The Best Soul Music of 1980
Contents
In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at the best soul music of 1980. This was a great year for soul music, with a lot of great artists putting out fantastic albums.
Introduction
A look at the best soul music of 1980, including hits by Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and more.
What is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre that emerged in the 1950s from African American culture. It combines elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues. Soul music became popular in the 1960s with artists like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and James Brown. In the 1970s, soul music continued to evolve with artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. The 1980s saw the rise of artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston.
The Best Soul Music of 1980
The year 1980 was a great year for soul music. Some of the best soul albums of all time were released in 1980. This was the year that Marvin Gaye released his masterpiece, “Can I Get a Witness?” Other great soul albums released in 1980 include “The Heat is On” by Glenn Frey, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC, and “Back in Black” by Phyllis Hyman.
Marvin Gaye – “Sexual Healing”
Marvin Gaye’s song “Sexual Healing” is often cited as one of the best soul songs of 1980. The sensual ballad finds Gaye at his most vulnerable, singing about the healing power of love and sex. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Lionel Richie – “Truly”
Lionel Richie’s “Truly” is one of the best soul songs of 1980. The song was written by Lionel Richie and produced by James Anthony Carmichael. It was released as a single from Richie’s self-titled debut album. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for six weeks. It also reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and remained there for four weeks. “Truly” won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Diana Ross – “Upside Down”
Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” is one of the best soul songs of 1980. The song was released as the lead single from her album diana, and it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The song was written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, and it features a simple, yet catchy, bassline that propels the song forward. The lyrics are about the joys and struggles of love, and Ross’ vocal performance is both emotionally powerful and technically superb.
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
There is no doubt that Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” is one of the defining soul tracks of the 1980s. The song, which appeared on Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller, was a massive hit, topping the charts in several countries and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. “Billie Jean” is a classic example of Jackson’s unique blend of soul, pop, and disco, and its iconic bassline has been sampled and covered countless times.
Whitney Houston – “Saving All My Love For You”
Whitney Houston released her self-titled debut album in 1985, but its first single, “Saving All My Love For You,” was released in 1980. The song was originally written for Diana Ross, but Houston’s version became a smash hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song helped to launch Houston’s career and establish her as a rising star in the soul music world.
Conclusion
There are many great soul songs from 1980, but these are our picks for the best of the best. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
– R&B Hitmakers, “Ain’t Nobody”
– debit, “Super Freak”
– The Jackson 5, “Can You Feel It”
– Marvin Gaye, “Sexual Healing”
– Luther Vandross, “Never Too Much”
– Diana Ross, “Upside Down”
– Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”
– Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”
