The Best Soul Music of the 60s and 70s

Discover the best Soul music of the 60s and 70s. From Motown to Stax, these are the sounds that defined a generation.

Introduction

The best soul music of the 60s and 70s is a tough genre to pin down, because it cross-pollinated with so many other styles of music. You’ve got your Motown sound, your Philly sound, your Memphis sound, and more. But if there’s one thing that all great soul music has in common, it’s that it makes you feel alive.

In this guide, we’ll count down the 10 best soul albums of the 60s and 70s. These are the records that defined a generation and continue to stand the test of time. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sweat, because this is the good stuff.

What is soul music?

Most music experts would agree that soul music is a genre that emerged in the African American community in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is a combination of gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz. The first soul artists were often influenced by church music and used spiritual themes in their lyrics. However, as the genre developed, soul artists began to explore other topics, such as love, relationships, and social issues.

While some would argue that soul music peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, there are many contemporary artists who are keeping the genre alive. If you’re a fan of soul music, or if you’re simply looking to discover some new artists, check out our list of the best soul music of the 60s and 70s.

The best soul music of the 60s

The best soul music of the 60s was a time when the genre began to truly define itself. Artists like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin helped to create the sound of soul music and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most popular genres of music in the United States.

The 60s were also a time when soul music began to cross over into the mainstream. Hits like Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”, and Franklin’s “Respect” were not only huge hits on the radio but also became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.

The end of the decade saw the rise of Motown and its stable of artists like The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder who would dominate soul music in the 70s.

The best soul music of the 70s

The best soul music of the 70s was a decade of great music. The genre reached its commercial and artistic peak with the release of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album in 1971. Other great artists of the decade include Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Isaac Hayes, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations.

Conclusion

To conclude, the best soul music of the 60s and 70s was a combination of many different styles and influences. Funk, gospel, Motown, and more all played a part in creating the unforgettable sounds of this era. Artists like James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder helped to define what soul music was, and their legacy continues to inspire musicians today. If you’re a fan of soul music, be sure to check out the greats of this era – you won’t be disappointed.