The Best Soul Music of the ’90s

Looking for the best soul music of the ’90s? Look no further than our ultimate list of the top 25 tracks. From classics by Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston to lesser-known gems, these are the songs that defined the decade.

Introduction

The ’90s were a great decade for soul music, with a wide variety of artists releasing hits throughout the decade. From R&B to neo-soul to quiet storm, there was something for everyone’s taste in soul music during the ’90s. Here are some of the best soul songs of the ’90s.

Best Soul Albums of the ’90s

The ’90s was a decade that saw the birth and rise of many great soul artists. From the likes of Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige to D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, the ’90s was a truly special time for soul music. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best soul albums of the ’90s.

What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (1971)

Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece, What’s Going On, is not only the best soul album of the ’90s, it’s one of the best albums ever made, period. A deeply personal and political statement, Gaye’s opus is achingly beautiful, yet brimming with rage and frustration. It’s a complex work that feels both timeless and specific to its place and time. And it has only grown in stature in the nearly 50 years since its release.

A Love Supreme – John Coltrane (1964)

A Love Supreme is the fourth studio album by American jazz saxophonist and bandleader John Coltrane. It was released by Impulse! Records in January 1965, and was one of Coltrane’s most popular albums among critics and fans.

The album is a cornerstone of late-1960s jazz, helping to pioneer the style known as free jazz. It is also considered a spiritual album, with critics citing Coltrane’s religious beliefs as a primary influence on the record.

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You – Aretha Franklin (1967)

Aretha’s debut album for Atlantic Records was also her breakthrough, going to number one on the R&B charts and spawning the anthemic title track, which would become one of her signature songs. It helped establish her as not only the reigning queen of soul but also as a force to be reckoned with in popular music.

Tapestry – Carole King (1971)

Carole King’s Tapestry is one of the most beloved, bestselling albums of all time. It spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, won four Grammy Awards and is certified diamond by the RIAA for selling more than 10 million copies.

Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder (1976)

Songs in the Key of Life is the eighteenth studio album by American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Wonder. It was released on September 28, 1976 by Motown Records. The double album serves as the follow-up to Wonder’s chart-topping album Innervisions (1973).

Songs in the Key of Life reached number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, selling over three million copies in the United States. The album was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 19th Grammy Awards in 1977. In 2003, it was ranked number 57 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Best Soul Songs of the ’90s

The ’90s was a great decade for soul music. There were so many soulful tracks that were released during this time. This list will showcase some of the best soul songs of the ’90s. These tracks are sure to get you grooving and reminiscing about the good old days.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers (1971)

Released in 1971, “Ain’t No Sunshine” was Bill Withers’ first big hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became especially popular in the soul/R&B world, where it topped the charts for seven weeks. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Michael Jackson, who recorded aversion that reached #26 on the Hot 100 in 1972.

“I’ll Be There” – The Jackson 5 (1970)

The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” is one of the best soul songs of the ’90s decade. Written by Motown songwriters Berry Gordy, Ronald White, and Bob West, the song was originally released as a single in 1970. The track was included on the group’s third studio album, Third Album (1970), and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1970. “I’ll Be There” features lead vocals from Michael Jackson and became one of the signature hits of his career.

“Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)

Aretha Franklin’s recording of Otis Redding’s “Respect” became one of the most iconic soul songs of the 1960s, and indeed one of the most iconic songs period. It was a huge hit upon its release, peaking at #1 on both the pop and R&B charts, and helping to establish Franklin as one of the preeminent soul vocalists of her generation. “Respect” would go on to become an anthem for the civil rights and women’s rights movements, and its sister song “Ain’t No Way” would become a staple of 1970s soul radio.

“Stand by Me” – Ben E. King (1961)

Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” was released in 1961, but its simple message of friendship and love struck a chord with listeners of all ages and made it a classic. The song was written by King and co-writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who also wrote Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” “Stand by Me” entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 1961, peaking at #4 in October. The song remained on the chart for 12 weeks and was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1962. In 1986, the film of the same name was released, starring River Phoenix and Corey Feldman, which helped to boost sales of the song. “Stand by Me” has been covered by many artists over the years, including John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Shawn Mendes.

“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers (1972)

This song was released as a single in 1972 and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Withers’ version remains the most popular. “Lean on Me” is a classic soul song that embodies the genre’s spirit of community and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best soul music of the ’90s was a time when the genre was thriving and evolving. Artists were experiment with new sounds and styles, and the result was some of the most iconic and influential music of the decade. From classic R&B to neo-soul and beyond, the ’90s was a special time for soul music.