Classic Soul Music Videos That Will Move You

Looking for some moving soul music videos? Check out our top picks that are sure to get you grooving. From classic hits to modern day bangers, we’ve got you covered.

Introduction

There’s something about soul music that just hits different. The way it can make you feel—the passion, the pain, the love, and the honesty in the lyrics. There’s nothing quite like it. And when it’s paired with a visual story, it has the power to move you like no other genre can.

Here are 10 classic soul music videos that are guaranteed to move you—whether it’s through the tears they make you shed or the joy they bring you.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” is a stone cold classic, and the video is just as moving as the song. The video tells the story of a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. He works hard, but his job is unfulfilling. He turns to drugs to escape his reality, but eventually realizes that they only make his situation worse. He decides to leave his old life behind and start fresh, but finds it difficult to let go of his past. In the end, he comes to terms with who he is and what he wants out of life. “Ain’t No Sunshine” is a powerful song about loss, growth, and acceptance. It’s a must-watch for any fan of classic soul music.

“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” is a song written by Berry Gordy, Hal Davis, Bob West, and Willie Hutch. The song was recorded by the Motown label in 1970 and released as the first single from the album Third Album. The Jackson 5’s version of “I’ll Be There” reached number-one on both the Cash Box chart and Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. The song became the fourth best-selling single of 1970 and has sold over six million copies worldwide.

The song is considered one of the greatest songs of all time by many music critics and historians. In 2002, “I’ll Be There” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004, it was ranked number twenty-eight on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2008, it was ranked number ninety on VH1’s list of The 100 Greatest Songs of R&B and Hip Hop.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Usher, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Luther Vandross.

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is an anthem of female empowerment, an ode to self-respect and a declaration of independence. The song was originally written and released by Otis Redding in 1965, but Aretha’s cover version helped to make it a feminist anthem. The music video for Aretha’s version of “Respect” was released in 1967 and features the Queen of Soul performing the song live. The video is interspersed with footage of women marching for equality and civil rights, making it an empowering and moving watch.

“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is a stone cold classic of early ’70s soul music, and the video is just as moving as the song. The footage is a mix of performance shots and home movies, all edited together to create a powerful visual effect. The result is a moving tribute to Gaye’s strength as an artist, and the power of his music to touch people’s hearts.

“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder

Superstition” is a classic soul music song by Stevie Wonder, released in 1972. The song was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been covered by many artists, but Wonder’s version is the most well-known. The song isrecognizable for its catchy hook and soulful vocals. “Superstition” is a timeless classic that will move any soul music fan.

“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 released “I Want You Back” in October of 1969, and it quickly became one of their most recognizable and well-loved hits. The song was written by Motown founder Berry Gordy, alongside The Corporation – a team of songwriters that included Freddie Perren and Deke Richards. “I Want You Back” was originally written for another Motown artist, but when The Jackson 5 auditioned for Gordy with a cover of the song, he knew they were the perfect candidates to record it.

The infectious energy of “I Want You Back” is due in part to the youthfulness of The Jackson 5 – at the time, the group was made up of five brothers who ranged in age from 11 to 17. Their enthusiasm is palpable in the video for the song, which features the brothers dancing and singing their hearts out in front of a live studio audience.

While The Jackson 5 were certainly talented dancers, they were also gifted musicians – something that is on full display in this classic soul music video. Michael Jackson’s vocals are Front and center throughout the song, but each member of the group contributes to the harmonies and provides their own instrumental solo. The result is a fun and soulful track that has stood the test of time and continues to move audiences today.

“Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay” by Otis Redding

This video is a soulful performance of one of the most well-known and beloved songs of all time. Otis Redding’s voice is full of emotion and his delivery is electrifying. The footage of him performing on the dock is also incredibly moving.

“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

Most people think of soul music as a product of the 1960s, but its origins can be traced back to the late 1950s with artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. Soul music is a genre that combines rhythm and blues, gospel, and sometimes jazz. It is characterized by emotional vocals, often with a passion and intensity that can be hard to resist.

There are many great soul songs out there, but one that always seems to move people is “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. The song was originally released in 1961, but it was re-released in 1986 after it was featured in the movie of the same name. The song is about staying strong in the face of adversity and being there for someone no matter what happens. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and the emotions are raw and real. If you’re looking for a soul song that will move you, “Stand By Me” is a great choice.

Conclusion

These are only a sampling of great soul music videos that are sure to move you. There are many, many more out there. What are some of your favorites?