Burning The Ground Exclusive
Hitting That Sweet Spot of Pop-Rock
In 1986, The Partland Brothers—Chris and G.P.—emerged from Colgan, Ontario, into the bigger world of Toronto’s music scene. Their debut album Electric Honey featured “Soul City,” an anthemic pop-rock track that became their defining moment, earning a spot in the Top 30 in Canada and climbing to No. 27 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100—making them true bona fide chart-hitters from the get-go.
Harmony & Production Worthy of Righteous Praise
What set “Soul City” apart was the duo’s intoxicating close-harmony vocals—drawing frequent comparisons to a modernized version of The Righteous Brothers. The production by Vini Poncia (known for working with McCartney, Lennon, Kiss, and more) polished the sound to gleaming perfection, ensuring their launch had all the hallmarks of a major new act.
Lyrics That Breathe Freedom and Adventure
At its heart, “Soul City” is about breaking free from the mundane—the thrill of the unknown. Lines like:
“Soul City, that’s where we’re heading
Dancing and singing ’til dawn…”
…paint a vivid picture of escapism, nightlife energy, and living without boundaries. The song urges listeners to step “into the moonlight,” chase the setting sun, and discover that state of mind—someone’s own Soul City—full of euphoria and possibility.
From Contest Winners to International Stages
Before the breakthrough, the brothers honed their chops in bands like Oliver Heaviside and even won the Q107 radio station’s Homegrown contest in 1983—an early spark that lit their path to Capitol Records in 1985. Following the release of Soul City, they toured with legends like The Moody Blues and The Beach Boys, and graced TV stages like American Bandstand and The Late Show with Arsenio Hall. They were also recognized at home with a Juno Awards nomination for Most Promising New Group in 1987.
A Brief Blaze, with Enduring Echo
Though “Soul City” remains their singular U.S. chart entry, its success opened doors—yet management setbacks delayed follow-ups. They released a handful of albums afterward (including Between Worlds in 1990 and Part Land, Part Water in 1993), but none reached the same heights.
Even so, the Partland Brothers persevered: backing music legend Ronnie Hawkins on stage and continuing to create and perform—even amidst personal challenges, like G.P.’s accident in recent years.
Final Thoughts
“Soul City” encapsulates that irresistible 1980s spirit—hopeful, escapist, and dance-fueled. With soaring harmonies, infectious rhythms, and lyrical zest, it’s not just a song—but an invitation: chase your soul’s ideal city, wherever music and freedom roam.
Whether you’re revisiting this gem or discovering it anew, “Soul City” stands timeless—for those who long to dance until dawn, live beyond the lines, and dare to follow the lights into the next great adventure.
SIDE A:
Soul City (Remix) 7:23
SIDE B:
Soul City (Instrumental) 6:12
Soul City (Single Version) 3:52
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Soul City | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #27 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Manhattan Records – V-56060
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Composed By – Chris Partland, G.P. Partland
- Producer – Vini Poncia
- Remix – Bruce Forest (tracks: A), Frank Heller (tracks: A)
NOTES:
From the Album, Cassette & Compact Disc “Electric Honey”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
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RESTORATION NOTES:
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FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
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Interesting post! I never knew of this duo, I guess partly because of their name which I would have categorized straight to the country bin (which I wasn’t really into at that time). Can’t wait to discover.
Love it! The Partland Bros had a number of hit singles on Canadian radio back in the day but “Soul City” was their biggest. I have the Canadian promo 12″ which just includes the extended version but not the instrumental, so this is very cool – thanks Paul!
You’re welcome, Lee. I had a lot of fun working on this one, I wish it had been bigger 🙂
I don’t remember this single at all, but Bruce Forest remixes are welcome. It is a good song too, i like the vocal which is soulful.
Do you have Mica Paris – My One Temptation (US 12”) with the unreleased on CD & digital mixes by Bruce Forest?
Thanks Paul
Add to the rather big stash of 80s blue-eyed soul one hit wonders. FM rock never sounded to bland and dull. The best part is their mid-west staple mullets. Thanks for sharing though. Sound quality is really top notch.
Haha, I love it! Those mullets are definitely peak ’80s and part of the charm. 🙂 You’re right—Soul City fits neatly into that stack of blue-eyed soul one-hit wonders, and while it may lean a bit on the FM rock polish, I think the harmonies give it that extra spark. Glad you noticed the sound quality too—I always try to make sure these transfers do the music justice. Thanks for listening and for the great comment!
—Paul
Amazing Paul you are on a roll!! I remember this was such a breath of fresh air when it came out. The brothers’ soaring vocals, catchy earworm of a melody and that indefinable chemistry they had like Hall & Oates or the Bee Gees. It’s unfortunate this was their first and last charting single, as I own some of their singles and Electric Honey is quite good too! I’m so glad you decided to spotlight this gem of a time capsule! Thank you Paul!!
Retro Hound, thank you! I couldn’t agree more—“Soul City” really was a breath of fresh air when it landed. Those harmonies absolutely soar, and I love that you picked up on that same kind of chemistry that made Hall & Oates or the Bee Gees so special. It’s a shame the Partland Brothers didn’t get more chances at the charts, because like you said, Electric Honey is a solid album with some overlooked gems.
I’m really glad you enjoyed this spotlight—it’s comments like yours that make sharing these records such a joy.
—Paul
I don’t know how I missed this song when it was new. Thanks so much for sharing it. It’s an instant fave!
I am so glad you like it, Daver.
I recognized the title and checked — this was briefly in “Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II”! Excited to hear the 12” version – Bruce Forest and Frank Heller never miss! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
You’re welcome, Raymond. I had no idea it was in Prom Night II, thanks for that bit of info. 🙂
Thanks a lot Paul for sharing this hard to find gem!!!
Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina
You’re welcome 🙂
A brand-new favorite! Just listened to the video and the song is wonderful! I love the vibe and those harmonies are terrific! Karen overheard and asked me if this was your post. She really liked it, and she is much more discriminating than me. This is a real winner, Paul, and I can’t wait to hear the remix!
Thanks for the coolest records, Paul! I love you as the gatekeeper to songs that deserve another spin! This is exceptional!!
Jeff
Jeff, your comment made my day! I’m so glad you and Karen both enjoyed “Soul City.” Those harmonies really are something special, and it makes me happy to give this gem a little more life again. I can’t wait for you to hear the remix—I think it’ll really shine with that extra 12″ treatment.
Thank you for always being so enthusiastic and supportive. It means a lot, and I’m thrilled to be able to share these records with you!
—Paul
Wow this sounds familiar! Can’t wait to listen… and those remix credits! Must be great! Thanks for this “lost gem!”
My pleasure, ING. I hope you like it as much as I do. One of my favorites 🙂
Wow, I really love this song. Kind of like The Rave-Ups with less indie and more soul or something!?! I want to hear more from these guys!!!