The Best Soul Music of the 70s

The best soul music of the 70s was a golden era for the genre. Here are our picks of the top soul tracks from the decade.

Introduction

During the 1970s, soul music underwent a dramatic transformation, evolving from the erstwhile singles format into something far more ambitious and eclectic. Albums became increasingly common as artists such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Stevie Wonder began to explore new sonic territory, pushing the genre in directions that would have been unimaginable a decade earlier. The best soul music of the 1970s captured this period of profound change and upheaval, resulting in some of the most timeless and essential records in the genre’s history.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best soul albums of the 1970s, from classic records by Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin to lesser-known gems by artists like Ann Peebles and Terry Callier. We’ll also be examining the wider context of the decade in which these albums were made, exploring how social changes and technological innovations helped to shape soul music during one of its most fertile periods. So whether you’re a longtime fan of soul music or just getting started, this guide is sure to have something for you.

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. Soul music became popular among young people of all races in the US during the 1960s. Motown Records, founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy, was one of the most successful soul music labels of all time. Hits such as “My Girl” (The Temptations) and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell) defined the sound of soul music for a generation.

The Best Soul Music of the 70s

The 70s was a decade that saw the birth of soul music. Soul music is a genre that combines rhythm and blues, gospel, and pop music. It is known for its emotion-filled vocals, often performed by artists who are considered to be some of the best vocalists in the world.

The 70s was a decade that saw the birth of many great soul musicians. Some of these musicians include Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight. These artists created some of the most iconic soul songs of all time. Songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Respect”, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”, and “Midnight Train to Georgia” are just a few examples of the great soul music that came out of the 70s.

If you’re a fan of soul music, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best soul songs from the 70s.

The Evolution of Soul Music

In the late 60s and early 70s, soul music underwent a dramatic transformation. The classic sound of Motown began to change, as did the sound of Southern soul. At the same time, a new generation of soul singers was coming to prominence. These artists would go on to define the sound of 70s soul music.

The first wave of this new generation was led by Marvin Gaye. Gaye’s 1971 album What’s Going On is often credited as being the first true soul album. It is a highly political work, with songs that deal with themes of social justice and inequality. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it pushed soul music in a new direction.

Other artists who defined the sound of 70s soul include Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and Curtis Mayfield. Green’s 1972 album I’m Still in Love With You is considered one of the greatest soul albums ever made. Wonder’s 1974 album Fulfillingness’ First Finale is another masterpiece, and it won multiple Grammy Awards. Mayfield’s 1975 album There’s No Place Like America Today is a timeless work of socially conscious funk.

The 70s also saw the rise of disco. While disco was originally seen as a vulgar offshoot of soul music, it soon became its own distinct genre. The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Chic were all major figures in the disco scene. Disco would go on to dominate pop music in the late 70s and early 80s before falling out of favor in the decade that followed.

The Influence of Soul Music

In the 1970s, soul music continued to evolve, incorporating different genres and influences to create new sounds. The impact of soul music was felt not only in the United States, but around the world. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada produced their own soul artists that were influenced by American soul music.

One of the biggest changes in soul music in the 1970s was the incorporation of disco. Disco was a genre of dance music that was popular in nightclubs. It featured a heavy beat that people could dance to. Soul artists like Thelma Houston and Disco Florence Ballinger added disco elements to their music.

Soul music also began to incorporate more Funk elements in the 1970s. Funk is a genre of music that emphasized the groove or rhythm. It was created by African American musicians who were influenced by Jazz and Rhythm and Blues. George Clinton’s group Parliament-Funkadelic was one of the most popular funk bands of the 1970s. They blended Funk with other genres like Psychedelic Rock and Soul to create a unique sound.

The 70s was a decade of creative change for soul music. Artists took influence from other genres to create new sounds that would have a lasting impact on popular culture.