2015’s Best Soul Music
Looking for the best soul music of 2015? Look no further than our list of the year’s top tracks! From classic R&B to modern soul, these songs will get you moving.
Best Overall Albums
We’re starting the list with an album that is sure to make you feel all the feels, ‘Lemonade’ by Beyonce. This album was released in the middle of Beyonce’s Formation World Tour, and features an all-star lineup including Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Jack White. This was an instant classic, and is a perfect album to listen to when you’re in your feelings.
D’Angelo and the Vanguard, Black Messiah
D’Angelo’s return with Black Messiah was one of the most highly-anticipated album releases of 2014, and it did not disappoint. The album is a masterpiece of modern soul music, and features some of the best production, songwriting, and musicianship of D’Angelo’s career. It’s an essential addition to any soul music fan’s collection.
Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly
To Pimp a Butterfly is the third studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album was recorded in studios throughout the United States and features an outstanding cast of musicians, including George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, Snoop Dogg, Ronald Isley, Dr. Dre and Flying Lotus.
To Pimp a Butterfly debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and received universal acclaim from critics, who praised its broad scope and sonic ambition. The album won five Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance (“Alright”), Best Rap Song (“All Day”), Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“These Walls”) and Best Music Video (“Bad Blood”).
Bilal, In Another Life
Bilal’s In Another Life is one of the best albums of 2015. It’s a mix of soul, R&B, and hip-hop, with Bilal’s amazing voice at the forefront. The production is top-notch, and the lyrics are honest and heartfelt. This is an album that you’ll want to listen to over and over again.
Best New Artists
It’s been an amazing year for soul music. We’ve seen a resurgence of classic sounds and the emergence of new artists who are carrying the torch for the genre. Here are our picks for the best new soul artists of 2015.
Leon Bridges, Coming Home
From his smooth, silky sound to his vintage style, there’s no denying that Leon Bridges has taken the music world by storm. The soul singer/songwriter released his debut album Coming Home in 2015 to critical acclaim, and it’s easy to see why.
Bridges’ music is a throwback to the golden era of soul, with its clear influence from the likes of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. His voice is warm and inviting, and his lyrics are full of heart and emotion. Coming Home is an ode to Bridges’ hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, and it’s clear that he has a deep love for the city and its people.
If you’re looking for some great soul music to add to your collection, Leon Bridges is definitely an artist you should check out.
Kamasi Washington, The Epic
“The Epic” is Kamasi Washington’s debut studio album, released on May 5, 2015 on the Brainfeeder label. The triple album is a 172-minute-long jazz opus that has garnered significant critical acclaim. Washington recorded the album with his band The Next Step, which includes bassist Miles Mosley, keyboardist Brandon Coleman, drummer Tony Austin, percussionist James McBride, and tenor saxophonists Ronald Bruner Jr. and Terrace Martin.
Hiatus Kaiyote, Choose Your Weapon
This neo-soul group from Australia has been winning over fans with their unique sound and forward-thinking approach to music. Their album “Choose Your Weapon” has been praised by critics and fans alike, and it’s easy to see why. With elements of R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, Hiatus Kaiyote have created a sound that is both fresh and familiar. If you’re looking for something different in your soul music, Hiatus Kaiyote is definitely worth checking out.
Best Songs
The best soul music of 2015 carries on the rich tradition of the genre, with artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Maxwell carrying the torch. This year’s best soul songs are a mix of both new and old, with a few classics thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re looking for something to dance to or something to melancholy to, there’s a soul song for you on this list.
“Really Love”, D’Angelo and the Vanguard
“Really Love” is a song by American singer D’Angelo, released on December 15, 2014 as the lead single from his third studio album Black Messiah. The song was written by D’Angelo, Kendra Foster, Mark Anthony Rogers, Pino Palladino and Zachary Wisdom, and produced by D’angelo. “Really Love” peaked at number 58 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song starts with a slow groove and then builds to a more up-tempo soul sound. The lyrics are about being in love and feeling grateful for finding that special someone.
This song was nominated for Best R&B Song at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
“How Much a Dollar Cost”, Kendrick Lamar
This song is from Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly. It features a story about a chance encounter with a beggar, told from the perspective of the beggar himself. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and was nominated for Best Rap Song.
“The Waters”, Hiatus Kaiyote
Nai Palm’s lilting, ethereal voice is the first thing you hear on Hiatus Kaiyote’s “The Waters”, and it’s immediately clear that this song is something special. The track is built on a foundation of gorgeous, jazzy chords and laid-back percussion, and Nai Palm’s vocal performance is stunning throughout. The result is a warm, soulful track that feels like summer in audio form.
Best Remixes/Covers
It’s been an amazing year for soul music. We’ve seen the return of some greats, as well as the emergence of some new talents. With so much great music out there, it’s hard to pick just a few favorites. But, we’ve managed to do it. Here are our picks for the best soul music of 2015.
“Cranes in the Sky”, Solange (Kaytranada Remix)
This was the year of Solange. Following the release of her groundbreaking A Seat at the Table, everyone wanted a piece of her–even Canadian producer Kaytranada, who turned in this stellar remix of “Cranes in the Sky.” It’s impossible to overstate how good this remix is–a perfect blend of Solange’s ethereal vocals and Kaytranada’s wonky, Compton-inspired beat.
“No Flex Zone”, Rae Sremmurd (Nick Catchdubs Jersey Club Remix)
If there’s one thing the Internet is good for, it’s finding new ways to enjoy your favorite songs. When we stumbled on Nick Catchdubs’ Jersey Club remix of Rae Sremmurd’s “No Flex Zone”, we couldn’t help but share it with the world.
This remix takes the infectious hook of the original and gives it a fresh, Jersey Club twist that is sure to get your feet moving. The best part is that you can listen to it for free on Soundcloud. So what are you waiting for? Turn up the volume and enjoy!
“Classic Man”, Jidenna (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Jidenna’s “Classic Man” is a opulent and richly produced hip-hop track built around a 1977 Funkadelic sample, with the chorus anchored by Kendrick Lamar’s nimble guest verse. As Jidenna told Rolling Stone, the song is “an ode to the dandies of the world – the Niggy Tardusts, the fancy boys, Panamaus and all of us Zoot Suit Rioters.” It’s also an ingenious update on P-Funk’s timeless sound, resulting in one of the year’s most effortlessly cool anthems.
