The Best Soul Music Albums of All Time
Contents
Discover the best soul music albums of all time, according to critics and listeners. From Marvin Gaye to Aretha Franklin, these are the essential soul records.
Introduction
In a genre known for its emotional intensity and power, soul music stands out as one of the most influential and important genres of all time. From the early sounds of Motown to the contemporary R&B style, soul music has pushed the boundaries of popular music and captured the hearts of listeners around the world.
To compile our list of the best soul albums of all time, we took into account both commercial and critical success, as well as influence on subsequent artists. This list includes some of the greatest soul albums ever made, from classic records by Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye to more modern releases by D’Angelo and Erykah Badu. So pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage, put on your comfiest shoes, and get ready to dance the night away with our list of the best soul albums of all time.
What is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre that combines rhythm and blues, gospel, and pop music. It originated in the late 1950s and early 1960s with artists such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. Soul music became popular in the 1970s with artists such as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross.
The Best Soul Music Albums of All Time
When it comes to soul music, there are a lot of great albums that have been released over the years. In this list, we will be taking a look at the best soul music albums of all time. This list will include albums from a variety of different artists.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece is not only the greatest soul album of all time, but one of the greatest albums period. The significance of What’s Going On can’t be understated—it’s a record that has aged incredibly well, and its influence is still being felt today.
On What’s Going On, Gaye took his rightful place as one of the most important and visionary artists of his generation, creating an instant classic that would come to define not only the sound of soul music, but also an entire generation.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin’s debut album for Atlantic Records was nothing less than a stunning announcement of a major new talent. It remains one of the most electrifying debuts in the history of rock & roll, an immensely influential album that sparked an entire musical revolution. This was the sound of the South, as firmly entrenched in gospel as it was in blues and R&B, exploding out of the radio speakers, giving voice to a people who had been denied it for far too long. It changed everything, and made Aretha Franklin the undisputed Queen of Soul.
Otis Redding – Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Otis Redding, released on September 15, 1965. The album featured Redding’s interpretations of contemporary soul and pop songs. It includes his hit singles “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, “Respect”, and “Shake”.
According to music critic Robert Christgau, the album “may be the greatest record ever made”, while Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 131 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
Al Green – Al Green Is Love
Al Green is one of the most important and influential soul artists of all time. He had a string of hits in the 1970s including “Let’s Stay Together” and “I’m Still In Love With You”. His voice is unique and his ability to convey emotion is unmatched. This album, released in 1975, is one of his best. It features the hits “Love and Happiness” and “ full of fire”.
Sam Cooke – Night Beat
Recorded in just five days in February 1963, Night Beat is a gutsy, nocturnal album that finds Sam Cooke at the top of his game, tackling a series of mostly obscure R&B and pop songs with his usual impeccable style and grace. The results are among the most intimate and self-assured of Cooke’s career, with the singer’s warm, supple voice sounding even better than usual against the spartan backing of Don Costa’s small combo. The material is strong throughout, but particular highlights include takes on Otis Redding’s “Shout Bamalam,” the traditional gospel favorite “Nearer to Thee,” and Cooke’s own masterful “Lost and Lookin.’”
Conclusion
Although there are a ton of great soul music albums, these ten are, in our opinion, the best of the best. From Marvin Gaye to Otis Redding to James Brown, these records define what soul music is all about. And they’re all absolutely essential listens.
