What is Urban Soul Music?

If you’re a fan of music that gets your heart pumping and soul soaring, then you’re likely a fan of urban soul music. But what exactly is this genre of music? Here’s a quick rundown of urban soul music and its defining characteristics.

Introduction

Soul music is a genre that originated in the United States in the 1950s. It combines elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and pop music. Soul is characterized by a strong vocal performance, often accompanied by background singers, as well as by call-and-response patterns.

The term “urban soul” is sometimes used to describe a specific subgenre of soul music that developed in the late 1960s and 1970s. This subgenre combined soul with elements of funk, disco, and rock. It was often more danceable than other types of soul music, and it often had a more aggressive sound.

Urban soul artists include Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, and Otis Redding.

What is Urban Soul Music?

Urban Soul Music is a subgenre of soul music that originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It combines elements of soul, funk, disco, and hip hop. The term “urban soul” is sometimes used interchangeably with “contemporary R&B”.

The History of Urban Soul Music

Urban soul music is a product of the musical and cultural fusion that took place in the inner cities of the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is a hybrid style that draws on elements of soul, funk, disco, rock, and rhythm and blues.

The term “urban soul” was coined in the early 1970s by music critic Dave Marsh to describe the music of African American artist like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Aretha Franklin. These artists were influenced by both the sounds of the inner city and the more polished style of Motown records.

By the mid-1970s, urban soul had evolved into a distinct genre with its own set of stylistic conventions. The music was often characterized by its stripped-down arrangements, heavy bass lines, and syncopated rhythms. The lyrics typically dealt with themes of love, loss, and heartbreak.

In the 1980s, urban soul artists like Luther Vandross and Anita Baker helped to bring the genre to a wider audience. In the 1990s and 2000s, neo-soul artists like Erykah Badu and D’Angelo continued to keep urban soul alive with their modern interpretations of the style.

The Sound of Urban Soul Music

Urban soul music is a genre of music that combines elements of soul, R&B, hip hop, funk, and electronic music. It is typically characterized by smooth, soulful vocals, layered melodies, and a laid-back groove. Urban soul songs often deal with themes of love and relationships, but they can also be about social issues or simply personal stories.

The sound of urban soul music has evolved over the years, but it still retains its core elements. The melodies are often more complex than those found in traditional soul or R&B songs, and the lyrics tend to be more personal and introspective. The production values are also usually more polished than those of other genres, giving the music a sleek and modern sound.

While urban soul artists may have different musical backgrounds, they are united by their love of creating soulful melodies and honest lyrics. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, check out some of these urban soul artists.

The Influence of Urban Soul Music

Urban soul music emerged in the early 1990s, drawing on a wide range of influences including R&B, hip hop, soul, gospel, and jazz. The result was a unique sound that was both urgent and reflective, personal and political.

Urban soul artists such as Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, and D’Angelo found success by blending traditional soul sounds with contemporary production techniques. Their music was emotional and intimate, with a focus on social and personal issues.

The influence of urban soul can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists, including Beyonce, Rhianna, and Adele. urban soul music has also had an impact on film soundtracks and television themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, urban soul music is a musical genre that combines elements of soul music, R&B, hip hop and sometimes jazz. It is a music that is often characterized by its focus on the inner city experience and its sometimes gritty or street-wise lyrics.