Classic Soul

Classic soul is a genre of music characterized by its emotive, heartfelt sound, typically featuring lush orchestration, driving rhythms, and powerful, expressive vocal performances. Emerging in the 1950s and 1960s, classic soul drew from gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues to create a distinctive style that emphasized raw emotion and authenticity. During its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, classic soul became a cultural phenomenon, providing a voice for the African American experience and addressing themes of love, social justice, and empowerment. With its blend of sacred and secular influences, classic soul influenced the development of funk, disco, and contemporary R&B, while its raw, emotive qualities set it apart from smoother, more polished styles like Motown. Classic soul's enduring appeal lies in its ability to convey deep emotional truth, making it a timeless and universal genre that continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.

Top Sub-Genres
Memphis Soul
Latest Classic Soul Release
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Mama Tried (Silk Acoustic Version)
Single - Released May 19, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Marvin Gaye
Aretha Franklin
Otis Redding
Bill Withers
Ray Charles
Sam Cooke
Top Playlists
Echoes of the Ages: A Melodic Voyage Through Time 16 Classic Soul artists
Blues, Jazz and Funk 16 Classic Soul artists
Rolling Stone Magazine - 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2024) 11 Classic Soul artists
Top 50 Global 10 Classic Soul artists
70s HITS - 100 Greatest Songs of the 1970s 7 Classic Soul artists
Dr. John Top Radio 5 Classic Soul artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 131 Classic Soul artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 2,742 releases .

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  1. May 19, 2025
  2. May 17
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    Amour
    2 tracks
  3. May 17
  4. May 2
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  6. April 27
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  15. March 28
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  17. March 21
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  21. February 28
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  27. February 19
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    Kanae
    1 tracks
  28. February 17
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    21g
    1 tracks
  29. February 14
  30. February 12
  31. February 9
  32. January 18
  33. January 17
  34. January 17
  35. January 8
  36. December 13, 2024
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  40. December 13