The Best Soul and R and B Albums of the 1960s

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1. 1
   I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love YouAretha Franklin

   I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

   Aretha Franklin · 1967 · Soul & R&B

   The album where Aretha found her voice at Atlantic, fusing gospel fire with secular soul on 'Respect' and the title track. Raw, commanding and historic. The Queen of Soul announces herself.

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2. 2
   Otis BlueOtis Redding

   Otis Blue

   Otis Redding · 1965 · Soul & R&B

   Recorded in a single marathon session, it captures Redding's raw, generous soul at its peak, covers and originals alike. Urgent and deeply felt. Essential 1960s soul.

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3. 3
   Stand!Sly and the Family Stone

   Stand!

   Sly and the Family Stone · 1969 · Soul & R&B

   Joyful, integrationist funk-soul at its peak, idealistic and irresistible. 'Everyday People' anchors it. A high point of the era.

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4. 4
   Hot Buttered SoulIsaac Hayes

   Hot Buttered Soul

   Isaac Hayes · 1969 · Soul & R&B

   A radical, expansive soul record of long, orchestral reinventions that changed the genre's scope. Lush and bold. A landmark.

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5. 5
   Lady SoulAretha Franklin

   Lady Soul

   Aretha Franklin · 1968 · Soul & R&B

   A run of near-perfect soul singles gathered into one essential set, sung with unmatched power and feeling. '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' is a high point. Peak Aretha.

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6. 6
   Live at the ApolloJames Brown

   Live at the Apollo

   James Brown · 1963 · Soul & R&B

   An electrifying live document that captured Brown's raw command. Thrilling and historic. One of the great live albums.

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7. 7
   The Dock of the BayOtis Redding

   The Dock of the Bay

   Otis Redding · 1968 · Soul & R&B

   A posthumous peak built around its timeless title song. Soulful and beloved. A high point.

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8. 8
   Night BeatSam Cooke

   Night Beat

   Sam Cooke · 1963 · Soul & R&B

   A late-night, bluesy set that shows the depth beneath Cooke's pop sheen. Intimate and soulful. An underrated classic.

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9. 9
   Modern Sounds in Country and Western MusicRay Charles

   Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

   Ray Charles · 1962 · Soul & R&B

   A bold, genre-crossing landmark that reframed country through soul. Lush and influential. A historic record.

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10. 10
    Cloud NineThe Temptations

    Cloud Nine

    The Temptations · 1969 · Soul & R&B

    A psychedelic-soul pivot toward funk and social themes. Bold and influential. A turning point.

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