Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
The great achievement of Black music is not only that it gave birth to genres like jazz, blues, gospel, and soul.
It has also been a wellspring of inspiration for legendary songs in the histories of rock and pop, and it is the most influential force on musical genres since the 20th century—an influence that continues unbroken into the 21st century and beyond.
To explore the roots of this magnificent Black music, this time we’re researching classic tracks mainly from the soul and R&B realm spanning the 1960s to the 1990s.
In the latter half, we also introduce more recent songs, so whether you love the latest hip-hop and R&B or aren’t very familiar with Black music, this is a must-check!
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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (111–120)
Broken ClocksSZA
This is the song “Broken Clocks” by neo-soul singer SZA, included on her 2017 album Ctrl.
The album was nominated for Record of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards.
The dreamy arrangement—like the use of a voice changer—is stylish and really nice! SZA’s cute vocals sound especially heartrending on this track, and it’s just perfect!
Girls Need LoveSummer Walker, Drake
This is the song Girls Need Love by Summer Walker.
It’s included on her debut album, Last Day of Summer, released in 2018.
Summer Walker is an R&B singer from the United States and a rising artist to watch.
Influenced by Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse, she’s an artist we can be very excited about!
I Feel It Coming ft. Daft PunkThe Weeknd
This is a song by the Canadian singer The Weeknd in collaboration with the French electronic duo Daft Punk.
The Weeknd’s soulful vocals and nostalgic-sounding keyboards are deeply moving.
The music video, featuring The Weeknd and Kiko Mizuhara dancing on a planet, is also a must-see.
Like We GrownTrevor Jackson
Trevor Jackson is a U.S.-born singer who has also appeared in American dramas and Disney Channel movies.
With a delicate yet manly singing voice and a charming smile, Trevor is a singer to keep an eye on in the future.
GuiltyUsher ft T.I.
A track from Usher’s 2010 album “Raymond vs.
Raymond,” which features many great songs.
It’s a song where he honestly admits to cheating and vows to tell no more lies.
The lyrics are very entertaining, making it one of his hidden gems.
Land of a Thousand DancesWilson Pickett
This is a gem of a dance number left by American soul legend Wilson Pickett.
With a voice that explodes with emotion and a dynamic sound, it vividly conjures the heat and excitement of a party crowd dancing themselves into a frenzy.
Featured on the album “The Exciting Wilson Pickett,” it became a major hit upon its 1966 release, topping the R&B chart and reaching No.
6 on the pop chart.
The heavy groove laid down by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and the Memphis Horns underpins Pickett’s powerful vocals.
Featured in the film “The Full Monty” and in Samsung Galaxy commercials, it remains a landmark of dance music beloved across generations.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to crank up the energy—at parties, on drives, and beyond.
Coming HomeP.Diddy Ft.Skylar Grey
A song released on Sean Combs’s (P.
Diddy) 2010 album “Last Train to Paris.” It’s a melancholic masterpiece where the melody of the chorus sung by Skylar Grey blends seamlessly with Diddy’s rap.