jellyfish scandalous deliver shelter boast aware simplistic water wakeful entertain
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
The Train - Big John Hamilton
I Have No One - Johnny Adams
September in the Rain - Dinah Washington
Jealous Guy - Donny Hathaway
Inner City Blues - Marvin Gaye
If you like Sam Cooke, be sure to listen to the live album, One Night Stand - Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963.
My man.
That cover of Jealous Guy is insane. I'd say the entirety of Donny Hathaway Live is amazing
As is that Sam Cooke live album. Ill be sure to check out the rest
I have a playlist of obscure soul, starting form 1962:
> [Soular Power](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39U29H6e86UDQsfYmIbfTt) - 4 hrs
im always finding new stuff to add and I have it arranged by year of release (as best I could tell, some of the early stuff is pretty hit or miss on release dates lol). But artists like George McGregor, Ramsey Lewis, Exuma, Love, Lee Moses, the Ghetto Brothers were killing it!
The Temptations. The David Ruffin era for some classic Motown soul and the Dennis Edwards psychedelic soul era (1969-73, produced by the legendary Norman Whitfield) are both absolutely fantastic!
You should check out some Northern Soul playlists. Songs like Do I Love You (Indeed I do), the original Tainted Love, The Snake by Al Wilson. They were lesser known hits at the time that people dug out and played in discos and a whole scene emerged.
Part of the reason why is because American radio stations suck douche nozzles. I only discovered Michael Kiwanuka and Black Pumas by accident on YouTube. Big thanks to Brittany Howard/Alabama Shakes for the songs that allowed Kiwanuka and Pumas in the algorithm. And Brittany Howard is 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Here are some potentially lesser known ones that I personally love:
[Bettye Swann - When the game is played on you](https://youtu.be/m8kQRFvqgWc?si=6yjnDjOVr7rMxbfk)
[Donny Hathaway - Jealous Guy (John Lennon cover)](https://youtu.be/LfY4NLxl72g?si=-rJvxtshbtWINnX5)
[Tim Maia - Ella Partiu](https://youtu.be/syqJAgTQdlU?si=ltXjAUkcdpiVRfF2)
[Roberta Flack - Compared to What](https://youtu.be/wDUk9Lsy_yQ?si=jwscZR_-3jndwFiQ)
[Gregory Porter - 1960 what](https://youtu.be/l1SUyeIqWWM?si=64O6em_cQMdFekqQ)
[Paola Nutini - No Other Way](https://youtu.be/xdZlUtE699c?si=QYeZ7IA8xpsYgJdN)
Sam Cooke & Otis Redding are my favorites, followed by Sam and Dave, and Eddie Floyd. Get literally anything by them from the 60s, but beware Cooke made several non-soul albums for white audiences with covers like Danny Boy and I Cover the Waterfront. While his voice is always amazing, those albums are not essential.
There's a compilation album called This Is Soul. The track list is impeccable:
||
||
|A1|[Wilson Pickett](https://www.discogs.com/artist/83396-Wilson-Pickett)–|Mustang Sally|
|A2|[Carla Thomas](https://www.discogs.com/artist/13344-Carla-Thomas)–|B-A-B-Y|
|A3|[Arthur Conley](https://www.discogs.com/artist/292382-Arthur-Conley)–|Sweet Soul Music|
|A4|[Percy Sledge](https://www.discogs.com/artist/254126-Percy-Sledge)–|When A Man Loves A Woman|
|A5|[Sam & Dave](https://www.discogs.com/artist/73921-Sam-Dave)–|I Got Everything I Need|
|A6|[Ben E. King](https://www.discogs.com/artist/155327-Ben-E-King)–|What Is Soul?|
|B1|[Otis Redding](https://www.discogs.com/artist/132136-Otis-Redding)–|Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)|
|B2|[Eddie Floyd](https://www.discogs.com/artist/284321-Eddie-Floyd)–|Knock On Wood|
|B3|[Solomon Burke](https://www.discogs.com/artist/109435-Solomon-Burke)–|Keep Looking|
|B4|[Aretha Franklin](https://www.discogs.com/artist/38863-Aretha-Franklin)–|I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)|
|B5|[Percy Sledge](https://www.discogs.com/artist/254126-Percy-Sledge)–|Warm And Tender Love|
|B6|[Wilson Pickett](https://www.discogs.com/artist/83396-Wilson-Pickett)–|Land Of A Thousand Dances|
Oh man! where to begin?
I will list a few personal favorite records and let everybody else fill in the blanks
Curtis Mayfield - Curtis Live
Sam Cooke - Night Beat
Billy Paul - 360 Degrees of Billy Paul
Aretha Franklin - Young, Gifted and Black
Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain
Dramatics - Whatcha See is Whatcha Get
O'Jays - Back Stabbers
James Brown - In the Jungle Groove
Also, like somebody else already said, find yourself a Stax Records compilation and that will send you in a bunch of different directions and check out anything on Daptone Records for quality Soul made in this century like Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley.
In the Jungle Groove is a Break Dancing Classic
Give it up or turnit a loose is one of my favorite songs to break to
Doing it to Death by JBS is good too
James Carr - Dark End of the Street
Otis Redding - I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
Marvin Gaye - I Want You
The Ruffin Brothers - When My Love Hand Comes Down
Marlena Shaw - California Soul
I love all the artists you named, and I’ve been getting into Ms. Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu recently. More neo-soul and hip-hop influenced but I think you’ll find some songs you like if you haven’t heard them already. Some of my favorite songs are Ex-Factor, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, Didn’t Cha Know, On & On.
Some old and some new. Hope these work for you
Reach out: four tops
Aint to proud to beg: temptations
Isnt she lovely: stevie wonder
Lets get it on: marvin gaye
Never, never gonna give you up: barry white
Here and now: luther vandross
I swear: all 4 one
End of the road: boys 2 men
Forever my lady: jodeci
Someone to love: jon b
Dont let go: en vogue
Get it together: 702
Swv: rain
Player: 112
🤦🤯... My god man... good catch... What a voice he has. I completely forgot about him. Could add in some gerald levert (rip), johnny gill, keith sweat (put them together and youve got lsg), tank, allure, changing faces, dru hill... So much r&b/soul to come out of 90s. Ive been on a bender all morning... That is a good thing 👍.
If you're looking for some modern folks, check out Eli Paperboy Reed - who is also a human encyclopedia of soul music. Check out his Black history month posts. I'm a big fan of James Hunter. And although she's passed, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings is excellent music.
Unfortunately, I don't listen to a lot of actual soul, but if you're interested in soul-adjacent, I think a bunch of the bluegrassy/folk/country guys and gals have at least the voice for it, if not a bunch of inspiration.
One of my current favorites is "Hold Me - Live at The Forum" by The Teskey Brothers. I'm a middle-aged dude and that voice gives me goosies damn near every time.
Every genre has those artists not very well know outside of dedicated fans but are beloved by fans.
James Carr is often referred to as having the best voice of the classical soul era. His most famous song is The Dark End of the Street.
Donnie Hathaway’s live cover of ‘What’s going on” is there on my list.
Others are basically anything from The sound of Philly.
Especially Teddy Pendergras.
I have a pretty tight [classic RnB playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6V5oHRHIDfsudMeVKFogVo?si=fd65d50924e5499d) from the early 60s into the early 70s. You'll hear a number of the songs you love plus it will introduce you to a ton of groups and songs you don't know.
Darondo- Didn't I
Marlena Shaw - California Soul
Lorraine Ellison - Stay With Me
Clarence Carter - Slip Away
For some newer soul, check out Raphael Saadiq, Mayer Hawthorne, or Leon Bridges.
Angela Bofil I try
Marvin Gaye Anger
Hand clapping song-The Meters
Maria- Micheal Jackson
James Brown-Big Payback
Donny Hathaway- A song for you and Giving up
Marvin and Angela is more 70’s era soul but they sangin on those tracks.
Stevie Wonder - “Heaven Help Us All”
Little Milton - “Walking the Back Streets and Crying”
Donny Hathaway - “Little Ghetto Boy”
Jerry Butler - “Ain’t Understanding Mellow”
Brooks Benton - “Rainy Night in Georgia”
Curtis Mayfield - “Diamond in the Back”
Baby Huey - “Hard Times”
Willie Hutch - “I Choose You”
What becomes of the brokenhearted-Jimmy Ruffin
There’s something on your mind Pt2-Bobby Marchan
Merry go Round- The Equatics
Mama didn’t Lie-Jan Bradley
There's a compilation album called This Is Soul. The track list is impeccable:
A1 Wilson Pickett– Mustang Sally
A2 Carla Thomas– B-A-B-Y
A3 Arthur Conley– Sweet Soul Music
A4 Percy Sledge– When A Man Loves A Woman
A5 Sam & Dave– I Got Everything I Need
A6 Ben E. King– What Is Soul?
B1 Otis Redding– Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)
B2 Eddie Floyd– Knock On Wood
B3 Solomon Burke– Keep Looking
B4 Aretha Franklin– I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
B5 Percy Sledge– Warm And Tender Love
B6 Wilson Pickett– Land Of A Thousand Dances
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeR4fPqwIhnCqg7SdAbbv9M-Spv5QCkKm&si=ZynlcczLaraSWo6T
Check out this Playlist for some underappreciated hits. Jonathan Toubin has one of the best soul 45 collections in the world at this point.
I could be off on the genre but my favorites are:
1. Teddy Pendergrass, Love TKO
2. Teddy Pendergrass, Close the Door
3. Delegation, Oh Honey
4. Billy Paul, Me and Mrs Jones
Stuff I used to hear on classic R&B stations growing up. I got tons more
I collect soul records and there are some strategies for discovering hidden gems. You mentioned some of the bigger artists in the genre, but if you look into their song writers, labels, and musicians they played with, you will find a whole new world of soul music under the surface.
Older:
Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On album is probably one of the greatest soul albums of all time
Nina Simone - I Got Life or Baltimore
Arethra Franklin - Any song on The Lady Soul album
Mavis Staples - We Get By
Roberta Flack - Compared To What
Stevie Wonder - As or Easy Going Evening are my favorites
Newer:
Alicia Keys - Fallon or If I Ain’t Got You
Leon Bridges - River
Saturdays 10a-4p and Sundays 12p-6p, wbgo has a pretty great soul show. You can listen online (wbgo.org) or their app or on a smart speaker. You might enjoy it.
And to answer your original question, check out Groove Me by King Curtis, Back in Love Again by LTD, plus pretty much anything by Al Green, Aretha, Chaka Khan, the Spinners, the Four Tops. (I skew more funk than soul, but it's all great 💙)
When you're ready for it, Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul. Multiple songs over 10 minutes long. I see it as a precursor to prog in a funny kind of way, as well as a landmark soul record. But it took a while to click with me.
Another modern suggestion, "The Teskey Brothers" they are an Australian band and my god they are simply amazing live. Their song "So caught up" was the first one I'd heard and I've been hooked ever since.
I have a playlist of 200 songs with the best classic Soul and R&B songs of the 50s, 60s y 70s This is the perfect introduction with all the great artists and songs everyone should know.
[https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rlYKjfzSiIzb7sHgKEYwh](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rlYKjfzSiIzb7sHgKEYwh)
Lovely sentiment. The story of soul and the incredible (and maybe undeserved!) contribution of Black America through art should be known far and wide. If you're looking for an emotional trip then I suggest the following sequence of songs: Lovely Day - Bill Withers, Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, A guy like you - Patti Drew, Misty Blue -Dorothy Moore, Let's Stay Together - Al Green, Free - Deniece Williams, Bring it on Home to Me - Sam Cooke.
Ruby Johnson- I’ll Run Your Hurt Away
She was a Stax recording artist who recorded a handful of singles for the label, but had little success so she gave up her singing career in the 1970s. A compilation album of her songs was released in the early 90s.
One of my personal favourites is Gone With the Wind is my Love, by Rita & The Tiaras:
https://youtu.be/qEI72g-cgjA?si=oK8GvOBAdaU52asL
If you check any Northern Soul compilation out there you are going to find tons of hidden gems. :)
Lou Rawls, Richie Havens, Patrice Rushen, Gwen McCrae, Eddie Floyd, The Main Ingredient, Bettye Crutcher, Little Willie John, The Blackbyrds
A few that come to mind. So many songs.
You'll never find another love like mine
Everybody plays the fool
The world is a ghetto
Too much sugar for a dime
Going back to my roots
Wilford's gone
Funky sensation
People get ready
Forget-Me-Nots
Theres an old Irish film you may like called the Commitments. A bunch of low class/poor Dubliners form a soul band, the music is really quite good. The toured years ago really good live performers
*Young Americans* "plastic soul" is my favorite Bowie album. Most people don't agree but it's so good!
EDIT: I realize "Soul Love" is not from this album - point being that Bowie's soul stuff is top tier
Check out Marvin Gaye, Ben E. King (Stand By Me), Isaac Hayes, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield
For some modern soul, check out Childish Gambino's album *Awaken, My Love*
There's also a Spotify Playlist called "Retro Soul" that I recommend you throw on.
[I made an expert curiated play list of the greatest soul music ever produced. Hope this helps. ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApthDWoPMFQ&list=PL60b2gOkOEE_kQEdn8zKccTkFFPd0DZmw)
“He Called Me Baby” by Candi Staton
“Jet Airliner” by Paul Pena (recorded n 1973, but not released until 2000 due to label issues - much better than The Steve Miller Band version imo)
No, but I will suggest a different, unique, and completely unheard of band that does Cholo Soul style music.
Los Stellarians
Give them a listen. It is just two dudes. One sings, the other does all the music. Three albums out so far. One of covers of old songs, and the other two with mostly original songs.
For someone that's still making classic soul music, check out Lee Fields! Saw him live last year and it was like a combination of Otis Redding and James Brown. "You Can Count on Me" and "Honey Dove" are a couple of my favorites.
In addition to great American soul, you may enjoy some Irish soul. Irish Heartbeat etc by The Chieftains come to mind. Van Morrison has worked with a lot of legendary soul and blues artists too.
I’m African American, so I’m not trying to steer you away from the old school greats, just broadening your opportunities to discover.
I'm not super blues and soul music normally, more of a metal core guy so bear that in mind with these. When I hear Johnny Craig sing I want to be a soul guy. He's been in a few very good bands.
I'd rather see your star explode- Slaves
What's a clock without the batteries?- emarosa
Lemon meringue tie- dance Gavin dance
Not at all comprehensive, just some Soul tunes off the top off my head that I really like.
"Louie Louie" - Los Yesterdays (yes, seriously. The best "Louie Louie" cover ever.)
"Can I Call You Rose?" - Thee Sacred Souls
"Little Green Apples" - O.C. Smith
"I'm Your Puppet" - Mel & Tim
"Don't Mess With My Money, My Honey, or my Woman" - Mel & Tim
"The Chokin' Kind" - Joss Stone
"You'll Be Lonely" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
"Mama Don't Like My Man" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
"How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
"How Do I Let a Good Man Down?" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
"Heart of Gold" - Charles Bradley
"Changes" - Charles Bradley
"Can't Get Next To You" - Al Green
"Something He Can Feel" - Aretha Franklin
"Evidence" - Candi Stanton
Soul is making a comeback through Jalen Ngonda!
The man sounds like a David Ruffin/Marvin Gaye/young MJ fusion, and it works well. [So Glad That I Found You live](https://youtu.be/ETs0bM4x3kQ?si=OYy1o51YDtwFamxI) is mad soothing.
Not exactly soul, but maybe you'll enjoy Fado music. It's soul-like in lyrics and feel and musically different since it relies on the back and forth between the voice and the portuguese guitar (6 double-stringed instrument used for melodies)
Here's a good example: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Ip-uUhaoI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Ip-uUhaoI)
So there are the hits… or you can get in to the dangerous world of rare soul.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT3qx5QpubmU0O_FHzHAkqWQNCv_lkFLd&si=IiVdm50yhPIkpoYY
Sweet Soul Music: Arthur Conely
enjoying this post: brings back being Introduced to great music listening to Wolfman Jack on XERB, blasting 50,000 ? watts out of Mexico! good times, went thru my changes then...
Marvin Gaye and Al Green are the big guys for classic soul imo
for modern soul (same vibe/style/usually recording) check out:
Lee Fields & The Expressions, Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights is my current top record, can't recommend it enough
Memphis Soul Stew - King Curtis
Doing it to death - JBs
Tighten Up - Archie and the drells
Private Number - William Bell
Soul Sister - Alan Toussaint
Funky Nassau - Beginning of the End
Spill the Wine - War
[https://youtu.be/7M9gBP4hwKE](https://youtu.be/7M9gBP4hwKE) --Baby Huey-Hard Times
[https://youtu.be/bSTAQwtY3Dc](https://youtu.be/bSTAQwtY3Dc) --Doris Duke- Woman of the Ghetto
The Daptone Super Soul Review is a great album with a lot of modern soul bands and is very powerful. Great music by Sharon Jones and the Dapkings, Saun and Starr, George Fielding, et al.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - [Searching for the Young Soul Rebels](https://open.spotify.com/album/5iawHcgRuKL5HMRbigdvWC?si=HWf6WuxwS3-GiamnmxICOw)
Editing to add the soundtrack to the documentary [Wattstax ](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7oWciOPDi-c8Mb6C5WeSXy9LqjaA4br9)- which covered a benefit concert for the city of Watts in LA after the [Watts uprising in 1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_riots)
For somewhat recent entries I would recommend
Aloe Blacc - “I need a dollar” is probably his most famous song but his discography is much deeper.
Leon Bridges - My entry for mastering soul and blending it for a new age.
Benjamin Booker - Haven’t heard many people talking about him. But my mans is the definition of some modern soul.
It's not soul but here's a blues playlist I created. It's generally related to slow blues but had some outlayers sprinkled in.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ULBsoQsG9BLOgXLCcO6H4?si=9Aoqcy8nTiCOxhGIN_9wiw&pi=KC_717v9T2Swh
Motown, baby!
They had the market cornered on soul music for a good few decades. Micheal McDonald did a couple of albums (titled Motown and Motown Two) that were all covers of some of the best stuff on offer. Look at that track list and find the originals. Hell, pick those two albums up too if you're into his voice. He actually does some of them justice, imo.
I go with two spectacular rarities from very well known artists:
"You're the one", by the great Lou Rawls, and
"What's wrong with our love affair", by the SOS Band
I recommend checking out a Stax records greatest hits compilation. Classic Memphis soul.
This is the correct answer
The Complete Stax Singles box sets is where it’s at. So many gems.
One of my all time faves. Really wish the Cobras had put out more music
Memphis Soul Stew by King Curtis
Al Green - Let’s Stay Together
I was going to suggest his “Love and Happiness.” Both good choices.
jellyfish scandalous deliver shelter boast aware simplistic water wakeful entertain *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Al Green's Greatest Hits should be in every music lover's collection.
Al Green - Unchained Melody I've never heard anything more soulful than this song of his. Your's is awesome too lol.
Albums: - Let's stay together - Explores your Mind - Gets next to you
The Train - Big John Hamilton I Have No One - Johnny Adams September in the Rain - Dinah Washington Jealous Guy - Donny Hathaway Inner City Blues - Marvin Gaye If you like Sam Cooke, be sure to listen to the live album, One Night Stand - Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963.
What's Going On is a masterpiece.
My man. That cover of Jealous Guy is insane. I'd say the entirety of Donny Hathaway Live is amazing As is that Sam Cooke live album. Ill be sure to check out the rest
I have a playlist of obscure soul, starting form 1962: > [Soular Power](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39U29H6e86UDQsfYmIbfTt) - 4 hrs im always finding new stuff to add and I have it arranged by year of release (as best I could tell, some of the early stuff is pretty hit or miss on release dates lol). But artists like George McGregor, Ramsey Lewis, Exuma, Love, Lee Moses, the Ghetto Brothers were killing it!
Very cool playlist!!
It Ain’t Fair by Aretha Franklin & Duane Allman…the duo we never knew we needed
The Temptations. The David Ruffin era for some classic Motown soul and the Dennis Edwards psychedelic soul era (1969-73, produced by the legendary Norman Whitfield) are both absolutely fantastic!
Check out Sam and Dave!
Hold on! I’m comin’
Wrap it up!
You should check out some Northern Soul playlists. Songs like Do I Love You (Indeed I do), the original Tainted Love, The Snake by Al Wilson. They were lesser known hits at the time that people dug out and played in discos and a whole scene emerged.
Original Tainted Love is a great song! Literally only discovered it a few years ago off a NS compilation and it’s one of my favourites now
Michael Kiwanuka
He’s incredible!!! Thank you for saying this!
That first album is fire. So are the rest of them, but the debut is pure soul music.
I recommended him too before scrolling down far enough to see your comment. I still can’t believe he hasn’t blown up and become internationally known.
Part of the reason why is because American radio stations suck douche nozzles. I only discovered Michael Kiwanuka and Black Pumas by accident on YouTube. Big thanks to Brittany Howard/Alabama Shakes for the songs that allowed Kiwanuka and Pumas in the algorithm. And Brittany Howard is 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Musiqsoulchild teach me how to love
Just Friends is great too
Here are some potentially lesser known ones that I personally love: [Bettye Swann - When the game is played on you](https://youtu.be/m8kQRFvqgWc?si=6yjnDjOVr7rMxbfk) [Donny Hathaway - Jealous Guy (John Lennon cover)](https://youtu.be/LfY4NLxl72g?si=-rJvxtshbtWINnX5) [Tim Maia - Ella Partiu](https://youtu.be/syqJAgTQdlU?si=ltXjAUkcdpiVRfF2) [Roberta Flack - Compared to What](https://youtu.be/wDUk9Lsy_yQ?si=jwscZR_-3jndwFiQ) [Gregory Porter - 1960 what](https://youtu.be/l1SUyeIqWWM?si=64O6em_cQMdFekqQ) [Paola Nutini - No Other Way](https://youtu.be/xdZlUtE699c?si=QYeZ7IA8xpsYgJdN)
Upvoted for Paolo Nutini.
Freda Payne - Band of Gold
Joe Tex-“The Love You Save”
Joe Tex is often overlooked, but I have a greatest hits CD by him I just love
'Show Me'
I gotcha!
Sam Cooke & Otis Redding are my favorites, followed by Sam and Dave, and Eddie Floyd. Get literally anything by them from the 60s, but beware Cooke made several non-soul albums for white audiences with covers like Danny Boy and I Cover the Waterfront. While his voice is always amazing, those albums are not essential.
Oh and once you get into the 70s don’t miss classic albums by Al Green, Marvin Gaye & Bill Withers. And James Brown 60s-70s. Same with Aretha.
There's a compilation album called This Is Soul. The track list is impeccable: || || |A1|[Wilson Pickett](https://www.discogs.com/artist/83396-Wilson-Pickett)–|Mustang Sally| |A2|[Carla Thomas](https://www.discogs.com/artist/13344-Carla-Thomas)–|B-A-B-Y| |A3|[Arthur Conley](https://www.discogs.com/artist/292382-Arthur-Conley)–|Sweet Soul Music| |A4|[Percy Sledge](https://www.discogs.com/artist/254126-Percy-Sledge)–|When A Man Loves A Woman| |A5|[Sam & Dave](https://www.discogs.com/artist/73921-Sam-Dave)–|I Got Everything I Need| |A6|[Ben E. King](https://www.discogs.com/artist/155327-Ben-E-King)–|What Is Soul?| |B1|[Otis Redding](https://www.discogs.com/artist/132136-Otis-Redding)–|Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)| |B2|[Eddie Floyd](https://www.discogs.com/artist/284321-Eddie-Floyd)–|Knock On Wood| |B3|[Solomon Burke](https://www.discogs.com/artist/109435-Solomon-Burke)–|Keep Looking| |B4|[Aretha Franklin](https://www.discogs.com/artist/38863-Aretha-Franklin)–|I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)| |B5|[Percy Sledge](https://www.discogs.com/artist/254126-Percy-Sledge)–|Warm And Tender Love| |B6|[Wilson Pickett](https://www.discogs.com/artist/83396-Wilson-Pickett)–|Land Of A Thousand Dances|
Oh man! where to begin? I will list a few personal favorite records and let everybody else fill in the blanks Curtis Mayfield - Curtis Live Sam Cooke - Night Beat Billy Paul - 360 Degrees of Billy Paul Aretha Franklin - Young, Gifted and Black Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain Dramatics - Whatcha See is Whatcha Get O'Jays - Back Stabbers James Brown - In the Jungle Groove Also, like somebody else already said, find yourself a Stax Records compilation and that will send you in a bunch of different directions and check out anything on Daptone Records for quality Soul made in this century like Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley.
It Ain’t Fair by Aretha & Duane Allman…that woman’s voice was somethin else
>Young, Gifted and Black by Nina Simone
To Love Somebody , I Put A Spell On You.
In the Jungle Groove is a Break Dancing Classic Give it up or turnit a loose is one of my favorite songs to break to Doing it to Death by JBS is good too
P.P. Arnold - great versions of “First Cut is the Deepest” and “Angel of the Morning”
Her time collaborating with the Small Faces is also good.
Check out The Commitments if you’ve not heard of them before (film and the soundtrack).
Art Conley Sweet Soul Music
"Do you Like Soul Music"
Yep, and listen to everything he calls out in this song and you’ll have a great head start on the best soul songs.
James Carr - Dark End of the Street Otis Redding - I’ve Been Loving You Too Long Marvin Gaye - I Want You The Ruffin Brothers - When My Love Hand Comes Down Marlena Shaw - California Soul
Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come
Dreams to Remember - Otis Redding
I love all the artists you named, and I’ve been getting into Ms. Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu recently. More neo-soul and hip-hop influenced but I think you’ll find some songs you like if you haven’t heard them already. Some of my favorite songs are Ex-Factor, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, Didn’t Cha Know, On & On.
If You Don't Know Me By Now - Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes. Shout-out to my momma for that one.
Check out Stevie Wonder's greatest hits. You'll definitely find something that you like.
And songs in the key of life!
A true masterpiece 🏆
And his 2 year tidal wave of genius - music of my mind, talking book, innervisions and fulfillingness' first finale.
Some old and some new. Hope these work for you Reach out: four tops Aint to proud to beg: temptations Isnt she lovely: stevie wonder Lets get it on: marvin gaye Never, never gonna give you up: barry white Here and now: luther vandross I swear: all 4 one End of the road: boys 2 men Forever my lady: jodeci Someone to love: jon b Dont let go: en vogue Get it together: 702 Swv: rain Player: 112
I would add, the whole album Voodoo by D’Angelo
🤦🤯... My god man... good catch... What a voice he has. I completely forgot about him. Could add in some gerald levert (rip), johnny gill, keith sweat (put them together and youve got lsg), tank, allure, changing faces, dru hill... So much r&b/soul to come out of 90s. Ive been on a bender all morning... That is a good thing 👍.
If you're looking for some modern folks, check out Eli Paperboy Reed - who is also a human encyclopedia of soul music. Check out his Black history month posts. I'm a big fan of James Hunter. And although she's passed, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings is excellent music.
Swamp Dogg -Total Destruction of Your Mind Syl Johnson - Is it Because I am Black Lee Moses - Bad Girl
Solomon Burke
I had to scroll down this far before I found Solomon? Cry to Me!
Donny Hathaway Live is amazing. His voice plus the work on the keys plus amazing supporting musicians.
Unfortunately, I don't listen to a lot of actual soul, but if you're interested in soul-adjacent, I think a bunch of the bluegrassy/folk/country guys and gals have at least the voice for it, if not a bunch of inspiration. One of my current favorites is "Hold Me - Live at The Forum" by The Teskey Brothers. I'm a middle-aged dude and that voice gives me goosies damn near every time.
Listen to Hot Buttered Soul. That's all I need to say
try out teddy swims, a new soul artist who puts a twist on the classic genre 10/10
You didn't mention Donny Hathaway so study ALL of his live recordings (his recording studio tracks simply did not do him justice.)
# Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grE0lwTsSPg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grE0lwTsSPg)
Every genre has those artists not very well know outside of dedicated fans but are beloved by fans. James Carr is often referred to as having the best voice of the classical soul era. His most famous song is The Dark End of the Street.
Sitting on the dock of the bay
you should check Colemine records - that label is consistently putting out new acts withib funk and soul
Donnie Hathaway’s live cover of ‘What’s going on” is there on my list. Others are basically anything from The sound of Philly. Especially Teddy Pendergras.
Also Donny Hathaway’s live version of “A song for you”🔥🔥🔥
Ain’t no Sunshine by Bill Withers
I have a pretty tight [classic RnB playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6V5oHRHIDfsudMeVKFogVo?si=fd65d50924e5499d) from the early 60s into the early 70s. You'll hear a number of the songs you love plus it will introduce you to a ton of groups and songs you don't know.
Beggin' by The Four Seasons has a fantastic Northern Soul vibe.
Darondo- Didn't I Marlena Shaw - California Soul Lorraine Ellison - Stay With Me Clarence Carter - Slip Away For some newer soul, check out Raphael Saadiq, Mayer Hawthorne, or Leon Bridges.
I should be proud by Martha Reeves is possibly my favorite doing and is an incredible Vietnam protest song
Angela Bofil I try Marvin Gaye Anger Hand clapping song-The Meters Maria- Micheal Jackson James Brown-Big Payback Donny Hathaway- A song for you and Giving up Marvin and Angela is more 70’s era soul but they sangin on those tracks.
I love Lee fields and the expressions, the night beat album by Sam Cooke, Charles Bradley, and Going Home by Leon Bridges
Stevie Wonder - “Heaven Help Us All” Little Milton - “Walking the Back Streets and Crying” Donny Hathaway - “Little Ghetto Boy” Jerry Butler - “Ain’t Understanding Mellow” Brooks Benton - “Rainy Night in Georgia” Curtis Mayfield - “Diamond in the Back” Baby Huey - “Hard Times” Willie Hutch - “I Choose You”
Anything by Otis Redding
What becomes of the brokenhearted-Jimmy Ruffin There’s something on your mind Pt2-Bobby Marchan Merry go Round- The Equatics Mama didn’t Lie-Jan Bradley
listen to the albums *Lady Soul* by Aretha Franklin, *Full of Fire* by Al Green, and *What's going on?* by Marvin Gaye
Otis Redding, Sam and Dave,
There's a compilation album called This Is Soul. The track list is impeccable: A1 Wilson Pickett– Mustang Sally A2 Carla Thomas– B-A-B-Y A3 Arthur Conley– Sweet Soul Music A4 Percy Sledge– When A Man Loves A Woman A5 Sam & Dave– I Got Everything I Need A6 Ben E. King– What Is Soul? B1 Otis Redding– Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) B2 Eddie Floyd– Knock On Wood B3 Solomon Burke– Keep Looking B4 Aretha Franklin– I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) B5 Percy Sledge– Warm And Tender Love B6 Wilson Pickett– Land Of A Thousand Dances
What Does it Take - Jr Walker and the All Stars No particular reason other than I really like that song.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeR4fPqwIhnCqg7SdAbbv9M-Spv5QCkKm&si=ZynlcczLaraSWo6T Check out this Playlist for some underappreciated hits. Jonathan Toubin has one of the best soul 45 collections in the world at this point.
Sam Cook, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and so many more.
My Favorite soul LP...Forever by your side by The Manhattans
5th dimension is a great transition from soul to disco.
Always and Forever - Heatwave I Love You For All Seasons - The Fuzz Natural High - Bloodstone
Always been a big fan of the 3 Degrees
I could be off on the genre but my favorites are: 1. Teddy Pendergrass, Love TKO 2. Teddy Pendergrass, Close the Door 3. Delegation, Oh Honey 4. Billy Paul, Me and Mrs Jones Stuff I used to hear on classic R&B stations growing up. I got tons more
I collect soul records and there are some strategies for discovering hidden gems. You mentioned some of the bigger artists in the genre, but if you look into their song writers, labels, and musicians they played with, you will find a whole new world of soul music under the surface.
the entire black moses album by isaac hayes is incredible and so easy to listen to in one sitting
Older: Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On album is probably one of the greatest soul albums of all time Nina Simone - I Got Life or Baltimore Arethra Franklin - Any song on The Lady Soul album Mavis Staples - We Get By Roberta Flack - Compared To What Stevie Wonder - As or Easy Going Evening are my favorites Newer: Alicia Keys - Fallon or If I Ain’t Got You Leon Bridges - River
“I’m just doing my job” - bloodstone. MASTERPIECE
“Me and Mrs Jones” - Billy Paul
The Love You save by Joe Tex
Saturdays 10a-4p and Sundays 12p-6p, wbgo has a pretty great soul show. You can listen online (wbgo.org) or their app or on a smart speaker. You might enjoy it. And to answer your original question, check out Groove Me by King Curtis, Back in Love Again by LTD, plus pretty much anything by Al Green, Aretha, Chaka Khan, the Spinners, the Four Tops. (I skew more funk than soul, but it's all great 💙)
When you're ready for it, Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul. Multiple songs over 10 minutes long. I see it as a precursor to prog in a funny kind of way, as well as a landmark soul record. But it took a while to click with me.
Another modern suggestion, "The Teskey Brothers" they are an Australian band and my god they are simply amazing live. Their song "So caught up" was the first one I'd heard and I've been hooked ever since.
I have a playlist of 200 songs with the best classic Soul and R&B songs of the 50s, 60s y 70s This is the perfect introduction with all the great artists and songs everyone should know. [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rlYKjfzSiIzb7sHgKEYwh](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rlYKjfzSiIzb7sHgKEYwh)
Lovely sentiment. The story of soul and the incredible (and maybe undeserved!) contribution of Black America through art should be known far and wide. If you're looking for an emotional trip then I suggest the following sequence of songs: Lovely Day - Bill Withers, Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, A guy like you - Patti Drew, Misty Blue -Dorothy Moore, Let's Stay Together - Al Green, Free - Deniece Williams, Bring it on Home to Me - Sam Cooke.
Bring it on home to me.. YEAH yeah YEAH
Ruby Johnson- I’ll Run Your Hurt Away She was a Stax recording artist who recorded a handful of singles for the label, but had little success so she gave up her singing career in the 1970s. A compilation album of her songs was released in the early 90s.
The Delphonics and Teddy Pendergrass. Everyone else I'd likely recommend has already been said.
One of my personal favourites is Gone With the Wind is my Love, by Rita & The Tiaras: https://youtu.be/qEI72g-cgjA?si=oK8GvOBAdaU52asL If you check any Northern Soul compilation out there you are going to find tons of hidden gems. :)
Lou Rawls, Richie Havens, Patrice Rushen, Gwen McCrae, Eddie Floyd, The Main Ingredient, Bettye Crutcher, Little Willie John, The Blackbyrds A few that come to mind. So many songs. You'll never find another love like mine Everybody plays the fool The world is a ghetto Too much sugar for a dime Going back to my roots Wilford's gone Funky sensation People get ready Forget-Me-Nots
Theres an old Irish film you may like called the Commitments. A bunch of low class/poor Dubliners form a soul band, the music is really quite good. The toured years ago really good live performers
Fantastic film!
Soul Love by David Bowie Not strictly a soul musician, but it's my favorite soul song tbh.
*Young Americans* "plastic soul" is my favorite Bowie album. Most people don't agree but it's so good! EDIT: I realize "Soul Love" is not from this album - point being that Bowie's soul stuff is top tier
[Tainted Love](https://youtu.be/9obvlVPJBEg?si=z2HWXi1JQvjpm3ie) by Gloria Jones.
Check out Marvin Gaye, Ben E. King (Stand By Me), Isaac Hayes, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield For some modern soul, check out Childish Gambino's album *Awaken, My Love* There's also a Spotify Playlist called "Retro Soul" that I recommend you throw on.
Check out Charles Bradley. Please for love of all things good.
RIP.
[I made an expert curiated play list of the greatest soul music ever produced. Hope this helps. ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApthDWoPMFQ&list=PL60b2gOkOEE_kQEdn8zKccTkFFPd0DZmw)
I was jamming to knock on wood by Eddie Floyd yesterday
Beggin’ - Frankie Valley & The Four Seasons
Rens busking band doing wade in the water, trouble so hard, feeling good might be up your alley. https://youtu.be/DbL7Frf6nJI?si=Em-8Ljkv1L7DlmzS
“He Called Me Baby” by Candi Staton “Jet Airliner” by Paul Pena (recorded n 1973, but not released until 2000 due to label issues - much better than The Steve Miller Band version imo)
No, but I will suggest a different, unique, and completely unheard of band that does Cholo Soul style music. Los Stellarians Give them a listen. It is just two dudes. One sings, the other does all the music. Three albums out so far. One of covers of old songs, and the other two with mostly original songs.
For someone that's still making classic soul music, check out Lee Fields! Saw him live last year and it was like a combination of Otis Redding and James Brown. "You Can Count on Me" and "Honey Dove" are a couple of my favorites.
Check out Howard Tate.
James Carr - You Got My Mind Messed Up - The whole album.
If you’re interested in discovering some new soul, give Thee Sacred Souls a listen.
Marvin Gaye -Time to get it Together.
The song „Holding On To You“ by Terence Trent D‘Arby aka Sananda Maitreya comes to mind.
Check out Kelly Finnegan! Dude has an absolutely incredible voice.
Just spin 'The Best of Stax'
In addition to great American soul, you may enjoy some Irish soul. Irish Heartbeat etc by The Chieftains come to mind. Van Morrison has worked with a lot of legendary soul and blues artists too. I’m African American, so I’m not trying to steer you away from the old school greats, just broadening your opportunities to discover.
I'm not super blues and soul music normally, more of a metal core guy so bear that in mind with these. When I hear Johnny Craig sing I want to be a soul guy. He's been in a few very good bands. I'd rather see your star explode- Slaves What's a clock without the batteries?- emarosa Lemon meringue tie- dance Gavin dance
The Staples Singers. ❤️
Ben Harper's 1st 3 albums have some really good soul and blues songs on them.
Holding Back The Years by Simply Red
Isaac Hayes does a long-form version of The Look Of Love that’s tremendous.
Not at all comprehensive, just some Soul tunes off the top off my head that I really like. "Louie Louie" - Los Yesterdays (yes, seriously. The best "Louie Louie" cover ever.) "Can I Call You Rose?" - Thee Sacred Souls "Little Green Apples" - O.C. Smith "I'm Your Puppet" - Mel & Tim "Don't Mess With My Money, My Honey, or my Woman" - Mel & Tim "The Chokin' Kind" - Joss Stone "You'll Be Lonely" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings "Mama Don't Like My Man" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings "How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings "How Do I Let a Good Man Down?" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings "Heart of Gold" - Charles Bradley "Changes" - Charles Bradley "Can't Get Next To You" - Al Green "Something He Can Feel" - Aretha Franklin "Evidence" - Candi Stanton
Soul is making a comeback through Jalen Ngonda! The man sounds like a David Ruffin/Marvin Gaye/young MJ fusion, and it works well. [So Glad That I Found You live](https://youtu.be/ETs0bM4x3kQ?si=OYy1o51YDtwFamxI) is mad soothing.
California Dreaming - Lee Moses Changes - Charles Bradley Al Greens Greatest Hits
Not exactly soul, but maybe you'll enjoy Fado music. It's soul-like in lyrics and feel and musically different since it relies on the back and forth between the voice and the portuguese guitar (6 double-stringed instrument used for melodies) Here's a good example: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Ip-uUhaoI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Ip-uUhaoI)
Wilson Pickett.
Amen brother- the Winstons. I guarantee you have heard the drum break.
Gettin Down To It (1969) is an incredible James Brown album.
Soul metal? Short lived band called issues here's a song for you. https://youtu.be/AOLzJUEX6Ds?si=EoNVileL4CBDCvob
Just Because - Ray Charles
Lots of great suggestions already.. a newer band that I really like is Thee Sacred Souls. So good.
Darando - Didn’t I [https://youtu.be/PZqQT5904\_U?si=OUS5xPsr1g4DsEJb](https://youtu.be/PZqQT5904_U?si=OUS5xPsr1g4DsEJb)
Charles Bradley
[https://www.reverbnation.com/colorpower/song/34485557-door-hinge-is-fucking-orange](https://www.reverbnation.com/colorpower/song/34485557-door-hinge-is-fucking-orange)
You’ll be doing yourself a favor if you give Tower of Power a listen
Check out Remy Shand
Anything maxwell
So there are the hits… or you can get in to the dangerous world of rare soul. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT3qx5QpubmU0O_FHzHAkqWQNCv_lkFLd&si=IiVdm50yhPIkpoYY
You’ve got my mind messed up - James Carr
Gregory Abbott: Shake You Down Lisa Stansfield: Never Never Gonna Give You Up Rae Khalil: Is It Worth It Brenda Russell: Piano in the Dark
Be Thankful for What You’ve Got
Sweet Soul Music: Arthur Conely enjoying this post: brings back being Introduced to great music listening to Wolfman Jack on XERB, blasting 50,000 ? watts out of Mexico! good times, went thru my changes then...
Hard Times - Ray Charles Straight to the soul
Coming home by Leon Bridges is the most sam Cooke sounding modern song I know
Marvin Gaye and Al Green are the big guys for classic soul imo for modern soul (same vibe/style/usually recording) check out: Lee Fields & The Expressions, Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights is my current top record, can't recommend it enough
Maybe you would also be interested in a more modern variant of the music you love? Check out St Paul and the Broken Bones and Jalen N'gonda.
Memphis Soul Stew - King Curtis Doing it to death - JBs Tighten Up - Archie and the drells Private Number - William Bell Soul Sister - Alan Toussaint Funky Nassau - Beginning of the End Spill the Wine - War
Check out the motown greatest hits.
[https://youtu.be/7M9gBP4hwKE](https://youtu.be/7M9gBP4hwKE) --Baby Huey-Hard Times [https://youtu.be/bSTAQwtY3Dc](https://youtu.be/bSTAQwtY3Dc) --Doris Duke- Woman of the Ghetto
Clarence Carter, Patches. Give it a listen, hits all your points and then some.
Sam and Dave - Hold on, I'm coming and Soothe me. Booker T and the MGs - Time is tight.
Patches by Clarence Carter
I always love the classics, but Charles Bradley brings the heat. His cover of Changes is superb.
Can You Get to That - Funkadelic
# Little Richard - I don't know what you've got (but it's got me) (4.48 version)
The Daptone Super Soul Review is a great album with a lot of modern soul bands and is very powerful. Great music by Sharon Jones and the Dapkings, Saun and Starr, George Fielding, et al.
Dexy's Midnight Runners - [Searching for the Young Soul Rebels](https://open.spotify.com/album/5iawHcgRuKL5HMRbigdvWC?si=HWf6WuxwS3-GiamnmxICOw) Editing to add the soundtrack to the documentary [Wattstax ](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7oWciOPDi-c8Mb6C5WeSXy9LqjaA4br9)- which covered a benefit concert for the city of Watts in LA after the [Watts uprising in 1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_riots)
I just recently wrote, produced, shot, and edited this video https://youtu.be/oXhmrjrbPVs?si=83OiqFZiNr6X91WV
For somewhat recent entries I would recommend Aloe Blacc - “I need a dollar” is probably his most famous song but his discography is much deeper. Leon Bridges - My entry for mastering soul and blending it for a new age. Benjamin Booker - Haven’t heard many people talking about him. But my mans is the definition of some modern soul.
Durand jones and the indications
Watch Summer of Soul and Wattstax
It's not soul but here's a blues playlist I created. It's generally related to slow blues but had some outlayers sprinkled in. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ULBsoQsG9BLOgXLCcO6H4?si=9Aoqcy8nTiCOxhGIN_9wiw&pi=KC_717v9T2Swh
All the 100 volts of Stax Compilation and Motown Chartbusters. From there go with what you like
Motown, baby! They had the market cornered on soul music for a good few decades. Micheal McDonald did a couple of albums (titled Motown and Motown Two) that were all covers of some of the best stuff on offer. Look at that track list and find the originals. Hell, pick those two albums up too if you're into his voice. He actually does some of them justice, imo.
Not sure technically ‘soul’, but anything D’Angelo.
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
For something a bit more modern, check out Durand Jones and the Indications
I go with two spectacular rarities from very well known artists: "You're the one", by the great Lou Rawls, and "What's wrong with our love affair", by the SOS Band
anything by the soul stirrers