The Best Soul Music of 1987
Looking for a little musical inspiration? Check out our roundup of the best soul music of 1987. From Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston, these artists will get you moving and grooving.
Introduction
When it comes to great soul music, 1987 was a banner year. From catchy pop hits to classic ballads to unforgettable tracks from the golden age of hip-hop, there was something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best soul songs of 1987.
What is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre that has its roots in African American culture. It is a fusion of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. Unlike other genres, soul music places emphasis on the emotions and feelings of the performer, rather than on technical skills. This often results in a more personal and intimate performance.
The origins of soul music can be traced back to the 1950s, when artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke began blending gospel and R&B to create a new sound. In the 1960s, figures like Otis Redding and James Brown took the genre to new heights, infusing it with elements of funk and rock & roll. By the 1970s, soul music had become one of the most popular genres in the world, with artists like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin achieving massive commercial success.
In the 1980s, soul music continued to evolve, as artists like Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston brought new sounds and styles to the genre. Vandross in particular helped to redefine soul music for a new generation, resulting in some of the best-loved soul songs of all time.
The Best Soul Music of 1987
The year 1987 was a great year for Soul music. There were many fantastic Soul albums released that year, including classics like “Whitney”, “The Glamorous Life”, and “Control”. Here are my picks for the 10 best Soul albums of 1987.
1. Whitney Houston – Whitney
2. Janet Jackson – Control
3. Prince – Sign o’ the Times
4. Madonna – Who’s That Girl
5. Terence Trent D’Arby – Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby
6. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – The Glamorous Life
7. George Clinton – The Cinderella Theory
8. Lionel Richie – Dancing on the Ceiling
9. Rufus and Chaka Khan – Street Player
10.Aretha Franklin – One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Conclusion
When it comes to Soul music, 1987 was a pretty great year. Some truly classic tracks were released that have gone on to become timeless classics. Artists like Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and Terence Trent D’Arby all released some of their best work that year.
In terms of pure quality, it’s hard to argue against 1987 being one of the best years for Soul music. So many amazing artists were putting out such great work. It’s no wonder that so many of the songs from that year are still considered classics today.
