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)
The Revolution Will Not Be TelevisedNEW!Gil 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.
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.
Move On UpCurtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield has released songs across a range of genres, including funk, blues, and soul—he’s a classic soul singer.
This is one of his signature tracks.
Although it’s up-tempo, the melody doesn’t feel aggressive.
It’s a memorable piece, featuring a luxurious, soulful groove and vocals.
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.
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.