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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces

The great achievement of Black music is not only that it gave birth to genres like jazz, blues, gospel, and soul.

It has also been a wellspring of inspiration for legendary songs in the histories of rock and pop, and it is the most influential force on musical genres since the 20th century—an influence that continues unbroken into the 21st century and beyond.

To explore the roots of this magnificent Black music, this time we’re researching classic tracks mainly from the soul and R&B realm spanning the 1960s to the 1990s.

In the latter half, we also introduce more recent songs, so whether you love the latest hip-hop and R&B or aren’t very familiar with Black music, this is a must-check!

Playlist

Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1Are You That Somebody?AaliyahAn essential 90s R&B track, a classic by Aaliyah
2Feeling GoodNina SimoneNina Simone, the songstress who influenced Black music
3SeptemberEarth, Wind & FireA classic song by a group that represents funk-disco music
4RespectAretha FranklinAretha Franklin, an icon of music and activism
5SuperstitionStevie WonderStevie Wonder's Neo Soul
6(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The BayOtis ReddingOtis Redding, a legendary soul
7Ex-FactorLauryn HillLauryn Hill, a representative singer of neo-soul
8I Love You More Than You’ll Ever KnowDonny HathawayPioneer of Neo Soul, distinctive even in white cover versions
9Purple RainPrincePrince's captivating music and timeless hits
10What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye50th anniversary of a classic song calling for peace and love
11Papa Was A Rolling StoneThe TemptationsThe Temptations’ classic song representing Motown
12TreasureBruno MarsBruno Mars’s classic song “Treasure”
13HumbleKendrick LamarDepicting Kendrick Lamar’s success and way of life
14UntitledD’AngeloA legendary artist who established neo-soul, D’Angelo.
15Move on UpCurtis MayfieldA masterpiece that brought innovation to Black music
16U.N.I.T.Y.Queen LatifahQueen Latifah's classic illuminates the soul.
17Say My NameDestiny’s Child1990s R&B influences today's music
18The First Time Ever I Saw Your FaceRoberta FlackRoberta Flack’s signature song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
19Bring It On Home to MeSam CookeSam Cooke is a legendary Black singer.
20Everyday PeopleSly and the Family StoneA classic by Sly & the Family Stone
21One LoveBob MarleyThe Appeal of Bob Marley's Classic 'One Love'
22Love and HappinessAl GreenThe classic song by Al Green, a pioneer of neo-soul
23Billie JeanMichael JacksonMichael Jackson’s signature song “Billie Jean”
24This Is AmericaChildish GambinoChildish Gambino’s signature songs
25Cross Road BluesRobert JohnsonThe soul of blues legend Robert Johnson
26SorryBeyoncéBeyoncé’s “Sorry” is a distinctive, curveball of a song.
27The Tracks Of My TearsSmokey Robinson & The MiraclesIconic Motown musicians and classic songs
28Straight Outta ComptonN.W.AThe historic hip-hop classic “Straight Outta Compton”
29a lot ft. J. Cole21 Savage21 Savage’s popular song “A Lot” is a track that depicts life.
30Can’t Knock The HustleJay ZAn iconic track that captures Jay-Z’s hustler spirit
31My BadKhalidRelaxing music by Khalid
32I Want You BackThe Jackson 5Michael Jackson's debut song
33Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi VertMigosThe notable three-member hip-hop group Migos
34You can do itIce CubeIce Cube's music and film activities
35Shot ClockElla MaiA 90s-style R&B song by Ella Mai
36West End BluesLouis Armstrong and His Hot FiveA jazz classic: Blues by Oliver
37Hey Ya!OutKastA farewell song with a bright melody, a timeless classic that resonates in the heart.
38One More TimeCraig DavidCraig David's refreshing vocals
39Airplanes ft. Hayley Williams of ParamoreB.o.BAn unconventional collaboration track between a rapper and a rock vocalist
40Heartbreak Heard Around the World ft. T-PainJacob LatimoreA moving song that resonates with the hearts of young singers
41Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix ExperienceJimi Hendrix’s classic song “Purple Haze”
42Call Out My NameThe WeekndThe Weeknd’s heartbreak song ‘Call Out My Name’
43I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)Aretha FranklinAretha Franklin, a voice imbued with soul
44No Love ft. Nicki MinajAugust AlsinaNikki and Alcina’s love song
45Bleeding LoveLeona LewisLeona Lewis’s classic song with a beautiful singing voice
46Beautiful MonsterNe-YoA man's heartrending feelings captivated by a beautiful woman
47Drop It Like It’s Hot ft. Pharrell WilliamsSnoop DoggMusic video of the classic hit by Snoop and Pharrell
48Yeah! ft. Lil Jon, LudacrisUsherUsher’s smash hit and his sexy vocals
49Ai No CorridaQuincy JonesSignature songs by music maestro Quincy Jones
50Sex MachineJames BrownJames Brown, the revolutionary of soul and funk
51Thrill Is GoneB.B. KingBlues master B.B. King and his famous songs
52Sexual HealingMarvin GayeMarvin Gaye’s R&B musical innovations
53Black & YellowWiz KhalifaWiz Khalifa's hit songs
54Dear Mama2Pac2Pac’s deep love for his mother and his delicate heart
55What’s Luv?Fat Joe feat. AshantiFat Joe's signature R&B song
56Calling YouJevetta SteeleJevetta of the Steel Singers
57Ni**as In ParisJAY Z, Kanye WestJay-Z and Kanye’s classic hip-hop song
58Not Like UsKendrick LamarKendrick Lamar’s socially conscious dance track
59Land of a Thousand DancesWilson PickettA legend of the soul world, a classic that fires up any party
60Miss youAaliyahAaliyah’s final masterpiece, a memorable posthumous work
61Planet RockAfrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic ForceIconic tracks that influenced the development of hip-hop
62You Don’t Know My NameAlicia KeysAlicia Keys's poignant love song
63Can’t Let GoAnthony HamiltonAn R&B artist who captivates with a rich, full-bodied voice
64Best Thing I Never HadBeyoncéBeyoncé’s iconic song that sings of love and happiness
65Strange FruitBillie HolidayThe legendary diva who poured her heartbreaking experiences into song
66AnytimeBrian McKnightBrian McKnight, who produced classic R&B hits
67RebelChristina MilianChristina’s captivating track “4U”
68teachmeMusiq SoulchildThe classic song “teachme” by a neo-soul R&B singer
69What’d I SayRay CharlesThe Birth of Ray Charles’s Improvised Melody
70Stop! In the Name of LoveThe SupremesA classic by The Supremes, a worldwide hit.
71XXzibitExhibit's heavyweight bass classic 'X'
72Still Not a Player feat. JoeBig PunThe sensual hip-hop classic by BIGBANG
73If I ain’t got youAlicia KeysAlicia’s iconic song that praises the value of love
74Back To BlackAmy WinehouseAmy Winehouse, a tumultuous life
75Gypsy WomanBobby WomackMusicians who influenced 1970s soul
76Didn’t Cha KnowErykah BaduErykah Badu, a distinctive female singer of neo-soul
77Remember MeJennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson's singing voice
78Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]KehlaniKehlani’s “Nights Like This” is a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign.
79So WhatMiles DavisA landmark of innovative jazz and modal playing
80Rollin’ StoneMuddy WatersA musician who spread blues music in the North
81Bitch PleaseSnoop Dogg ft Nate dogg,XzibitSnoop Dogg’s iconic hit song
82DynamiteTaio CruzA song you can enjoy at clubs or while driving
83Waves (feat. 6LACK)NormaniThe classic hit by R&B female singer Normani
84I Will Always Love YouWhitney HoustonWhitney's classic song 'I Will Always Love You'
85RedboneChildish Gambino
RedboneChildish Gambino
A Childish Gambino track with a strong funk vibe
86I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor“I Will Survive” is a song that’s also famous at USJ.
87Funky Drummer (Pt. 1 & 2)James BrownA classic song distinguished by the drummer’s improvisational beat
88MajicJoeJoe’s captivating music that stays true to the essence of R&B
89On Bended KneeBoyz II MenBoyz II Men's classic hit, a tear-inducing singing voice
90A-tisket, A-tasket (feat. Chick Webb and His Orchestra)Ella FitzgeraldElla Fitzgerald had a big hit in jazz
91You Are The Sunshine Of My LifeStevie WonderStevie Wonder’s classic shines
92Soul Bossa NovaQuincy JonesPayPay's commercial featuring Masahiro Nakai is funny.
93Bodak YellowCardi BA smash hit song from a reality show
94Johnny B. GoodeChuck BerryChuck Berry, a legend of the rock world
95You Can’t Catch MeChuck BerrySong about flying cars draws attention in music lawsuit
96Be My GuestFats DominoThe rock and roll classic “Be My Guest”
97Move on up a Little HigherMahalia JacksonGospel singer contributes to eliminating racial discrimination
98Give Up The FunkParliamentA signature song of Black music with a good tempo.
99Cloud NineThe TemptationsPsychedelic soul wins its first Grammy
1001 ThingAmerieAimer’s high vocals and captivating dance tracks
101Soul SistaBilalBilal’s neo-soul has a unique musicality.
102Finesse (Remix) (feat. Cardi B] [Official Video]Bruno MarsThe collaboration song Finesse by Bruno Mars and Cardi B
103Wild ThoughtsDJ KhaledCaptivating tracks featuring Rihanna
104Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)Diana RossSignature songs and musical style of Diana Ross
105KILLSHOTEminemEminem disses his rival MGK
106MIDDLE CHILDJ. ColeJ. Cole’s solo platinum track “Middle Child”
107Just Like Me ft. T.I.Jamie FoxxJamie Foxx's collaboration song
108The Other SideJason DeruloA masterpiece by a singer with a sexy voice and a muscular build
109After The Storm ft. Tyler, The Creator, Bootsy CollinsKali UchisDreamy songs you want to listen to in summer
110Turn Me OnKevin LittleRefreshing summer music of the Caribbean
111Do Like ThatKorede BelloA young Nigerian singer with a captivating voice and musicality
112Let Me Love YouMarioMario's R&B song, written and composed by Ne-Yo
113MoveMiles DavisThe jazz classic “Move” is a challenging masterpiece.
114Just a dreamNellyNelly’s heartbreak rap song resonates deeply
115Four WomenNina SimoneA song that speaks out about the situation of four Black women
116Hate That I Love You ft. Ne-YoRihannaRihanna and Ne-Yo’s mature love song
117Broken ClocksSZAThe song “Broken Clocks,” featuring SZA’s heartrending vocals, is captivating.
118Girls Need LoveSummer Walker, DrakeSignature songs by female R&B artists
119I Feel It Coming ft. Daft PunkThe WeekndA collaboration song by The Weeknd and Daft Punk
120Like We GrownTrevor JacksonTrevor Jackson, a captivating singer
121GuiltyUsher ft T.I.A classic that admits Usher’s infidelity
122Coming HomeP.Diddy Ft.Skylar GreyA melancholy song performed with Skylar
123Ignition(Remix)R. KellySexy R&B ballad ignition
124Candy Shop ft. Olivia50 CentCool rap and catchy songs by 50 Cent
125Beautiful ft. Colby O’Donis, Kardinal OffishallAkonAkon from Senegal and Colbie’s famous song from the United States
126Slow downBobby ValentinoA classic with a sweet singing voice that captivates teens
1271, 2 Step ft. Missy ElliottCiaraCiara and Missy’s hit song music video
128BootyliciousDestiny’s ChildBeyoncé’s signature song “Bootylicious”
129In My FeelingsDrakeThe distinctive music video of Drake’s popular song
130Mask OffFUTUREThe representative song of the hip-hop world, “Mask Off.”
131Wild Ones ft. SiaFlo RidaA song by Flo Rida and Sia
132Lonely TeardropsJackie WilsonA classic that became the origin of rock and roll.
133Love Me NowJohn LegendAn inspiring masterpiece that sings of love and equality
134Teenage Fantasy (Official Video)Jorja SmithA classic song by Jorja Smith from the UK
135SuperloveTinasheA sexy and bittersweet pop summer song
136SICKO MODE ft. DrakeTravis ScottTravis Scott and Drake’s classic hits reach No. 1
137MotownphillyBoyz II MenBoyz II Men's classic hit and stylistic innovation
138With YouChris BrownThe charm of Chris, the prince of the R&B world
139Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark RonsonThe appeal of Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk”