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)
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.
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.
If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys
Alicia Keys’s classic “If I Ain’t Got You.” Sadly, she’s now become more of a commercial singer, but on this track you can still savor her soulful voice from when she was a true, full-fledged singer.
People said her voice resembled that of French R&B singer Kayna Samet, who is the same age, and it became a hot topic in France at the time.
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.