Free Neo Soul Music Downloads – The Best of the Genre

Find and download the best neo soul tracks for free. Discover new artists and enjoy a variety of styles within the genre.

Introduction

Neo soul is a musical genre that emerged in the early 1990s. It is a blend of classic soul music and modern R&B. Neo soul artists are known for their ability to create a smooth, sophisticated sound that is rooted in the traditions of soul music but also includes elements of hip hop, jazz, and blues.

Some of the most popular neo soul artists include Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell. If you’re a fan of this genre and you’re looking for some new music to enjoy, you can find a great selection of free neo soul downloads right here on Freegal Music.

You can browse our collection of free neo soul downloads by artist or by album, or you can search for specific songs or albums that you’re interested in. We update our collection regularly, so be sure to check back often to see what’s new.

What is Neo Soul Music?

Neo soul music is a subgenre of contemporary R&B characterized by skeletal arrangements and a focus on candied melodies. It first came to prominence in the mid- to late 1990s with the release of D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar album. Free neo soul music downloads are widely available online, and the genre has produced some of the best R&B artists of the past few decades.

The Origins of Neo Soul Music

Neo soul music is a genre that blends classic soul and R&B sounds with modern production techniques and a dash of hip-hop flavor. The result is a style of urban music that is both fresh and timeless.

Neo soul first emerged in the early 1990s, when artists like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu began to experiment with new ways of creating soul music. These artists blended the classic sounds of soul with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and funk, creating a new sound that was both uniquely their own and deeply rooted in the history of African American music.

Since its inception, neo soul has continued to evolve and grow, encompassing a wide range of styles and influences. Today, neo soul is one of the most popular genres of urban music, with artists like Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, India Arie, and Jill Scott carrying the torch for this timeless sound.

The Characteristics of Neo Soul Music

Neo soul music is a genre that emerged in the early 1990s. It is a fusion of hip hop, R&B, and jazz, with elements of gospel and blues. The term was coined by music industry insider Kedar Massenburg, who has worked with artists such as Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Maxwell.

The music is characterized by its stripped-down sound, its focus on organic instruments, and its use of samples from classic soul records. The lyrics are often deeply personal and introspective, dealing with themes of love, relationships, and spirituality.

Neo soul artists have been some of the most successful R&B artists of the past two decades. Many of them have topped the charts and won Grammy Awards. Some of the most popular neo soul artists include Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, Alicia Keys, Usher, and John Legend.

The Best Neo Soul Music Artists

If you’re looking for some of the best neo soul music to download for free, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be featuring some of the best neo soul music artists that you can download music from right now. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu is one of the most influential Neo Soul music artists of our time. Her unique blend of R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz and Funk has inspired a generation of Neo Soul artists that have followed in her wake. Her debut album, Baduizm, is often cited as one of the best Neo Soul albums ever released, and her impact on the genre is undeniable. If you’re a fan of Neo Soul music, then Erykah Badu should definitely be on your radar.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is one of the most celebrated Neo Soul artists of all time. She first made waves as a member of the iconic Hip Hop group The Fugees, before releasing her solo debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, in 1998. The album was an instant classic, and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Since then, Lauryn Hill has released a handful of solo singles and live albums, but she has not released a new studio album since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Despite this, her impact on Neo Soul music is still hugely profound, and she is widely regarded as one of the best Neo Soul artists of all time.

D’Angelo

D’Angelo, full name Michael Eugene Archer, is an American R&B and neo soul singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is known for his production and songwriting abilities, as well as his live performances, which often incorporate elements of funk, rock, soul, Hip Hop and jazz. He has released three studio albums, all of which have achieved critical and commercial success. His most recent album, “Black Messiah”, was released in 2014 to widespread critical acclaim.

The Best Neo Soul Music Albums

Erykah Badu – Baduizm

Baduizm is the debut album by R&B and neo soul musician Erykah Badu, released on February 11, 1997. Upon its release, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 322,000 copies in its first week. It was certified triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album was recorded in just two weeks at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

The album’s success was partly due to the single “On & On”, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Other notable singles from the album include “Other Side of the Game” and “Apple Tree”.

Baduizm received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised Badu’s singing style and praised the album’s production. The album has been ranked on several publications’ lists of the greatest albums of all time, including being ranked at number 415 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Released in 1998, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the solo debut album from Lauryn Hill. The album is a mix of neo soul, R&B, and hip hop, with elements of reggae, gospel, and blues. Lyrically, the album focuses on themes of love, heartbreak, and family. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill received critical acclaim upon its release, and is often considered one of the best neo soul albums ever released. The album won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Album.

D’Angelo – Brown Sugar

D’Angelo’s debut album, Brown Sugar, was released in 1995 to critical and commercial acclaim. The album was a Neo Soul game-changer, helping to define the sound and style of the genre. D’Angelo’s subsequent albums, Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014), are both considered classics of the Neo Soul genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Neo Soul is a fantastic genre of music that is perfect for relaxing and enjoying yourself. There are many great artists within the genre who have created some truly incredible pieces of music. If you’re looking for some great Neo Soul music to download, then be sure to check out the links above. You won’t be disappointed!