In our round-up of the Best Of 2010, the sizzling soul man proves his credentials in style.

THERE is plenty of James Brown bite and conviction in Reed’s raspy vocal peaks, and Stax of soul in his brass-soaked major-label debut.

Pick A Number’s aching romance is one of two breathers from a zinging set from this versatile singer who can melt hearts and move feet just as easily.

But the clincher is Eli’s knack of absorbing the nostalgia of classic late-60s and early-70s heyday of soul and funk, sidestepping the irony and making it his own – fresh, lively, vibrant and sexy.

The simply incredible stabbing brass riff and turbo-rhythm of Explosion crowns Reed as a ringmaster of soul. This is one paperboy who delivers – on every level.