YouTube Classics: The Best Soul Music Videos
Contents
A list of the best soul music videos from the golden era of YouTube. This is a collection of videos that any fan of soul music will enjoy.
Introduction
When it comes to soul music, there are a lot of great artists out there. It’s a genre that has produced some of the greatest singers and musicians of all time. And while there are plenty of modern soul artists making great music today, there’s something special about the classics.
There’s something about the soul music of the past that just speaks to us on a different level. Maybe it’s the raw emotion in the voices of the singers, or the way the instruments come together to create a sound that just gets under your skin. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that classic soul music is something special.
And when it comes to classic soul music videos, there are a few that stand out above the rest. These are videos that not only capture the essence of what soul music is all about, but also videos that are just plain fun to watch. So without further ado, here are YouTube Classics: The Best Soul Music Videos.
What is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre of African American popular music that led to many later genres, from funk and dance music to hip hop and contemporary R&B. It developed in the USA in the late 1950s from a combination of African American musical styles such as gospel, jazz, jump blues, and rhythm and blues.
Early soul artists such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and James Brown laid the foundations for the genre with their emotionally charged vocal performances and funky grooves. The mid-1960s saw the rise of Motown Records and its stable of artists including Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, who helped to refine and popularize soul music with their hits. In the 1970s, artists like Al Green and Aretha Franklin took soul in a more spiritual direction with their soaring vocals and intimate lyrics.
The 1980s saw the advent of modern soul artists like Prince and Michael Jackson who infused the genre with elements of pop, rock, and dance music to create vibrant new sounds. In the 1990s and 2000s, neo-soul artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and D’Angelo continued to experiment with Soul Music’s traditional sound while also incorporating hip hop, jazz, and Funk influences.
Soul music has had a profound impact on popular culture for over half a century now, influencing everything from fashion to politics. It remains as popular as ever today with new generations of fans discovering its timeless appeal.
The Best Soul Music Videos
There are so many great soul music videos on YouTube. It’s hard to believe that some of these videos are over 10 years old. Here are some of the best soul music videos that you can find on YouTube.
Marvin Gaye – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
There ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from gettin’ to you baby
If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I’ll be there in a hurry
You don’t have to worry
‘Cause baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from gettin’ to you baby
Aretha Franklin – “I Say a Little Prayer”
Aretha Franklin’s official music video for ‘I Say a Little Prayer’. Click to listen to Aretha Franklin on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/ArethaSpotify?IQ…
As featured on I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You. Click to buy the track or album via iTunes: http://smarturl.it/ArethaILoveAMan?I…
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/ArethaDPrayer?IQi…
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/NLaSSASystemAthAn…
More from Aretha Franklin
A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)’: https://youtu.be/4bZ7s3mKRpg
I Will Survive’: https://youtu.be/0Vx5VyH2QqM
Respect’: https://youtu.be/6FOUqQt3Kg0
Eleanor Rigby’: https://youtu.be/_WjlxE_LpAY
More great 60s videos here: http://smarturl.it/Ultimate60s?IQid=A…
Follow Aretha Franklin Website: http://www.arethafranklin.net/?a_aid… kt&mc_cid=f701637a95&mc_eid=78803b79a8″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>http://www.arethafranklin.net/?a_aid=cfsfb Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArethaFranklin kt&mc_cid=f701637a95&mc_eid=78803b79a8″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>https://twitter.com/ArethaFranklin kt&mc_cid=f701637a95&mc_eid=78803b79a8″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>https://twitter.com/#!/ArethaFranklin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Areth… kt&mc_cid=f701637a95&mc_eid=78803b79a8′ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow’>https://www.rel=’nofollow’>rel=’nofollow’>rel=’nofollow’>rel=’nofollow’>rel=’nofollow’>rel=’nofollow’>rel=’nofollow’>
Otis Redding – “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay”
Few songs are as emblematic of the late-‘60s and early-‘70s soul music scene as Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” The track, which was co-written by Redding and released posthumously after the singer’s untimely death in 1967, topped charts worldwide and has since become one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time.
The song’s music video, which was released in 1968, perfectly captures the carefree spirit of Redding’s song. The footage, which was filmed on a dock in San Francisco, shows Redding relaxing and taking in the stunning views. As the video progresses, we see Redding soul searching and reflecting on his life and career. The final shot of Redding walking away from the camera is both incredibly powerful and heartbreaking, given the singer’s death just a few months after filming.
The “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay” music video is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the spirit of Otis Redding and his music.
Sam Cooke – “A Change is Gonna Come”
This song was released in December 1964, just a month after the Civil Rights Act was passed. Cooke wrote “A Change is Gonna Come” in response to the many injustices he experienced as a black man living in America. The soulful ballad quickly became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”
With the release of his fifteenth studio album, Talking Book, in 1972, Stevie Wonder began a three-year stretch that would arguably solidify his place among the greatest pop and soul musicians of all time. The first single from the album was the classic “Superstition,” which hit number one on both the pop and R&B charts. The song’s success was due in part to its catchy hook and innovative production, which featured a wah-wah pedal prominently throughout. But it was also due to the strength of Wonder’s performance, both on harmonica and vocals.
The accompanying music video, directed by tattoo artist Bill provider, is a perfect complement to the song. It features Wonder playing harmonica and singing into a microphone as he wanders through a deserted cityscape. The video is simple but effective, and it captures the raw energy and emotion of “Superstition” perfectly.
Conclusion
Here are some of the most amazing soul music videos that YouTube has to offer. From Al Green to Michael Jackson, these videos show the emotion and power that this genre of music is known for.
