Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs

If You Want Me To StaySly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone – If You Want Me To Stay (Audio)

This soul number is captivating for its comfortable bass-and-drum groove and uniquely languid vocals.

In June 1973, the American group Sly & The Family Stone released it as a single and included it on the album Fresh.

With a lineup that transcended racial and gender boundaries, the band made major contributions to the development of funk and soul music.

Their sound, both meditative and brimming with live energy, went on to influence many later musicians.

The song was also featured in the films Made in Heaven (1987) and Talk to Me (2007), and it continues to enchant a wide audience.

It’s a perfect track for relaxing and enjoying music at an easy pace.

I wanna testifyParliament

[I Wanna] Testify

Released in the 1960s, this song by The Parliaments is performed in a soul style.

They later became known as the band Funkadelic-Parliament.

It’s a track sung as if speaking to a beloved woman.

Keep on TruckinEddie Kendricks

Eddie Kendricks – Keep on Truckin

Released in August 1973, the solo debut by Eddie Kendricks, one of America’s quintessential soul singers, is a classic that fuses a groovy rhythm with the captivating sound of the clavinet.

Created by the former member of Motown’s legendary group The Temptations, this track is a disco-oriented tune made for the dance floor, and it reached No.

1 on both the Billboard Pop chart and the R&B Singles chart.

Its brisk beat and smooth melody have been featured in numerous film and television soundtracks, making it a historic song that helped pioneer disco music.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to elevate the mood with up-tempo music, whether at a party or on a drive.

Move On UpCurtis Mayfield

Move on Up (Extended Version)

In addition to being a singer-songwriter, Curtis Mayfield was a multi-artist who also worked as a music producer.

Alongside Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, he was a New Soul artist who helped lay the foundations for R&B and neo-soul as they are today.

His song “Move On Up” was released as a single in 1971 and reached number 13 on the UK charts.

Just To See HerSmokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson – Just To See Her

Since his debut as the vocalist for The Miracles, Smokey Robinson has left behind many classic songs and performances.

This track, with his distinctive whispery voice that tugs at the heart, was released in 1987 and climbed to No.

8 on the U.

S.

charts, making it one of his signature works.

I Can’t Help MyselfFour Tops

The Four Tops-I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)

While soul music has produced singers with outstanding vocal abilities, it has also given rise to many chorus groups known for their superb harmonies.

The Four Tops are one of the chorus groups that represent early soul.

For All We KnowDonny Hathaway

Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway – For All We Know

Donny Hathaway was also one of the leading musicians of the New Soul movement, and his vocal ability was outstanding.

For All We Know is a classic ballad included on the album he made with Roberta Flack, with Flack playing the piano.