Best Modern Soul Music to Listen to Right Now

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Looking for the best modern soul music to listen to right now? Look no further! Our experts have compiled a list of the top soul tracks of the moment, so you can stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest hits.

Al Green- “Love and Happiness”

Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” is the perfect example of modern soul music. The song features a classic soul sound, with Green’s smooth vocals and a catchy hook. However, the song also has a modern edge, with a contemporary production style that gives it a fresh sound. This combination makes “Love and Happiness” one of the best modern soul songs to listen to right now.

Aretha Franklin- “Rock Steady”

If you want to get down to some good old rock and roll, then look no further than the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. “Rock Steady” is acertified bop that will have you out of your seat and dancing in no time. With its catchy horns and groove-laden bassline, this song is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Marvin Gaye- “Got to Give It Up”

There are few singers as smooth and soulful as Marvin Gaye, and “Got to Give It Up” is one of his most iconic tracks. The song perfectly captures the feeling of wanting to let go and have a good time, making it the perfect choice for a night out or a party.

Stevie Wonder- “Superstition”

Released in 1972, “Superstition” is a classic soul song written and performed by Stevie Wonder. The song’s catchy bass line and memorable lyrics helped make it one of Wonder’s most popular and enduring songs. “Superstition” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Wonder’s original version remains the definitive version of the song.

The Temptations- “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”

As the socially conscious title track from All Directions, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” finds the Temptations at their most anguished and defiant. Penned by Motown staff writers Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song is new territory for the group, a six-minute suite that wails away with an intensity that belies its smooth veneer. It’s one of the first real examples of psychedelic soul, a subgenre that would grow to encompass much of 1970s black music.

Otis Redding- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”

Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is one of the most emblematic soul songs of all time. A posthumous release, it topped the charts in 1968 and has been covered by everyone from Michael Bolton to Alvin and the Chipmunks. The definitive version, however, remains Redding’s own. His plaintive vocals perfectly capture the longing and nostalgia of the lyrics, making for a timeless track that still sounds fresh today.

Sam Cooke- “A Change Is Gonna Come”

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, released on December 22, 1964 by RCA Victor in the United States. The song was written in late 1963 and early 1964 by Cooke and recorded during several sessions in 1964 with producer Hugo Montenegro. The song is notable for its Civil Rights movement theme, inspired by personal events in Cooke’s life including seeing police brutality toward demonstrators during the Birmingham campaign. Cooke was moved to write “A Change Is Gonna Come” after several attempts to record protest songs earlier in his career were thwarted by his record company.

Ray Charles- “Georgia on My Mind”

Ray Charles is one of the most influential musicians of all time, and “Georgia on My Mind” is one of his most iconic songs. It was originally written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. Charles’ version is the most well-known, and it became his signature song. It has been hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time, and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1979.

Etta James- “At Last”

Etta James was a renowned American singer who was known for her powerful vocal abilities and her ability to sing a wide range of genres, including blues, R&B, soul, and rock and roll. “At Last” is one of her most famous songs, and it is a perfect example of her incredible vocal range and ability to convey emotion through her singing. The song is about finally finding love after a long search, and James’ voice conveys both the happiness and relief of finally finding it. If you’re looking for some modern soul music to listen to that will transport you back in time, then look no further than Etta James’ “At Last.”

James Brown- “I Got You (I Feel Good)”

James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)” is one of the most well-known and popular songs of all time, and for good reason. The track is an upbeat and soulful ode to feeling good, complete with Brown’s signature dance moves and vocal delivery. The song was originally released in 1965 and has since been covered by a number of artists, including Michael Jackson and Usher.

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