Pop Soul Music from the 80s

Looking for something to get you through your workout? Or maybe you need a little pick-me-up during your work day? Whatever the case may be, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 pop soul tracks from the 80s.

Introduction

Pop soul music is a type of music that emerged in the late 1970s and reached the height of its popularity in the 1980s. It combines elements of pop music and soul music, two genres that were very popular at the time. Pop soul artists such as Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross became some of the biggest names in music during this decade.

The popularity of pop soul music declined in the 1990s, but many of these artists continued to enjoy success throughout their careers. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in pop soul music, with several modern artists incorporating elements of the genre into their own sound.

The Birth of Pop Soul

In the late 1970s, a new hybrid music genre emerged that combined the best of both pop and soul. This new genre, which came to be known as “pop soul,” became extremely popular in the 1980s. The birth of pop soul can be traced back to two important events: the rise of disco and the launch of MTV.

Motown

The 80s were a time of great change in music, with the rise of pop soul. Motown was one of the biggest contributors to this new genre of music. Motown was a record label that was founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit, Michigan. The label’s name was a combination of “motor” and “town”, referencing the city’s auto industry. The label became famous for its string of hits by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. Motown was also known for its tight family-like atmosphere, with Gordy himself serving as a father figure to many of the label’s artists. In 1988, Gordy sold Motown to MCA/Universal for $61 million. This marked the end of an era for the legendary record label.

Philadelphia Soul

Philadelphia soul, sometimes called Philly soul, the Philadelphia sound, or Gamble and Huff sound, is a genre of popular music that originated in Philadelphia in the late 1960s. It was developed by record producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and recorded at Sigma Sound Studios.

The distinctive sound of Philadelphia soul came from the interaction of various musical elements: a rhythm section featuring a tightly arranged electric bass guitar, drums, and keyboards played by accomplished studio musicians; soaringStrings-laden arrangements; and soulful vocals. The genre peaked in popularity in the mid-1970s with artists such as Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, The Stylistics, McFadden & Whitehead, Billy Paul, Archie Bell & The Drells, and The Spinners.

The music was characterized by its sophisticated production values, elaborate arrangements, and smooth but soulful vocals. It was also often ambitious in its conception and try to address social issues through its lyrics. Record labels such as Philadelphia International Records (PIR) helped to popularize the genre with a string of hit records by artists such as Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (“If You Don’t Know Me by Now”), The O’Jays (“Love Train”), Teddy Pendergrass (“Love T.K.O.”), Billy Paul (“Me and Mrs. Jones”), MFSB (“TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)”),and Patti LaBelle (“Lady Marmalade”).

In the early 21st century, some Philly soul artists such as Najee and Will Downing have continued to record and tour successfully.

The Golden Age of Pop Soul

The 80s was a golden age for pop soul music. It was a time when the genre was just starting to find its footing, and artists were experimenting with different sounds and styles. This experimentation led to some of the most iconic and timeless songs in the genre. From Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston, the 80s pop soul scene was truly something special.

The Sound of Philadelphia

Philadelphia International Records was an American record label founded in 1971 by the musical duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. It was known for its strong disco and soul music hits, and for serving as the launching pad for the career of singer-songwriter and producer Gamble, who wrote or co-wrote most of the label’s material. The label is also instrumental in creating what is commonly known as the “Philly sound.”

The sound of Philadelphia soul is often characterized by a rich, layered production sound, with emphasis on strings and horns, as well as a strong R&B backbeat. The genre was particularly popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s.adelphia soul is a subgenre of soul music that originated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It reached its height of popularity in the mid-1970s with artists such as The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, MFSB featuring The Three Degrees, and Dee Dee Sharp-Gamble.

The Sound of Motown

The sound of Motown in the 1980s was a distinctly American take on soul music that blended R&B, pop, and sometimes even disco to create some of the most memorable hits of the decade. The Golden Age of Pop Soul features some of Motown’s brightest stars, including Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. These artists defined the sound of Motown in the 80s and continue to influence soul music today.

The Legacy of Pop Soul

When you think of the 80s, what kind of music comes to mind? If you’re thinking of pop soul, then you’re on the right track. Pop soul was a genre of music that was popular in the 80s and is still beloved by many today. The reason for its popularity is its ability to appeal to a wide range of people. It’s a genre that has something for everyone.

The Sound of Today

The sound of today’s pop soul music originated in the 1980s with artists like Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross. The influence of these artists can still be heard in the music of today’s top artists, such as Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Justin Timberlake.

Pop soul is a genre that combines elements of both pop music and R&B. The result is a sound that is both catchy and soulful. Pop soul began to develop in the late 1970s and 1980s as a result of the popularity of disco music. Artists like Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye began to experiment with incorporating elements of disco into their R&B sound. The result was a new genre of music that was both danceable and soulful.

The popularity of pop soul continued into the 1990s and 2000s with the rise of artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and TLC. These artists took the pop soul sound to new heights with their powerful vocal performances and catchy melodies. Today, the legacy of pop soul can still be heard in the music of today’s top artists. Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna are all popular musicians who have been influenced by pop soul.