Best Neo-Soul Albums

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.

1. 1
   BlondeFrank Ocean

   Blonde

   Frank Ocean · 2016 · Soul & R&B

   An elliptical, gorgeous album of fragmented memory and feeling, stripped of obvious hooks in favour of mood and texture. Initially elusive, it becomes a favourite. A defining record of the 2010s.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
2. 2
   BaduizmErykah Badu

   Baduizm

   Erykah Badu · 1997 · Soul & R&B

   The debut that helped define neo-soul, jazzy and hypnotic with a singular voice. Cool and assured. A genre cornerstone.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
3. 3
   VoodooD'Angelo

   Voodoo

   D'Angelo · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   A slow-cooked, deeply musical neo-soul landmark built on loose, behind-the-beat grooves and Questlove's drums. It rewards patient, repeated listening. One of the genre's defining statements.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
4. 4
   Channel OrangeFrank Ocean

   Channel Orange

   Frank Ocean · 2012 · Soul & R&B

   A widescreen breakthrough of narrative R&B, from the sprawling 'Pyramids' to the tender 'Thinkin Bout You'. Warm, literate and assured. The album that made him a star.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
5. 5
   Mama's GunErykah Badu

   Mama's Gun

   Erykah Badu · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   Warmer and more expansive than the debut, blending soul, funk and confession. 'Bag Lady' leads it. A neo-soul high point.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
6. 6
   Brown SugarD'Angelo

   Brown Sugar

   D'Angelo · 1995 · Soul & R&B

   A warm, classicist neo-soul debut that helped launch the genre. Smooth and assured. An influential record.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
7. 7
   A Seat at the TableSolange

   A Seat at the Table

   Solange · 2016 · Soul & R&B

   A graceful, political art-soul album about identity and self-care, beautifully arranged. Quietly powerful. A defining 2010s R&B statement.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
8. 8
   MalibuAnderson .Paak

   Malibu

   Anderson .Paak · 2016 · Soul & R&B

   Sun-soaked, funky and soulful, blending hip-hop, R&B and live grooves. Charismatic throughout. His breakthrough.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
9. 9
   Maxwell's Urban Hang SuiteMaxwell

   Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite

   Maxwell · 1996 · Soul & R&B

   A smooth, sensual neo-soul concept album that helped define the genre. Warm and cohesive. An influential debut.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
10. 10
    Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Jill Scott

    Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1

    Jill Scott · 2000 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, poetic neo-soul debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
11. 11
    FreudianDaniel Caesar

    Freudian

    Daniel Caesar · 2017 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, gospel-touched neo-soul debut of intimacy and faith. Gentle and acclaimed. A standout modern R&B record.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
12. 12
    Black MessiahD'Angelo and the Vanguard

    Black Messiah

    D'Angelo and the Vanguard · 2014 · Soul & R&B

    A dense, politically charged comeback after 14 years, layered and live. Bold and acclaimed. A triumphant return.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
13. 13
    New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)Erykah Badu

    New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)

    Erykah Badu · 2008 · Soul & R&B

    A dense, political neo-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
14. 14
    BLACKsummers'nightMaxwell

    BLACKsummers'night

    Maxwell · 2009 · Soul & R&B

    A lush, mature neo-soul comeback. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
15. 15
    When I Get HomeSolange

    When I Get Home

    Solange · 2019 · Soul & R&B

    A hazy, experimental art-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
16. 16
    VenturaAnderson .Paak

    Ventura

    Anderson .Paak · 2019 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, soulful companion to Oxnard. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
17. 17
    Case Study 01Daniel Caesar

    Case Study 01

    Daniel Caesar · 2019 · Soul & R&B

    A lush, adventurous follow-up to Freudian. Smooth and acclaimed. A creative step.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
18. 18
    Lost & FoundJorja Smith

    Lost & Found

    Jorja Smith · 2018 · Soul & R&B

    A soulful, assured UK-R&B debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
19. 19
    New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)Erykah Badu

    New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)

    Erykah Badu · 2010 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, melodic companion to the political Part One. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
20. 20
    ProcessSampha

    Process

    Sampha · 2017 · Soul & R&B

    A tender, electronic-soul debut of grief and warmth, home to '(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano'. Intimate and acclaimed. A standout.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
21. 21
    LahaiSampha

    Lahai

    Sampha · 2023 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, rhythmic follow-up of soulful electronics. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →