A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
Soul music is a sound that delivers human emotions—joy and sorrow, love and anger—directly to the heart.
This genre, which blossomed from the 1960s to the 1970s, boasts countless timeless masterpieces that continue to move listeners across generations.
Once you hear it, many of you will find yourselves captured by its intensity and delicacy.
In this article, we’ve gathered must-hear, gem-like classics born during soul’s golden age.
Whether you want to experience profound emotion through music or you’re new to soul and searching for a new favorite, we hope you’ll discover a record to cherish!
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- [Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Western R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
- A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
- A roundup of great soul music singers and artists
- [2026] Best Western R&B Love Songs and Romance Songs Compilation
Soul music masterpieces: Must-listen recommended albums (11–20)
A Song For YouDonny Hathaway
The legendary soul singer, Donny Hathaway.
He was born into a wealthy family and studied classical music from a young age.
Because of that, even as a Black artist, he had a musical style that set him apart from other soul singers.
This “A Song For You” is a cover of Leon Russell’s classic.
It’s a work that showcases Donny Hathaway’s exceptional arranging skills.
The PaybackJames Brown
Known by many monikers and immortalized in music history as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown—JB—served as a bridge from soul to funk, with an influence that’s immeasurable.
Here, let’s spotlight a masterpiece often hailed as the fully realized form of funk.
Released at the end of 1973, the ambitious double album The Payback was originally created as a film soundtrack but famously went unused.
Yet its thunderous grooves and extended performances—seemingly channeling that rejection into raw energy—are nothing short of breathtaking.
It topped the R&B chart and went on to exert a massive impact on hip-hop culture.
For anyone who wants to experience JB’s golden era, this is unquestionably a must-hear classic.
Let’s Stay TogetherAl Green
Al Green, an artist who had a tremendous influence on neo-soul.
His “Let’s Stay Together” is one of his signature works.
If you listen to “Send It On” by D’Angelo, a pioneer of neo-soul, you can hear how much he respects Al Green.
It’s a captivating piece, with soulful expression woven into a breezy, upbeat rhythm.
Walk On ByIsaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes, the great musician who powered Memphis soul.
A true craftsman who thrived behind the scenes at the storied Stax Records, he helped create a string of hit songs.
Hot Buttered Soul, released in 1969, is a historic masterpiece that boldly broke the norms of its time by building an album from just four tracks.
It unfolds a grand, dramatic world that foreshadows his later success in film scoring.
Though he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this album lets you revel in rich funk and orchestral sounds.
Its extended spoken passages are often cited as a precursor to rap, and it’s been sampled all over hip-hop (lol).
It’s an irresistible work for anyone who wants to savor a deep, late-night vibe with a drink in hand.
The Revolution Will Not Be TelevisedGil Scott-Heron
Poet and singer Gil Scott-Heron—a legendary artist who had an enormous impact on later hip-hop and neo-soul.
His 1971 release Pieces of a Man is a landmark that represents his early period, and it’s also a work that shines with his collaboration with longtime partner Brian Jackson.
Produced by jazz master Bob Thiele and featuring virtuosos like Ron Carter, the album blends spoken word with soulful singing in a truly one-of-a-kind style.
While sharply capturing social realities, its warm, memorable melodies leave a lasting impression.
He was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his immeasurable contributions.
For anyone who wants to savor the rhythm of words and deep grooves, this is a must-have record.
Please Forgive My HeartBobby Womack
The master of the husky voice, Bobby Womack’s classic “Please Forgive My Heart.” You could go back and find countless gems in his catalog, but I deliberately chose this 2012 release.
That’s because this song sits right between R&B and soul.
You hardly ever come across tracks like that.
It’s a song only he could sing—someone who journeyed from soul into R&B.
Soul music masterpieces: Must-listen recommended albums (21–30)
KILLING ME SOFTLYRoberta Flack
Roberta Flack is a leading figure among female soul singers.
“Killing Me Softly” is one of her signature songs.
It’s extremely well-known, so many of you may already be familiar with it.
The song’s impact was significant, and it’s said to have laid the foundation for modern R&B.
Indeed, the drum rhythm is very similar to contemporary R&B.