The Best of Soul Music: Download Now

Looking for the best of soul music? Download our latest mix now! Featuring the latest and greatest from the world of soul, this mix is sure to get you moving.

Introduction

Set the mood with our collection of the best soul songs to download now. With its roots in gospel music and rhythm and blues, soul became hugely popular in the 1960s – and thanks to a resurgent interest in the genre, it’s still going strong today.

From classic hits by Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross to contemporary bangers by Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, we’ve rounded up the best soul songs of all time for your listening pleasure. So whether you’re looking for some sultry R&B to set the mood or want to get up and dance to an upbeat number, we’ve got you covered.

What is Soul Music?

Soul music is a popular music genre that originated in the African American community in the United States in the 1950s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Soul music became popular for dancing and listening in the United States, where record labels such as Motown, Atlantic, and Stax were influential during the Civil Rights Movement. Soul also became popular around the world, directly influencing rock music, disco, and pop music.

The term “soul” refers to black popular music as a whole, but it is also sometimes used as a synonym for “rhythm and blues.” In the early 1950s, Clyde McPhatter of The Drifters helped to define soul with his emotionally charged vocals on songs like “Such a Night” and “Money Honey.” Other important early soul artists include Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. Franklin’s 1967 hit “Respect” is often considered to be one of the most influential soul songs of all time.

As soul became more popular in the 1960s and 1970s, its sound began to change. Funkadelic and Sly & The Family Stone mixed soul with psychedelic rock to create a new subgenre called psychedelic soul. In the 1970s, disco hits like “Love Train” by The O’Jays and “Got to Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn brought soul music to a new audience. Today, soul music is still popular among many fans of black popular music.

The Best of Soul Music

There are many different types of music out there, but soul music is a genre that is truly unique. It has the ability to touch the heart and soul in a way that few other genres can. If you’re looking for the best of soul music, you can find it here. We have compiled a list of the best soul songs for you to download and enjoy.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye (/ɡeɪ/; born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.; April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Starting as a member of the doo-wop group The Moonglows in the late 1950s, he gained greater success as a solo artist with Motown Records in the 1960s, and achieved worldwide fame for his work with that label from the 1970s onward. His more than 30 chart hits include “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” (1964), “Ain’t That Peculiar” (1965), “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1968) and “Let’s Get It On” (1973).

During the 1970s, he recorded his critically acclaimed albums What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On and became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from the reins of a producer. At the same time, he helped to shape the sound of Motown with his distinctive style. Gaye was ranked at No. 6 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of Greatest Singers of All Time and No. 38 on their list of Greatest Artists of All Time.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C. L. Franklin was minister. In 1960, at the age of 18, she embarked on a secular career, recording for Columbia Records but only achieving modest success. After signing to Atlantic Records in 1966, Franklin achieved commercial acclaim and success with songs such as “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Spanish Harlem”, and “Think”. These hits and more helped her to gain the title The Queen of Soul by the end of the 1960s decade. During this time, Franklin won seven Grammy Awards and had 17 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is often cited as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the greatest artists of all time. A multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and record producer, Wonder has achieved success in multiple genres including pop, R&B, and rock. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists of all time. In 1974, Wonder became the first artist ever to win Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his work on the album Innervisions.

Why Soul Music is the Best

Soul music has a way of bringing people together. It’s a genre that is full of emotion and passion. Soul music is the perfect way to express yourself and connect with others. It’s also a great way to get your groove on and have some fun. If you’re looking for the best of soul music, look no further. Here are the top 10 soul songs of all time.

The History of Soul Music

The history of soul music is often traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when artists like Sam Cooke and Ray Charles blended rhythm and blues with gospel music to create a new genre that spoke to the African-American experience. In the years that followed, soul music became a commercial force to be reckoned with, thanks to artists like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Stevie Wonder.

While soul music’s popularity has waxed and waned over the years, the genre has maintained its place as one of the most significant and influential musical styles of the last half-century. Here are 10 essential soul songs that help tell the story of this iconic music style.

The Influence of Soul Music

Though it didn’t achieve widespread popularity until the 1960s, the genre of soul music has deep roots in African American culture. This type of music emerged from a combination of gospel, R&B, and blues, and was initially defined by its heavy rhythmic beats and emotional lyrics. Over time, soul music has evolved to include a wide range of styles, but the common thread that ties all soul artists together is their ability to create music that is both catchy and deeply moving.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get your groove on, soul music is the perfect choice. But this genre is about more than just good vibes – it also has the power to inspire positive change. In fact, many famous soul songs are actually protest anthems that address issues like racism, poverty, and war. Though they may be sad or angry, these songs always emphasize the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Whether you’re looking for a party starter or a tearjerker, soul music has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? You might just find your new favorite genre.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best soul songs of all time. Whether you’re a fan of classic soul or modern R&B, we’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy in this collection.

If you’re looking for more great music to add to your collection, be sure to check out our other lists, including the best Motown songs and the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.