Best Soul Music of 2017
Contents
Check out our top picks for the best soul music of 2017. From classic soul to contemporary R&B, these are the tracks that kept us moving all year long.
Introduction
As the world continues to change, so does the music that we enjoy. While some genres remain popular for many years, others come and go within a few months. Soul music is one genre that has remained popular for decades, and 2017 was no exception. Here are some of the best soul songs of 2017.
Best Soul Albums of 2017
This year has been full of great music, and soul music is no exception. With a blend of classic and contemporary sounds, these albums are sure to get your groove on. Here are our picks for the best soul albums of 2017.
SZA, Ctrl
SZA’sCtrl is easily one of the best soul albums of 2017. The artist’s debut album is a masterclass in modern R&B, with each track offering something different while still staying true to the overall themes of heartbreak, relationships, and self-discovery.
From the smooth, sensual opener “Supermodel” to the biting honesty of “The Weekend”, SZA takes the listener on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that never once feels forced or contrived. In a year where so many R&B albums have felt like watered-down retreads of past hits,Ctrl feels like a breath of fresh air – an album that absolutely deserves to be considered one of the best soul albums of 2017.
Sampha, Process
Sampha’s Process is one of the year’s most soulful albums. The British singer, songwriter and producer draws from personal experience to explore themes of loss, love and hope. While the album is rooted in Sampha’s own story, it also speaks to a universal human experience. The result is an intimate and moving work that is both personal and universal.
Syd, Fin
The most commonly cited definition of soul music is that it is “…a kind of Black popular music which arose out of the nocturnal city streets of the United States in the late 1950s and achieved mainstream popularity in the 1960s” or that it is “…a style of African American popular music that originated in the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois in the late 1950s and rose to prominence in the 1960s with a distinct style of gospel-based vocal music and up-tempo rhythms.”
However, there is no one correct answer to this question. Soul music can be defined in many different ways, depending on who you ask.
One things for sure though – 2017 has seen some great soul albums released! Here are just a few of our favorites:
-Syd, Fin
-SZA, CTRL
-Moses Sumney, Aromanticism
-Khalid, American Teen
– Sampha, Process
Best Soul Songs of 2017
The best soul music of 2017 so far has been a mix of throwbacks and modern classics. From the return of veteran artists like Maxwell and Mary J. Blige to exciting new talent like SZA, these are the best soul songs of 2017.
“The Weekend”, SZA
SZA’s “The Weekend” is a sensual, sultry song about the complicated relationship between a mistress and her married partner. The production is minimal, letting SZA’s smoky voice take center stage. The result is a seductive, slow-burning R&B track that is both sensual and melancholy.
“Blood on the Tracks”, Sampha
Sampha’s debut album Process was one of the most anticipated releases of 2017, and it did not disappoint. The record is a gorgeous, intimate mediation on love, loss, and grief, anchored by Sampha’s soaring vocals and impeccable songwriting. “Blood on the Tracks” is one of the album’s standout tracks, a heart-wrenching ballad that will stay with you long after the final notes fade away.
“All Night Long”, Syd
The year 2017 has given us plenty of great soul songs, and Syd’s “All Night Long” is one of the best. The track, which appears on her debut album Fin, is a laid-back, jazzy ode to getting lost in the moment and letting the good times roll. With itsinfectious groove and sly lyrics, “All Night Long” is the perfect song to help you forget your troubles and dance the night away.
Conclusion
After much careful deliberation, we have come to our final decision regarding the best soul music of 2017. It was a tough year for music overall, but there were still some truly excellent soul tracks released. The song that takes the top spot on our list is “The Light” by Leon Bridges. This track is an absolute classic in the making, and its message of hope and positivity is one that we feel is needed more than ever in these dark and troubled times. Runners up for the best soul songs of 2017 include “Laugh and Move On” by Michael Kiwanuka, “Don’t Give Up” by Mavis Staples, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.
