RuthAnne creates a sound that feels like a warm embrace in a cold room. Her music sits at the intersection of classic soul and contemporary pop, characterized by a rich, honeyed vocal delivery that can shift from a delicate whisper to a powerful, gospel-tinged belt. There is an inherent Irish warmth to her melodies, even when she is leaning into the sleek production of modern R&B.
What sets her apart is her songwriter's precision. Having penned hits for some of the world's biggest pop stars, she knows exactly how to construct a hook that lingers, but in her solo work, she strips away the artifice. The result is a collection of songs that feel lived-in and authentic, often favoring organic instrumentation like soulful piano and clean electric guitars over heavy synthesis.
Start with her debut album 'Matters of the Heart' to hear the full spectrum of her capability. It is the perfect companion for moments of reflection or romantic vulnerability, offering a sophisticated take on the 'singer-songwriter' label that prioritizes emotional resonance above all else.
Ruth-Anne Cunningham (born 2 April 1986), known professionally as RuthAnne, is an Irish singer-songwriter. She is best known for co-writing "Too Little Too Late", performed by the US singer JoJo, "In the Name of Love" performed by Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha, "Work Bitch" performed by Britney Spears, "Slow Hands" performed by Niall Horan, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go", "No Control" performed by One Direction and "Beautiful World" performed by Westlife. She also wrote and vocally features on the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack with her song "Pray". In 2013, she also has uncredited vocals for the EDM-oriented song, "All You Need is Love", on Swedish DJ Avicii's True album. On 23 March 2018, Cunningham released her own first single "The Vow". Cunningham's debut album Matters of the Heart was released on 4 October 2019.
Shares modern soul-pop crossover, gospel-inflected vocal runs, soulful, neo-soul (detail)
Shares soulful, vulnerable, neo-soul, soul (signature)
Shares contemporary r&b, neo-soul, soul, soulful (signature)
Shares soulful, neo-soul, soul, candlelit (signature)
Shares neo-soul, soul, falsetto, candlelit (subgenre)
Shares neo-soul, soul, falsetto, soulful (subgenre)
Shares vulnerable, neo-soul, soul, falsetto (signature)
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