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

A roundup of classic soul music masterpieces!

From well-known standards everyone recognizes to hidden gems known only to aficionados, we’ve selected a wide range!

Soul music is timeless, yet still beloved by countless listeners today.

Its passionate ad-libs and shouts—unlike what you find in R&B or neo-soul—truly move the heart, don’t they?

This time, we’ve curated a collection of essential soul albums!

If you love Black music, this is a must-check!

Soul music masterpieces: Must-listen recommended albums (11–20)

Diana Ross

Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughDiana Ross

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” This version covered by Diana Ross has a more pop-oriented feel than the original.

Since the original is already an upbeat song, this one feels even brighter.

Rather than being melodious, the arrangement comes across more like a party tune.

Human

HumanRag’n’Bone Man

Rag’n’Bone Man – Human (Official Video)
HumanRag'n'Bone Man

Rag’n’Bone Man’s classic hit “Human” by the British rapper.

It was a massive success worldwide.

Although he’s a rapper, he has exceptionally strong vocals.

His voice has a nice low tone, and he sings with incredible swagger.

It’s that rugged, cool style that even guys can’t help but admire.

His rap has a real gritty, street feel too—definitely worth checking out!

Chaka

I’m Every WomanChaka Khan

Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]
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.

The Windows of the World

I say a little prayerAretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Prayer (Official Lyric Video)
I say a little prayerAretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s classic “I Say a Little Prayer.” It has that quintessential American soul vibe (lol).

Her voice is relatively light for a Black singer, but she covers that shortcoming with a gritty singing style.

The melody is shaped with a fresh, breezy feel.

It’s a track where you can really sense the vocalist’s ingenuity.

Bobby

Good EnoughBobby Brown

It’s hard to say whether Bobby Brown is an R&B singer or a soul singer.

This time, I’m highlighting him in recognition of his achievements.

His vocals are incredibly soulful.

The melodies sit somewhere between pop and R&B, but you can feel his respect for soul music in his singing.

You can really appreciate his soulful vocals on “Good Enough,” too.

Love is a Temple

Love is a TempleMario Biondi

Mario Biondi – Love is a Temple (Videoclip)
Love is a TempleMario Biondi

Mario Biondi is an Italian soul singer, and “Love is a Temple” is one of his signature songs.

He’s over two meters tall, and maybe thanks to that presence, he has an incredibly deep voice.

His appeal is, above all, how cool he is.

Among Italians, he’s famous for being outrageously popular with the ladies (lol).

His music is also super stylish, so definitely give it a listen!

In conclusion

Soul music, which has influenced neo-soul and R&B.

While it may not be a particularly familiar genre in Japan, I imagine there are quite a few songs you’ve heard.

Among all forms of Black music, soul is especially known for its straightforward, passionate expression.

Beyond the works introduced here, there are many classic albums out there, so why not dig deeper into soul music?