This week In Soul Artists 14/52
En Vogue, Jill Scott, Faith Evans, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Gregory Porter, Sarah Vaughan, Ziggy Marley, Rick James, The Temptations, James Brown, Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye
This week In Soul Artists 13/52
Commodores, Prince, Usher, Run–D.M.C., Incognito, Erykah Badu, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, Barry White, Bettye LaVette, Diana Ross
This week In Soul Artists 12/52
Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Earth, Wind, Fire, The Temptations, Chaka Khan, Barry White, Otis Redding, Macy Gray, Beverley Knight, Usher, Arrested Development, Parliament Funkadelic
This week In Soul Artists 11/52
Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind, Fire, Sly, the Family Stone, Quincy Jones, will.i.am, Donna Summer, Barry Manilow, Aaron Neville, Soulive, Gil Scott-Heron, Etta James, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Sam Cooke
This week In Soul Artists 10/52
Luther Vandross, Joss Stone, Lionel Richie & Kenny Chesney, Ernie Isley, Aretha Franklin, Incognito, Mary Wilson, King Curtis & The Kingpins, The Staple Singers, Gary Clark Jr. & William Bell, Ben Harper, Cesaria Evora
This week In Soul Artists 08/52
Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, John Legend, Seal, Aaron Neville, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, TLC, Aretha Franklin, Rihanna, Corinne Bailey Rae, Incognito
This week In Soul Artists 07/52
How well do you know the music of
Al Jarreau’s "Trouble in Paradise" from his 1983 album balances smooth production and heartfelt lyrics, though it leans into safe territory compared to dynamic tracks like "Mornin’." The Crusaders’ "Street Life," anchored by Randy Crawford’s striking vocals, blends jazz-funk with urban storytelling, celebrated for its timeless appeal yet sometimes criticized for being overly polished. Meanwhile, Irma Thomas's "It's Raining" showcases understated heartbreak with a laid-back R&B feel, emphasizing nuanced vulnerability over big crescendos.
Teddy Pendergrass’ emotionally charged "Joy" triumphs as a late-'80s R&B standout post-recovery, while Thelma Houston’s disco classic "Don’t Leave Me This Way" carries raw urgency and cultural resonance. The Gap Band’s "Outstanding" enchants with its smooth romantic groove, though it risks repetitiveness. Tracks like Maceo Parker’s live "Pass the Peas" highlight razor-sharp funk delivery, reflecting collaborative genius even when staying within known boundaries. Together, these songs reveal rich layers of artistry across eras and genres.
? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 06/52
How well do you know the music of
Whitney Houston’s "You Give Good Love" introduced her voice with a restrained elegance, aiming for niche resonance while hinting at her potential; charting high on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing love from black music audiences, it balanced strategy and intimacy. Similarly, "Love Hangover" by Diana Ross shifted between sultry balladry and disco dynamism, earning chart-topping success and decades-long adaptability but leaving some critics debating its cohesion.
Ray Charles’s "I Can’t Stop Loving You" reimagined a country classic with orchestral grandeur, winning Grammys and broad appeal, while Kanye West’s "All Falls Down" spun reflections on materialism into a polished hit, powered by Syleena Johnson’s warm vocals. D’Angelo’s "Lady" stood out for its understated neo-soul charm, and Luther Vandross’s "Take You Out" showcased his timeless delivery, balancing R&B tradition with contemporary flair.
? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 05/52
How well do you know the music of From Luther Vandross’s heartfelt take on “The Impossible Dream” blending Broadway flair with R&B nuance to Al Green’s timeless “Let’s Stay Together,” the text highlights standout interpretations. Prince’s sultry ballad “Do Me, Baby” oozes intimacy, while Earth, Wind & Fire’s “After the Love Has Gone” balances glossy production with rich harmonics. Janet Jackson’s breezy “When I Think of You” exudes ’80s charm, and The Temptations’ edgy “Cloud Nine” pushes psychedelic boundaries. Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” delivers cultural punch through bold beats and choreography, and Bettye LaVette’s “Let Me Down Easy” captivates with raw emotion. Ike & Tina Turner bring fire to “I Want to Take You Higher,” while the Fugees’ layered “Vocab” hints at their future brilliance. Each track carves its place with unique textures and vibrant artistry.? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 04/52
How well do you know the music of Anita Baker’s silky “Sweet Love” glides on elegant restraint, while Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood” thunders with raw urgency. Curtis Mayfield’s tender “The Makings of You” whispers timeless intimacy, and D’Angelo’s haunting “Devil’s Pie” critiques materialism with hypnotic beats. Sharon Jones’ “My Man Is a Mean Man” revives analog grit, and Janet Jackson’s “Control” is an assertive anthem of independence.? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 03/52
How well do you know the music of Etta James’ fiery vocals never touched Wilson Pickett's groove-laden "In the Midnight Hour," despite myths of a collaboration with B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Wilson Pickett’s gritty delivery also powered "Mustang Sally," born from Mack Rice’s pen. Aretha Franklin’s heartache-infused "Call Me" turned a casual farewell into an emotional anthem, while Sade’s "Paradise" stayed cool and restrained. Parliament’s funky "Do That Stuff" thrived on eccentricity, and Jackie Wilson dazzled with the heartfelt swing of "That’s Why (I Love You So)." Mavis Staples led "I’ll Take You There" with gospel-rooted family textures, and Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" paired glittering ’80s pop with genuine yearning. Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Closer” brought sultry intimacy, and The Roots’ “You Got Me,” with Erykah Badu and Eve, blended vulnerability with neo-soul grooves. Across decades and genres, these tracks capture vivid moments without overreach.? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 02/52
How well do you know the music of Lizz Wright, Shirley Bassey, Donny Hathaway, Teddy Pendergrass, Gil Scott-Heron, Mary J. Blige, Eternal, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Bootsy Collins, LL Cool J, The Jimmy Castor Bunch, Bobby Womack ? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul 01/52
How well do you know the music of Gladys Knight & The Pips, Aretha Franklin & Lou Rawls, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Booker T. & The MG'S, Edwin Starr, James Brown, The Drifters, Sister Sledge, The Supremes, Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, George Benson ? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 52/52
How well do you know the music of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Prince, Curtis Mayfield, The Pointer Sisters, Barry White, John Legend, The Neville Brothers, Billy Ocean, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli, Roberta Flack, Nnenna Freelon? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 50/52
How well do you know the music of Rufus Thomas, Bobby Womack, Otis Redding, D'Angelo, Gladys Knight, Sam Cooke, Donna Summer, Eartha Kitt, Bettye LaVette, Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Nancy Wilson ? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 49/52
How well do you know the music of Otis Redding, Macy Gray, Shalamar, The Temptations, George Clinton, James Brown, Queen Latifah, Beyoncé, Martha Reeves, The Vandellas, Ike and Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson ? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 48/52
How well do you know the music of Teddy Pendergrass, The Temptations, The Chambers Brothers, The Roots, John Legend, Gallant, Philip Bailey, Larry Dunn, Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Parliament, Erykah Badu, Soul II Soul, Queen Latifah ? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 47/52
How well do you know the music of Earth Wind & Fire, Tina Turner, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Big Joe Turner, Jr. Walker & The All Stars, Marvin Gaye, Ne-Yo, Parliament, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross ? Take our 12-track quiz.
This week In Soul Artists 46/52
How well do you know the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, Maze, Etta James, Erykah Badu, Ruth Brown, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles, Irma Thomas, Aretha Franklin ? Take our 12-track quiz.