The Best of Soul Music from the 1970s

The best of soul music from the 1970s. These are the tracks that define the genre and continue to influence soul music today.

Introduction

The 1970s were a golden age for soul music, with a multitude of iconic artists and groups emerging from the decade. hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin defined the sound of soul in the 1970s, while other artists like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder pushed the genre in new and exciting directions. The following list represents some of the best soul songs from the 1970s.

What is Soul Music?

Soul music is a genre that emerged in the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and sometimes jazz. Its roots can be traced to the musical traditions of slavery and emancipation.

The term “soul” has often been used to describe African-American popular music as a whole, but it is also used specifically to refer to a type of music that emerged in the 1970s. This type of soul music is characterized by its use of layering, recording techniques, and Afro-centric lyrics.

Some of the most popular soul artists from the 1970s include Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green. These artists helped to define the sound of soul music and bring it to a wider audience.

The Origins of Soul Music

The term “soul” has been associated with black American music since the early 1950s, when James Brown came up with the phrase “Soul Power” to describe his brand of funk-filled, gospel-infused R&B. In the late 1960s, soul music evolved into a more psychedelic sound, as artists such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder began experimenting with different production techniques and incorporating elements of pop, funk, and rock into their songs. By the early 1970s, soul music had become one of the most popular genres in the United States, with artists like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Curtis Mayfield topping the charts.

Despite its popularity, soul music was often dismissed by critics as being too commercial or formulaic. In recent years, however, there has been a renewed interest in the genre, as modern artists such as D’Angelo and Erykah Badu have cited soul music as a major influence on their work.

The 1970s Soul Music Scene

The 1970s was a hugely influential decade for soul music, with many different subgenres and styles emerging during the course of the decade. Funk and disco were two of the biggest new genres to come out of the 1970s, while other established soul styles such as Motown and Philly soul also continued to enjoy considerable popularity. Many of the biggest soul hits of the decade came from African American artists, but there were also a number of white soul singers who found success during the 1970s, including Roberta Flack, Dusty Springfield, and Rod Stewart. Here are 10 of the best soul songs from the 1970s.

The Best Soul Songs of the 1970s

The 1970s was a decade of great change in the world of soul music. The genre began to splinter into different subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style. But despite the fragmentation, there were still plenty of great soul songs to be found. Here are some of the best soul songs of the 1970s.

-“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
-“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
-“I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers
-“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
-“Lord, Help Me (To Hold Out)” by James Cleveland and theGMWA Mass Choir
-“Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” by B.T. Express

The Legacy of 1970s Soul Music

The 1970s was a decade of change for soul music. The smooth, polished sound of 1960s soul gave way to a rawer, more electric sound that was influenced by Funk and Disco. This new sound helped soul music stay relevant in the face of these newer genres, and many of the decade’s biggest hits still sound fresh today.

From Al Green toAretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder, the 1970s saw some of the genre’s greatest artists reach their creative peak. The best of 1970s soul music is characterized by its deep groove, its ability to make you move your feet, and its emotionally charged lyrics.

If you’re looking for a dose of nostalgia or want to discover some classic soul tracks for the first time, look no further than this list of the best soul songs from the 1970s.