The Best Soul Music Songs of the 80s

Looking for the best soul music songs of the 80s? Look no further! We’ve got a comprehensive list of the top tunes that will have you feeling the groove all night long.

Introduction

The 1980s was a great decade for soul music. Many of the genre’s greatest artists released their best work during this time, and the songs that were born out of this fertile period continue to endure today.

There are so many great soul songs from the 80s that it’s hard to narrow them down to just 10, but we’ve done our best to do just that. From classic ballads to upbeat anthems, these are the best soul songs of the 1980s.

What is Soul Music?

Soul music is a genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and pop. It originated in the African-American community in the 1950s and 1960s. Soul music is characterized by a strong rhythmic groove, passionate vocals, and often a call-and-response between the singer and the audience.

Some of the most iconic soul songs of the 1980s come from artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin. These artists defined the sound of soul music during this decade and their songs continue to be popular today.

The Best Soul Music Songs of the 80s

As the 1980s began, soul music was changing. Gone were the Motown Sound and the smooth Philadelphia soul that had characterized the genre in the late 1960s and 1970s. In its place was a harder, more danceable sound that would come to be known as “new jack swing.” At the same time, the best soul music of the 1980s also reflected the increasing influence of hip-hop. Here are some of the best soul songs of the 1980s.

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” is a disco and soul song written and composed by Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, released in 1979. The song was first recorded by the duo McFadden & Whitehead and became a Gold record. It was covered by various artists including James Brown, Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Lou Rawls, Patti Austin, Az Yet,vanessa_bell_armstrongm Moodswings featuring Chrissie Hynde and Barbara Tucker.
The song has been used in television commercials for Chevrolet and McDonald’s.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” is a song by American musician Prince. It was released on October 26, 1979 as the lead single from his second album, Prince. The song topped the charts in many countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. In the United States, it peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Prince’s first top forty hit. The song also reached number two on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

“Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye

There are few songs in the history of music that can match the raw emotion and pure sexuality of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” The track, which was co-written by Gaye and Odell Brown, was originally recorded in 1982 during the singer’s recovery from drug addiction.

The song became an instant classic, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and earning Gaye a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. “Sexual Healing” remains one of the most iconic soul songs of all time, and its influence can still be heard in today’s music.

“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” is one of the most iconic and timeless tracks of the 80s, and arguably of all time. The sensual ballad topped the charts in both the US and the UK, and has been covered by everyone from Michael Jackson to Usher. But what makes this song so special?

“Let’s Get It On” was written by Gaye during a period of personal turmoil; his marriage was falling apart and he was struggling with addiction. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he explained that the song was his way of “trying to say through music that making love is really beautiful.” And indeed, the song is erotic without being explicit, soulful without being cheesy. It’s a perfect example of Gaye’s unique talent for capturing the passion and intensity of human emotion.

“I Feel Good” by James Brown

James Brown’s “I Feel Good” was released in September of 1986 as part of his album “In the Jungle Groove”. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is credited with helping to popularize soul music and is often considered one of Brown’s signature songs.

Conclusion

When it comes to soul music, the 80s was a truly special decade. From smooth and sensual ballads to upbeat and energetic anthems, there was something for everyone. And while there are too many great songs to list them all, here are ten of our favorites:

-Whitney Houston – “Saving All My Love for You”
-Lionel Richie – “Hello”
-Barry White – “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe”
-Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got to Do with It”
-Aretha Franklin – “Jump to It”
-Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
-Prince – “Purple Rain”
-Stevie Wonder – “I Just Called to Say I Love You”
-Patrice Rushen – “Forget Me Nots”
-Earth, Wind & Fire – “Let’s Groove”