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 (21–30)
Ribbon In The SkyStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s classic “Ribbon in the Sky.” He has many other famous masterpieces, but I’ve intentionally chosen this one.
The song is highly intricate, weaving together elements of R&B, jazz, and soul.
Both the performance and the vocals are exceptionally sophisticated.
And of course, it’s sprinkled with Stevie’s signature vocal embellishments!
Mercy Mercy meMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s classic “Mercy Mercy Me,” which helped drive the new soul boom, is a song brimming with his appeal.
Like Al Green’s work, this track had a major influence on later neo-soul.
Marvin Gaye is renowned for weaving light, refreshing melodies into soul music.
Beyond this song, he has many other masterpieces—be sure to check them out.
Georgia On My MindRay Charles
Ray Charles, well-known in Japan.
His ‘Georgia On My Mind’ is a classic standard in jazz.
Reimagined by the arrangement-savvy Ray Charles, it became a song that sits between blues and soul music.
It’s the kind of track that soothes the heart when you listen to it.
A wistful mood pervades the whole piece, so it’s recommended when you want to sink into a nostalgic feeling.
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is a funk band loved around the world.
Their song “September” is one of their signature tracks.
It’s extremely famous, so many of you may already know it.
The breezy groove combined with soulful lead and choral vocals in parts makes it a very pleasing piece.
It’s a song that has been cherished for a long time, to the point that it’s still used in Japanese media today.
Sittin’ On The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding
Otis Redding’s classic “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay.” The song is included on the posthumously released album The Dock of the Bay.
It’s a work that reflects his warm character and his belief that music transcends race.
Listening to it warms the heart.
Sex MachineJames Brown
James Brown, the super-famous soul singer.
His “Sex Machine” is one of his signature songs.
This track is more funk than soul, though.
James Brown’s appeal lies above all in his irresistible groove.
Whether it’s an up-tempo number or a slow soul tune, he captivates listeners.
He’s a classic, and an artist you can’t help but listen to over and over again.
I’m Every WomanChaka Khan
Chaka Khan, a female soul singer who was also very popular in Japan.
She’s a versatile vocalist who can sing both in a feminine style and with powerful delivery.
“I’m Every Woman” is one of her signature songs, notable for its brisk melody and rhythm.
With its irresistibly catchy melody and groove, it’s a track that really heats up as a dance tune.