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!
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Soul music masterpieces: Must-listen recommended albums (11–20)
Rock With YouNEW!Michael Jackson
Off the Wall, the masterpiece by Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.
It’s a pivotal work from the period when, after his success with the Jackson 5, he truly awakened as a solo artist.
Released in 1979, it also marks the first landmark collaboration with the great Quincy Jones in their golden partnership.
The sound—an exquisite blend of disco, funk, and soul—hasn’t faded a bit even today.
It won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, a testament to its undeniable skill and acclaim.
True to his perfectionist nature, the meticulous sound design and groove are astounding down to the finest details.
Packed with rhythms that naturally get your body moving and a sweet vocal delivery, it’s an irresistible album for lifting your spirits or immersing yourself in supreme pop.
Walk On ByNEW!Isaac 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 PaybackNEW!James 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.
Inside My LoveNEW!Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton, the legendary singer famed for her astonishing five-octave range, passed away from cancer at the young age of 31.
Her 1975 release Adventures In Paradise, the ambitious follow-up to the smash hit Perfect Angel, is now increasingly being reappraised in the modern era.
Co-produced with her husband Richard Rudolph and others, the album is marked by a highly sophisticated sound in which elements of jazz and funk are exquisitely interwoven.
The shocking anecdote about her nearly being attacked by a lion during the cover photo shoot is also well known.
Throughout, a mellow and sensual mood pervades, making it a popular source for hip-hop samples.
If you want to immerse yourself in supremely comfortable, top-tier soul music, be sure to check it out!
Feeling GoodNina Simone
Nina Simone, the greatest artist the US lost.
She’s one of the most sophisticated artists in the American music scene.
Her allure lies in her nobility.
She’s one of the few true American artists whose every song exudes elegance.
“Feeling Good” is a masterpiece among masterpieces, brimming with her charms.
