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 (81–90)
Turn Me OnKevin Little
It’s a hit song by Kevin Lyttle from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.
With a tempo that’s easy for anyone to dance to and rhythms that evoke the Caribbean’s blue seas, it’s an outstanding track.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to in summer under the sun and blue skies.
Cloud NineThe Temptations
Cloud Nine, a song whose title means “feeling on top of the world,” was released in 1968 by The Temptations, a Motown group.
For a group that had previously put out songs reminiscent of the so-called good old days of Black music, this track had a different vibe, making extensive use of percussion and ushering in the era of psychedelic soul.
The song also made history as Motown’s first Grammy Award winner.
Not Like UsKendrick Lamar
The West Coast heavyweight Kendrick Lamar’s ambitious work, released this May, stands out with a compelling dance sound infused with elements of jazz and G-funk.
Coupled with a seaside-in-summer groove crafted by producer Mustard, its powerful messages tackling social issues and racial equality have made it a standout track at school festivals and cultural events.
Featured on the album “GNX,” it received a music video on July 4 and earned high marks in Pitchfork’s 100 Best Songs of 2024.
The track is also popular as a backing track for dance performances, resonating especially with younger audiences.
SuperloveTinashe
A song by Tinashe, who boasts an irresistibly cute look and delivers sexy vocals and dance.
With its catchy tempo, it’s perfect for a summer beach vibe just like in the music video.
While the sound feels pop and girly, the melody carries a touch of melancholy.
Finesse (Remix) (feat. Cardi B] [Official Video]Bruno Mars
![Finesse (Remix) (feat. Cardi B] [Official Video]Bruno Mars](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LsoLEjrDogU/sddefault.jpg)
This track is “Finesse,” a collaboration between R&B icon Bruno Mars and the currently trending female rapper Cardi B.
It was released in 2016 and included on the album 24K Magic.
The music video, styled after classic music shows, creates a fun vibe, and the dance performance—true to form—is incredibly stylish.
