The Best Soul Music of 2011

A look at the best soul music of 2011. From Aloe Blacc to Adele, these are the artists that kept us moving all year long.

Adele- “Rolling in the Deep”

There’s no doubt that Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” is one of the best soul songs of 2011. The haunting ballad has a driving beat that will keep you coming back for more. Adele’s voice is stunning and powerful, and she brings a freshness to the genre that is truly refreshing.

Aloe Blacc- “I Need a Dollar”

Aloe Blacc’s single “I Need a Dollar” was one of the most popular songs of 2011, and for good reason. The song has a catchy hook and a great message, and it was used in a number of popular television shows and movies. “I Need a Dollar” is the perfect example of soul music at its best, and it’s no surprise that it was one of the biggest hits of the year.

Amos Lee- “Windows Are Rolled Down”

“Windows Are Rolled Down” is the first single from American singer-songwriter Amos Lee’s fourth studio album Mission Bell. The song was released on June 21, 2011.

Cee Lo Green- “Bright Lights Bigger City”

Cee Lo Green’s “Bright Lights Bigger City” is a strutting, lively piece of retro-soul, complete with a horn section that would make Isaac Hayes proud. The track is taken from Green’s 2011 album, The Lady Killer, which is stuffed with similarly vital material. “Bright Lights Bigger City” is the perfect example of Green’s ability to evoke classic soul sounds without ever sounding like a nostalgia act.

Corinne Bailey Rae- “Is This Love”

Corinne Bailey Rae’s voice is like a lullaby, and “Is This Love” is the perfect example of her gentle, soulful style. The lyrics are simple and heartfelt, and the production is smooth and relaxed. It’s the perfect song for a summer day or a lazy afternoon.

Fitz and The Tantrums- “MoneyGrabber”

Fitz and The Tantrums are an American soul and indie pop band from Los Angeles, California. The band’s debut album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, was released in August 2010 and entered the Billboard 200 at number 129. Their sophomore album, More Than Just a Dream, was released in May 2013 and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200.

“MoneyGrabber” is a single from Fitz and The Tantrums’ debut album Pickin’ Up the Pieces. The song was released as a digital download on June 7, 2011. It peaked at number 26 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart.

James Blake- “The Wilhelm Scream”

James Blake’s self-titled debut was one of the most acclaimed soul albums of 2011. “The Wilhelm Scream” is a gorgeous, heart-wrenching ballad that Blake co-wrote with Brian Eno. The song was inspired by the death of Blake’s grandfather, who passed away while Blake was working on the album. “The Wilhelm Scream” is a haunting and beautiful tribute to a lost loved one.

Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi- “Tightrope”

Of all the breakout hits of 2010, none was more fun, or more unexpected, than “Tightrope,” by the late- bloomer Janelle Monáe. She’d been kicking around for a few years, making oddball concept albums about an android named Cindi Mayweather, but with “Tightrope” she found her groove: a rubbery bass line, popping percussion, and a whole lot of Monáe’s own manic energy. Big Boi helps out on the verses, but it’s Monáe who really sells the thing, with a performance that’s funny and suave and altogether irresistible.

John Legend and The Roots feat. Common and Melanie Fiona- “Wake Up Everybody”

“Wake Up Everybody” is a song written by Harold Melvin and John Whitehead, produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. It was released on September 20, 1975 as the lead single from the album Wake Up Everybody. The song peaked at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart and number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976.

The song was ranked number 95 on Pitchfork Media’s Top 500 Songs of the 1970s list. In October 2009, it was ranked number eight on their Top 200 Tracks of the 1970s list. In 2006, Pitchfork named it the twentieth best song of the 1970s. In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked it number 148 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. The Village Voice ranked it number 33 on their Top 100 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2000.

Miguel- “Sure Thing”

Miguel’s “Sure Thing” was one of the best soul songs of 2011. The song has a great beat and is very catchy. The lyrics are also very soulful and make you feel good.

Raphael Saadiq- “Good Man”

Raphael Saadiq’s “Good Man” is the best soul song of 2011. The song is a sweet and nostalgic ode to growing up in the church, and Saadiq’s vocals are impeccable. The production is beautiful, with a simple piano backing and Saadiq’s powerful voice front and center. This is a perfect example of contemporary soul music done right.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings- “I Learned the Hard Way”

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings’ “I Learned the Hard Way” was one of the best soul albums of 2011. The album is full of amazing tracks, but the stand out track is “I Learned the Hard Way”. The song is an ode to never giving up, and it’s one of the most motivating and uplifting songs of 2011.

The Civil Wars- “Barton Hollow”

The Civil Wars’ “Barton Hollow” is one of the best soul songs of 2011. The song is about a couple in a relationship who are going through tough times. The song is about their struggles and how they are able to overcome them.

The Civil Wars are a country music duo from Nashville, Tennessee. The duo consists of John Paul White and Joy Williams. They released their debut album, “Barton Hollow”, in February of 2011. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching #1 on the US Country charts and #12 on the US Billboard 200.

The Roots feat. John Legend- “The Fire”

The Roots are one of the most celebrated and accomplished hip-hop groups of all time, and “The Fire” is a standout track from their 2011 album Undun. Featuring the smooth vocals of John Legend, “The Fire” is a midtempo burner that showcases the group’s impeccable musicianship and storytelling abilities. With its classic soul influences and modern production, “The Fire” is a essential track for any fan of soul music.

Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse- “Body and Soul”

Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse recorded “Body and Soul” in March 2011, just a few months before Winehouse’s untimely death. The song was released in September of that year, and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. It was Bennett’s first No. 1 single in nearly 60 years.