The Best Soul Music Albums of All Time
Contents
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the best soul music albums of all time. This is a list of albums that any soul music fan must have in their collection.
Introduction
In a genre known for its emotion and power, these are the albums that have moved us the most.
It’s hard to quantify soul music. Unlike other genres, there is no one sound that typifies the style. It’s a genre that has been defined by its feeling more than anything else. As singer Don Covay put it, “It’s music that comes from the black experience in America. It’s music that is finding itself now.”
From Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding to Al Green, the best soul albums come from some of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time. They are albums that make us feel something, whether it’s dancefloor joy or heart-wrenching pain. They are records that have inspired and continue to inspire generation after generation.
These are the best soul albums of all time.
The Best Soul Music Albums of All Time
There are a lot of great soul music albums out there and it can be hard to narrow it down to just a few. However, these are some of the best soul music albums of all time. They are all timeless classics that will stand the test of time.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
What’s Going On is the eleventh studio album by American soul singer Marvin Gaye, released on May 21, 1971, on the Motown-subsidiary label Tamla. Recording sessions for the album took place in 1970 and 1971 at Hitsville U.S.A., Golden World andUnited Sound Studios in Detroit, and at The Sound Factoryin West Hollywood, California. Serving as Gaye’s first album with producer/songwriter Leon Ware, What’s Going On was layered with social and environmental themes inspired by both the death of Gaye’s close friend Tammi Terrell and growing awareness of ecological catastrophes such as the Santa Barbara oil spill.
The record was also notable for its MLSP sound, which led many commentators to categorize What’s Going On as funk rock or psychedelic soul. Containing messages of drug addiction, poverty, and unity against racism, its title track—written by brothers Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Al Cleveland—eventually became a hit single in several countries despite initially being banned from airplay by many radio stations due to its controversial subject matter. Following an insistent demand for a single release by Motown president Berry Gordy Jr., “What’s Going On” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1971—Gaye’s only solo chart-topping single in the United States—while becoming a success on black radio formats. An accompanying album of the same name followed shortly thereafter to critical acclaim; it topped several album charts worldwide while being ranked as one of the greatest albums of all time by various publications.
Al Green – I’m Still in Love with You
Released in 1972, Al Green’s I’m Still in Love with You is often cited as one of the best soul albums of all time. The record features some of Green’s most popular songs, including the title track, “Love and Happiness,” and “Let’s Stay Together.” I’m Still in Love with You helped to cement Green’s place as one of the most popular soul singers of the 1970s, and its influence can still be heard in contemporary soul music.
Otis Redding – Otis Blue
Redding’s third studio album, and arguably his best, was recorded in just two days in December 1965. The album features some of his most memorable songs, including the hits “Respect”, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, “Change Gonna Come”, and “Shake”. Although he would live for less than two years after its release, Otis Blue cemented Redding’s place as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
Sam Cooke – Live at the Harlem Square Club
This is one of the most famous live albums of all time, and it’s easy to see why. Sam Cooke was in his absolute prime when he recorded this set in front of an ecstatic crowd at the Harlem Square Club in Miami on January 12, 1963. His performance is nothing short of stunning, and the album features some of his biggest hits, including “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Bring It On Home to Me.” This is soul music at its finest.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Recorded in just six days, this album made Aretha a superstar and announced the arrival of the “Queen of Soul.” The record includes some of her most iconic songs, including “Respect” and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best soul music albums of all time. This genre has produced some truly classic records that have stood the test of time. If you’re a fan of soul music, make sure to check out some of these classic albums.
