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
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.
This week In Soul Artists 06/52
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.
This week In Soul Artists 05/52
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.
This week In Soul Artists 04/52
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.
This week In Soul Artists 03/52
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.
This week In Soul Artists 02/52
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
This week In Soul 01/52
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
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 09/52
James Ingram, Sam Cooke, Harry Belafonte, Corinne Bailey Rae, Laura Mvula, Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu, Esperanza Spalding, Mary Mary, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Little Eva
This week In Soul Artists 44/52
How well do you know the music of James Brown, OutKast, Smokey Robinson, The Miracles, Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Melba Moore, The Neville Brothers, Emeli Sandé, Sampha, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson ? Take our 12-track quiz.
Hip-Hop & Soul New Music Videos 02
Rich The Kid, Joyner Lucas, Todrick, Kevin Gates, Phora, ScHoolboy Q, Gallant, Yella Beezy, Young Chop, Omawumi, Percy Keith, Aaron Thomas are the performers of the twelve brand new hip-hop,…
Hip-Hop & Soul New Music Videos 01
DDG, YG, NLE Choppa, Stormzy, Bugzy Malone, Migos, Lupe Fiasco, YBN Cordae, YFN Lucci, BJ The Chicago Kid, Pell, . 40 are the performers of the twelve brand new hip-hop,…