The Best Soul Music of 2012
It’s been an incredible year for soul music, with new artists and established acts alike delivering some truly amazing music. Here are our picks for the best soul albums of 2012.
Introduction
This past year has been an incredible one for soul music. Numerous artists have released CDs that are not only great soul music, but great music period. In no particular order, here are my picks for the best soul albums of 2012.
Best Soul Albums of 2012
The year 2012 was a great year for soul music. Many great albums were released this year, and it was hard to narrow it down to just a few. Here are some of the best soul albums of 2012.
Al Green- Lay It Down
Al Green’s “Lay It Down” is one of the best soul albums of 2012. The album features Green’s trademark falsetto and classic soul sound, as well as some great guest appearances from John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Anthony Hamilton.
Bobby Womack- The Bravest Man in the Universe
Released in June of 2012, The Bravest Man in the Universe was the first album in 18 years from R&B legend Bobby Womack. The album received critical acclaim, with many critics praising its mix of contemporary production with Womack’s classic soul sound. The Bravest Man in the Universe was also a commercial success, reaching the top 10 of the R&B/Soul Albums chart and earning Womack a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings- Give the People What They Want
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings are one of the hardest working bands in show business. They have toured relentlessly since their inception in 1996, and in that time have released seven studio albums, three live albums, and numerous singles and compilations. Their most recent album, Give the People What They Want, was released in January 2014 to critical acclaim. It debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it their highest charting album to date.
The album’s first single, “Retreat!”, was a call to arms for those who were struggling to make ends meet in the midst of an economic downturn. The song’s message was relevant then, and is even more relevant now. The Dap Kings have always been a band for the people, and Give the People What They Want is a perfect example of that.
If you’re looking for an album that will make you dance, make you cry, and make you think, then look no further than Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings – Give the People What They Want.
Best Soul Songs of 2012
It’s been a great year for soul music, and there have been a lot of great soul songs released in 2012. In this article, we’ll count down the ten best soul songs of the year.
Al Green- “Love and Happiness”
“Love and Happiness” is a song by American soul musician Al Green from his 1972 album I’m Still in Love with You. The song was written by Green and produced by Willie Mitchell. It was released as a single in September 1972, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Green’s sixth top ten hit on that chart. In October of the same year, it reached number two on the Hot Soul Singles chart, his fourth single to peak at that position. The song has been covered by many artists, including John Legend, Blackstreet, and Odd Harry.
Bobby Womack- “Please Forgive My Heart”
Release Date: March 6, 2012
One of the last living legends of soul music, Bobby Womack made his comeback in 2012 with the release of his first album in 18 years. The Best Of My Heart featured the singer’s trademark warm, raspy voice and was filled with classic soul ballads. “Please Forgive My Heart” was the album’s lead single and peaked at number 24 on the US R&B charts.
Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings- “Retreat!”
With a title like “Retreat!”, this song by Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings is sure to put a smile on your face and get your feet moving. Released in 2012, “Retreat!” is a great example of the classic soul sound that Jones and The Dap-Kings are known for. Featuring a catchy horn section and Jones’ powerful vocals, “Retreat!” is a perfect song to help you forget your troubles and just have a good time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best soul music of 2012 was a blend of classic and contemporary styles. While there were many great songs released this year, these are the ones that we think stood out the most. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
