2014’s Best Soul Music
Contents
If you’re a fan of good soul music, then you’ll want to check out our list of the best soul music of 2014. From classic hits to new artists, there’s something for everyone.
Introduction
Soul music is a genre that typically combines elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and sometimes jazz. Its origins can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s, when artists such as Sam Cooke and Ray Charles fused gospel with rhythm and blues to create a sound that was both soulful and secular. In the 1970s, artists like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin took soul music to new heights, infusing it with politics and social consciousness. And in the 1980s and 1990s, artists like Whitney Houston and TLC brought soul music into the mainstream, where it has remained ever since.
There was no shortage of great soul music released in 2014. Below are just a few of the many highlights.
Best Albums of 2014
It’s been a great year for soul music, with a wide variety of music to choose from. Here are the best albums of 2014, according to our panel of experts.
Aloe Blacc – Lift Your Spirit
Album of the year goes to Aloe Blacc for his work on Lift Your Spirit. This was one of the most soulful, innovative, and just fun albums to come out in recent years. It features a great mix of classic soul and modern pop, with Blacc’s beautiful voice carrying the entire album. It’s an instant classic that should be in everyone’s collection.
Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit
This jazz and soul singer/songwriter’s second album – and first for Blue Note – won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, while the title track earned a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Hiatus Kaiyote – Tawk Tomahawk
This Australian quartet’s debut was among the most captivating and creative soul albums in recent memory, led by singer Nai Palm’s soaring, otherworldly voice. The group’s future-soul sound — a blend of hip-hop, pop, jazz and R&B — was brilliantly executed on tracks like “Nakamarra” and “The Wormhole.”
Best Songs of 2014
It’s been a great year for soul music, with a number of new artists making a name for themselves and established artists continuing to produce great music. Here are our picks for the best soul songs of 2014.
“The Only One” by Aloe Blacc
Aloe Blacc’s “The Only One” is a beautiful, heart-wrenching ballad that will stay with you long after the last note fades away. Blacc’s rich, soulful voice is perfectly suited for this emotional song, and the stirring lyrics will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost. The 2014 Soul Music Awards nominated “The Only One” for both Song of the Year and Best Male Vocal Performance, and it was named one of the best songs of the year by both Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.
“Hey Laura” by Gregory Porter
“Hey Laura” is a soulful ballad written and performed by Gregory Porter. The track was released in 2014 on his album Liquid Spirit.
The song is a love letter to Laura, and Porter’s smooth vocals are paired with a simple piano melody to create a heartwarming and romantic track. “Hey Laura” is one of 2014’s best soul songs, and it’s sure to stand the test of time.
“Nakamarra” by Hiatus Kaiyote
“Nakamarra” is a song by Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote. It was released on their debut album Tawk Tomahawk in 2012. The song features lead singer Nai Palm’s ethereal vocals over a minimalist production consisting of a simple piano melody, drums, and bass. The lyrics are African-inspired and deal with themes of love and unity. “Nakamarra” was nominated for Best soul/R&B performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2014 was an excellent year for soul music. There were a variety of artists who released great albums and singles that showcased the genre’s range and power. We can only hope that 2015 will be just as good, if not better.
