I'm not sure about Syleena Johnson's new album although I haven't heard it in full yet. I'm kinda disappointed she's gone in that direction as I though her first three albums were fantastic. Mind you, that was a long time ago now. I haven't heard the Martha High, so will look out for that. The posthumous Sharon Jones is superb.
I think it's quite a bad year for contemporary soul and have bought less new music than I have done for many a year. I have more enjoyed the old stuff that has come out for the first time like the Split Decision Band LP and the Super Disco Edits releases.