Nearly four years after it was released The Ray's single "1,2,3 Love" still sounds fresh, funky and new.

Although the song never made a big commercial splash (try finding anything out about this group or single on YouTube) The Ray's "1,2,3 Love" is nothing short of a modern soul masterpiece, as fine as anything the South Korean music scene has ever produced.

"1,2,3" even gives modern R&B pioneers like Pharrell Williams or Raphael Saadiq a run for their money with a song that is both soothing and danceable as hell.

The rapping is laid back and enhances the track rhythmically, particularly the "shout outs" at the end of the track, which provide the perfect understated finale.

Yet a high point is the vocal delivery throughout the song that has the fire of American powerhouses like funk revivalist Charles Bradley or R&B star Anthony Hamilton.

Vocal after vocal has an energy and attitude that can't be faked or digitally enhanced.

This is great singing, pure and simple, by a band that deserves to be heard.

The musical backdrop for The Ray's "1,2,3 Love" has the advanced funk minimalism of a great hip-hop track. But the active keyboards, particularly the clavinet, offer something a bit more soul-based and retro than your average rap beat.

The beauty of the production on "1,2,3 Love" is that it doesn't stick to one particular style, genre or era.

One major example of the freewheeling influences, include right around the minute mark, when a high harmony kicks in that is pure Michael McDonald.

A legendary studio singer for years before he became a household name, Michael McDonald sang on many of greatest Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers tracks before launching a successful solo career.

One would be hard-pressed to come up with another South Korean act channeling Michael McDonald.

But The Ray's "1,2,3 Love" isn't just worth a second listen because it effectively parrots great sonic trademarks of past artists. It is great because of the new sounds that are brought to the table.

With this song the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

It's not just the way these various sounds are sprinkled through the track. It is the satisfyingly original sounds The Ray makes in between them.

Listen to The Ray's 2009 R&B masterpiece "1,2,3 Love" RIGHT HERE