present in his single “More Than You’ll Ever Know.” It has the big band bold attitude and brassy vocals while Sykes croons his heart out. The song is interjected with fantastic beats and a couple breakdowns that make you want to get up on your feet and church lady praise him.

You need Sykes feel good take on music in your life. His music will get you through heartbreaks, loves, good times and bad times. He has found an excellent way to make the Pop genre his own, and Sykes has definitely found his individual voice. It is bold, powerful and soulful and it can hold its own with a big band. He clearly knows when to use his voice to its full potential and hold back for a more emotional vibe.

Look out for more from Sykes when his solo album is released. In the meantime, check out his YouTube Channel, Facebook page and official site http://nathansykesofficial.com/ where there is plenty of videos and photos to hold us over until his album comes out.