The Top Soul Music Artists of 2015

It’s been a great year for soul music, with a number of standout albums and artists. Here are our picks for the top soul music artists of 2015.

Adele

Adele continues to dominate the airwaves with her heart-wrenching voice and lyrics that everyone can identify with. Her album “25” has been breaking records left and right, and she shows no signs of slowing down. With memorable hits like “Hello” and “When We Were Young,” Adele is sure to keep soul music alive for years to come.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Her debut album, Frank (2003), was a critical success in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her follow-up album, Back to Black (2006), led to five Grammy Awards, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night. Winehouse died of accidental alcohol poisoning at age 27.

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, disc jockey, and actress. Born in Dallas, Texas, Badu began her career in the 1990s as a part of the soulquarians. Her first album, Baduizm, was released on February 11, 1997. It spawned three number-one singles on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: “On & On”, “Other Side of the Game”, and “Apple Tree”. Erykah Badu has been credited as one of the most influential artists of her generation.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is a legendary figure in the world of soul music. She first came to prominence as a member of the hip hop group The Fugees, before embarking on a hugely successful solo career. Her debut album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, won five Grammy Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest soul albums ever made. Hill remains an active and hugely popular live performer, and her recent concerts have been warmly received by fans and critics alike.

D’Angelo

D’Angelo, real name Michael Eugene Archer, is an American singer, songwriter,multi-instrumentalist and record producer who rose to fame in the mid 1990s. After the success of his debut album, Brown Sugar (1995), he went on to release two more critically acclaimed albums, Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014). D’Angelo is credited as one of the main pioneers of the neo soul movement.

Maxwell

Maxwell is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. His music is often described as neo soul or quiet storm. He released his debut album, Urban Hang Suite, in 1996 to critical acclaim. The album went on to earn double-platinum certification from the RIAA. Maxwell’s second album, Embrya, was released in 1998 and reached platinum status. In 2001, he released his third album, Now, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to earn double-platinum certification.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a 15-time Grammy winner whose voice and piano skills have helped her sell more than 65 million albums. The New York native’s R&B and soul sound is often compared to that of Lauryn Hill and Gladys Knight, two other ladies who know how to belt out a tune.

India.Arie

India.Arie is a highly celebrated soul music artist who has been making waves in the music industry since the early 2000s. India.Arie first rose to prominence with her debut album, Acoustic Soul, which was released in 2001. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning India.Arie a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. India.Arie has since released four more studio albums, all of which have been met with critical acclaim. In addition to her musical success, India.Arie is also an accomplished songwriter and actress, having appeared in several films and television shows over the years. India.Arie is widely considered to be one of the top soul music artists of our time, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Jill Scott

As one of the most popular soul music artists of 2015, Jill Scott is known for her blend of R&B, Neo-soul, and hip hop. She first rose to prominence with her 2000 debut album Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, which received critical acclaim. She has since released 4 more studio albums and has appeared on numerous television shows and films. In 2015, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her album Woman.

John Legend

John Legend is a Grammy award winning R&B artist who has gained mainstream success not only with his music, but also through his activism. He has been involved in various social justice initiatives, including working to end mass incarceration and expand voting rights. As an artist, Legend has released five studio albums, all of which have been met with critical acclaim. His most recent album, Darkness and Light, was released in 2016 and features the hit single “Love Me Now”.