A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.

Georgia On My MindRay Charles

Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind (The Orginal Song From The Albom)

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.

Please Forgive My HeartBobby Womack

Bobby Womack – Please Forgive My Heart

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.

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

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 – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)

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.

You’re the First, the Last, My EverythingBarry White

Barry White – You’re My First My Last My Everything

Barry White’s classic, “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.” It’s a work that fully showcases his bright personality.

Though he spent time in a juvenile detention center in his younger days, this song is crafted so purely that it doesn’t reflect that side of him at all.

But doesn’t he look like Hiro☆Tsunoda? (lol)

Sex MachineJames Brown

james brown sexy machine

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.

If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Official HD Video)

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.