The Best Soul Music of 1977
Contents
Check out our list of the best soul music of 1977. From Marvin Gaye to Al Green, these are the artists that defined the genre.
Introduction
In 1977, the world was introduced to a new form of soul music that would change the entire genre forever. This new style was a fusion of traditional soul music with elements of funk, disco, and rock. The result was a sound that was both familiar and completely new.
The best soul music of 1977 took this new sound and ran with it, creating records that are still some of the most influential and beloved soul records of all time. Here are 10 of the best soul albums from 1977:
Marvin Gaye – I Want You
Parliament – Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome
Donna Summer – I Remember Yesterday
Cheryl Lynn – Cheryl Lynn
The Jackson 5 – Destiny
The Isley Brothers – Go All the Way
Tavares – Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel
Heatwave – Too Hot to Handle
Commodores – Commodores
The Best Soul Music of 1977
1977 was a great year for soul music. It was the year that Marvin Gaye released his album, “Here, My Dear.” It was also the year that disco began to take over the airwaves. But, in the midst of all of this, there were still some great soul songs that were released. Here are some of the best.
Marvin Gaye – I Want You
Marvin Gaye’s I Want You is the epitome of late ‘70s soul. The sensual groove and Gaye’s silky vocals combine to create a hypnotic sound that is both erotic and spiritual. This is a album that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of its time, and it remains an essential part of any soul music collection.
Curtis Mayfield – Super Fly
Super Fly is a 1972 album by Curtis Mayfield, and the soundtrack for the film of the same name. The album was a reaction to the growing drug trade in inner-city Chicago. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200, becoming Mayfield’s most successful album and spawned three hit singles: “Freddie’s Dead”, “Super Fly”, and “Pusherman”.
Al Green – The Belle Album
Al Green’s tenth studio album, The Belle Album was released in 1977 on Hi Records. The album features the hit singles “Tired of Being Alone” and “Your Heart’s in Good Hands.” It peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #24 on the Billboard 200. Rolling Stone ranked it #49 on their list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1970s.
Aretha Franklin – Sparkle
Sparkle is the fifth and final studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin, Released on Atlantic Records in 1976. The album was produced by Curtis Mayfield and features Franklin’s interpretations of nine of his compositions. It peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and at number 72 on the Billboard 200, while the title track peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Barry White – Love Unlimited Orchestra – My Sweet Summer Suite
One of the most prolific soul acts of the ‘70s, Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra specialized in lengthy, orchestral arrangements of pop and R&B ballads. On their third album, My Sweet Summer Suite, they delivered one of their most memorable suites, a four-part tribute to the summertime that included the enduring hit “Love’s Theme.” The rest of the album is just as sweeping and romantic, with string-laden renditions of standards like “Misty” and “Summer Breeze” that are among the most beautifully orchestrated soul recordings of the decade.
Conclusion
There you have it, the best soul music of 1977. This was a great year for soul music with many artist putting out fantastic albums. There were also many great songs that were released as singles. It is hard to narrow it down to just ten, but these are the ten that stand out the most.
