The Best Soul Music of 1965

1965 was a great year for soul music, with a number of classic tracks being released. Here are some of the best soul songs of 1965, perfect for getting your groove on.

Introduction

The best soul music of 1965 includes a wide range of styles that reflect the changing times. The early part of the year was dominated by the sounds of Tennessee Ernie Ford and Sam Cooke, while the latter half saw the rise of James Brown and Otis Redding. These artists and others helped to define a new era in soul music, one that would be defined by its energy and intensity.

What is Soul Music?

Most music can be classified into one of three categories: Pop, Rock, or Soul. Even within these broad genres, however, there are sub-types and sub-genres. For example, within the genre of pop music there are sub-types such as dance pop, teen pop, and bubble gum pop. Within the genre of rock music there are sub-types such as classic rock, hard rock, and metal. And within the broad genre of soul music there are also sub-types such as Motown soul, southern soul, and psychedelic soul.

The Best Soul Music of 1965

1965 was a great year for soul music. Many new artist emerged and created great music that is still relevant today. Some of the best soul music of 1965 come from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Wilson Pickett. All of these artists created timeless music that is still enjoyed by many people today.

James Brown – “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”

“Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” is a song written and recorded by James Brown. It was released as a single in August 1965, and reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording at the 8th Grammy Awards in 1966.

The song is credited with helping to create the musical style known as funk and sold over two million copies. It is ranked as the 63rd greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and is included in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Sam and Dave – “Hold On, I’m Comin'”

“Hold On, I’m Comin'” is a 1966 single by Sam and Dave, written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] It is one of the duo’s signature songs.

The song’s title was inspired by an incident that happened to Sam Moore when he was young. When he was about eight years old, Moore fell into a well and was unable to get out. His mother ran into the house to get a rope and Moore’s father told her to “hold on, I’m comin'”.

Otis Redding – “I Can’t Turn You Loose”

Otis Redding’s “I Can’t Turn You Loose” is a classic example of the best soul music of 1965. The song features a catchyhook and a driving beat that are perfect for dancing. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the overall tone of the song is optimistic and uplifting. This is a song that will definitely get your feet moving and your hips shaking.

The Temptations – “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”

“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” is a 1966 hit single recorded by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. Written and produced by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland, Jr., the song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was a number-one hit on the Cash Box R&B chart. In 2004, it was ranked number 245 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Marvin Gaye – “I’ll Be Doggone”

Marvin Gaye’s “I’ll Be Doggone” is one of the best soul songs of 1965. The song is about a man who is leaving his woman and it features a catchy, soulful groove that is impossible to resist. Gaye’s vocals are stunning, and the song features some great backing vocals from the likes of Tammi Terrell and Martha Reeves. “I’ll Be Doggone” is a perfect example of why Marvin Gaye was one of the greatest soul singers of all time.

The Miracles – “Ooo Baby Baby”

The Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby” was a 1965 soul smash, reaching #16 on the pop charts and becoming one of the most memorable hits of the Motown era. The song was co-written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore, and it features one of Robinson’s most emotive vocal performances. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is head-over-heels in love with a woman who may or may not feel the same way about him. The intensity of Robinson’s delivery conveys both the ecstasy and the pain of unrequited love, making “Ooo Baby Baby” a timeless soul classic.

The Supremes – “Stop! In the Name of Love”

“Stop! In the Name of Love” is a song recorded by The Supremes for their 1965 studio album More Hits by The Supremes. Released as a single on February 8, 1965, the song peaked at number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Vocal Group. The song is considered one of The Supremes’ signature songs and was ranked number 388 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

In 2004, it finished at number fifteen on AFH TV’s 100 Greatest Songs of the 1960s. In 2008, it was ranked as the fifty-first greatest song of all time in Issue 4 of Total Guitar magazine. In 2010, Billboard ranked it as the seventy-sixth pop single of all time; also that year, they ranked it as the twenty-eighth biggest R&B hit from 1955 to 1995. Additionally, Rolling Stone placed it at number thirty-seven on their list of “The 100 Greatest Singles of All Time”.

The Four Tops – “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”

The Four Tops’ “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” was released in 1965 and immediately became a soul classic. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the group’s first and only number-one single on that chart. The single also peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.

Stevie Wonder – “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”

Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” is one of the best soul songs of 1965. Released in October of that year, the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Wonder’s first chart-topping single. The song is an uptempo, Motown-style soul track with a thumping bassline and horns. Wonder’s vocal performance is i:rresistible, and the lyrics are positive and uplifting. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but none have been able to capture its magic quite like Stevie Wonder.

The Isley Brothers – “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)”

The Isley Brothers’ “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)” was one of the best soul songs of 1965. The song peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. “This Old Heart of Mine” was also a top ten hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number nine on the UK Singles Chart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best soul music of 1965 was a rich and varied genre that encompassed a wide range of styles and influences. From the Motown sound of The Supremes to the more funky and psychedelic sounds of James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone, there was something for everyone in this incredible year for soul music. So get out there and start digging for some hidden gems from 1965!