Hey, Soul Sister (CD single) (by Train, Adult Contemporary)

Viewers of the supernatural TV thriller Medium might've been introduced to HEY, SOUL SISTER when it was originally released in the fall of '09. It was featured prominently in one episode. But the popularity of the release really didn't catch on until several months later, thanks to increased radio play and an uptake in digital sales. The song marks Train's first single in three years;  it's been a while since the San Francisco band's ballad heyday of hits like "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" and "Meet Virginia" at the turn of the millennium.

Train chugs away from their typical overly sentimental sound on this daring track that combines elements of doo wop and soul into the band's innocuous pop-rock formula. It's an experiment that pays off. No doubt the lyrics still speak to the listener who sports his heart on his sleeve, but there's an edgy tone to this hit. Although the lyrics can become a bit nonsensical at times, it's hard not to walk away singing "Hey, soul sister, ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo." Besides, any band that can incorporate the line "Some gangster I'm so thug" into a pop love song deserves major props.

Released on: January 1, 2010
Label: Sony Music
Genre: Adult Contemporary