The Best Soul & R&B Albums
Voices and grooves that carry more feeling than any other shelf.
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1What's Going OnMarvin Gaye
What's Going On
A seamless song-suite on war, poverty and the environment, Gaye's defiant break from Motown's hit factory. Lush, jazzy and politically urgent, it reframed what soul could address. Often called the greatest soul album ever.
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2Songs in the Key of LifeStevie Wonder
Songs in the Key of Life
A double album of staggering range and generosity, the centrepiece of Wonder's golden run. Funk, jazz, ballads and social commentary all sit comfortably together. Exhaustive, joyous and essential.
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3InnervisionsStevie Wonder
Innervisions
Tight, visionary and politically charged, blending synth-funk with social realism on tracks like 'Living for the City'. Wonder plays much of it himself. A peak of the singer-songwriter-as-one-man-band ideal.
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4I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love YouAretha Franklin
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
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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5Super FlyCurtis Mayfield
Super Fly
A socially conscious soundtrack that outshone its film, layering lush strings and funk over unflinching street narratives. 'Freddie's Dead' and the title track are classics. Beautiful and clear-eyed.
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6VoodooD'Angelo
Voodoo
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.
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7BlondeFrank Ocean
Blonde
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.
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8Channel OrangeFrank Ocean
Channel Orange
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.
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9After HoursThe Weeknd
After Hours
A neon, synth-soaked plunge into excess and regret, home to the inescapable 'Blinding Lights'. Cohesive and cinematic. His most complete pop statement.
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10Let's Get It OnMarvin Gaye
Let's Get It On
A landmark of sensual soul, lush and intimate, home to its iconic title track. Warm and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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11Here, My DearMarvin Gaye
Here, My Dear
A raw, sprawling divorce concept album of startling candour. Bold and reappraised. A cult favourite.
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12Talking BookStevie Wonder
Talking Book
Where Wonder's classic period truly opens up, home to 'Superstition' and 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life'. Warm, funky and melodically rich. A perfect entry to his run of 1970s masterpieces.
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13Let's Stay TogetherAl Green
Let's Stay Together
Smooth, sensual Memphis soul defined by Green's falsetto and Willie Mitchell's warm production. The title track is a standard for good reason. A bedroom-soul cornerstone.
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14Call MeAl Green
Call Me
A peak of Hi Records soul, smooth and warm with country touches. Sensual and beautifully produced. One of his best.
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15Otis BlueOtis Redding
Otis Blue
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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16Stand!Sly and the Family Stone
Stand!
Joyful, integrationist funk-soul at its peak, idealistic and irresistible. 'Everyday People' anchors it. A high point of the era.
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17There's a Riot Goin' OnSly and the Family Stone
There's a Riot Goin' On
A murky, exhausted masterpiece that answered the optimism of the 60s with funk's dark night of the soul. Dense and influential. A radical, essential record.
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18Hot Buttered SoulIsaac Hayes
Hot Buttered Soul
A radical, expansive soul record of long, orchestral reinventions that changed the genre's scope. Lush and bold. A landmark.
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19Still BillBill Withers
Still Bill
Warm, plain-spoken soul of enormous craft, home to 'Lean on Me' and 'Use Me'. Direct and timeless. His finest record.
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20BaduizmErykah Badu
Baduizm
The debut that helped define neo-soul, jazzy and hypnotic with a singular voice. Cool and assured. A genre cornerstone.
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21Mama's GunErykah Badu
Mama's Gun
Warmer and more expansive than the debut, blending soul, funk and confession. 'Bag Lady' leads it. A neo-soul high point.
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22Brown SugarD'Angelo
Brown Sugar
A warm, classicist neo-soul debut that helped launch the genre. Smooth and assured. An influential record.
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23Songs in A MinorAlicia Keys
Songs in A Minor
A classically informed neo-soul debut that announced a major talent, anchored by 'Fallin''. Soulful and assured. A blockbuster on release.
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24CtrlSZA
Ctrl
A candid, conversational debut about insecurity and desire that reshaped modern R&B. Relatable and beautifully sung. A word-of-mouth phenomenon that aged into a classic.
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25SOSSZA
SOS
A sprawling, genre-blending blockbuster of candid modern R&B. Bold and huge. A commercial and critical peak.
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26A Seat at the TableSolange
A Seat at the Table
A graceful, political art-soul album about identity and self-care, beautifully arranged. Quietly powerful. A defining 2010s R&B statement.
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27MalibuAnderson .Paak
Malibu
Sun-soaked, funky and soulful, blending hip-hop, R&B and live grooves. Charismatic throughout. His breakthrough.
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28Beauty Behind the MadnessThe Weeknd
Beauty Behind the Madness
A glossy pop-R&B blockbuster, home to 'Can't Feel My Face'. Polished and huge. His mainstream breakthrough.
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29Lady SoulAretha Franklin
Lady Soul
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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30Young, Gifted and BlackAretha Franklin
Young, Gifted and Black
A soulful, mature peak of gospel-charged R&B. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.
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31I Want YouMarvin Gaye
I Want You
A lush, sensual concept album of slow-burning soul. Smooth and beloved. A high point.
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32CurtisCurtis Mayfield
Curtis
A lush, socially conscious solo debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A genre cornerstone.
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333+3The Isley Brothers
3+3
A peak of funky soul and rock guitar, home to 'That Lady'. Smooth and influential. A 70s classic.
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34Extension of a ManDonny Hathaway
Extension of a Man
A lush, orchestral peak of soulful depth. Beautiful and beloved. A high point.
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35That's the Way of the WorldEarth, Wind & Fire
That's the Way of the World
A peak of lush, uplifting funk-soul, home to 'Shining Star'. Polished and joyful. Their best.
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36Maggot BrainFunkadelic
Maggot Brain
A psychedelic-funk landmark opening with a guitar elegy for the ages. Wild and visionary. A genre cornerstone.
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37One Nation Under a GrooveFunkadelic
One Nation Under a Groove
A joyous, danceable funk peak of communal energy. Tight and influential. A genre high point.
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38Mothership ConnectionParliament
Mothership Connection
A cosmic, horn-driven P-Funk landmark of sci-fi groove. Funky and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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39Live at the ApolloJames Brown
Live at the Apollo
An electrifying live document that captured Brown's raw command. Thrilling and historic. One of the great live albums.
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40Music of My MindStevie Wonder
Music of My Mind
The album where Wonder seized creative control, all synths and invention. Bold and beloved. A turning point.
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41Maxwell's Urban Hang SuiteMaxwell
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
A smooth, sensual neo-soul concept album that helped define the genre. Warm and cohesive. An influential debut.
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42Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Jill Scott
Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1
A warm, poetic neo-soul debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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43My LifeMary J. Blige
My Life
A raw, confessional hip-hop-soul landmark of pain and survival. Honest and beloved. Her masterpiece.
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44What's the 411?Mary J. Blige
What's the 411?
A foundational hip-hop-soul debut. Sharp and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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45CrazySexyCoolTLC
CrazySexyCool
A smooth, hugely successful R&B landmark, home to 'Waterfalls' and 'Creep'. Polished and beloved. A 90s staple.
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46The Writing's on the WallDestiny's Child
The Writing's on the Wall
A blockbuster R&B peak, home to 'Say My Name'. Polished and huge. A breakthrough.
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47ConfessionsUsher
Confessions
A blockbuster R&B record of slick production and dramatic storytelling, one of the best-sellers of its era. Polished and assured. His commercial peak.
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48Kaleidoscope DreamMiguel
Kaleidoscope Dream
A sleek, psychedelic R&B record of real songcraft and sensuality. Smooth and adventurous. A modern soul high point.
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49The ArchAndroidJanelle Monae
The ArchAndroid
An ambitious, genre-spanning concept record of funk, soul and sci-fi, dazzling in scope. Inventive and acclaimed. A bold debut album.
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50Dirty ComputerJanelle Monae
Dirty Computer
A bright, defiant pop-funk record of identity and freedom, Prince-indebted and joyful. Polished and acclaimed. Her most accessible peak.
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51FreudianDaniel Caesar
Freudian
A warm, gospel-touched neo-soul debut of intimacy and faith. Gentle and acclaimed. A standout modern R&B record.
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52Ego DeathThe Internet
Ego Death
A smooth, live-band neo-soul peak of effortless groove. Cool and acclaimed. Their breakthrough.
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53Untitled (Black Is)Sault
Untitled (Black Is)
A powerful, anonymous protest-soul landmark. Bold and acclaimed. A modern high point.
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54Coming HomeLeon Bridges
Coming Home
A warm, retro-soul debut of vintage craft. Smooth and beloved. A breakthrough.
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55Love & HateMichael Kiwanuka
Love & Hate
A lush, soulful peak of vintage warmth, home to 'Cold Little Heart'. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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56Diamond LifeSade
Diamond Life
Cool, sophisticated sophisti-pop and soul, defined by Sade Adu's restrained voice and 'Smooth Operator'. Timeless and elegant. A perfect debut.
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57Love DeluxeSade
Love Deluxe
Lush, late-night soul of real depth, home to 'No Ordinary Love'. Understated and gorgeous. Their finest record.
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58Fulfillingness' First FinaleStevie Wonder
Fulfillingness' First Finale
A reflective, funky peak of his classic run. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.
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59Midnight LoveMarvin Gaye
Midnight Love
A smooth, comeback peak, home to 'Sexual Healing'. Sleek and beloved. A late high.
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60I'm Still in Love with YouAl Green
I'm Still in Love with You
A warm, sensual Hi Records peak. Smooth and beloved. A high point.
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61Amazing GraceAretha Franklin
Amazing Grace
A towering live gospel album, the best-selling of her career. Powerful and historic. A landmark.
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62The Dock of the BayOtis Redding
The Dock of the Bay
A posthumous peak built around its timeless title song. Soulful and beloved. A high point.
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63Night BeatSam Cooke
Night Beat
A late-night, bluesy set that shows the depth beneath Cooke's pop sheen. Intimate and soulful. An underrated classic.
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64Modern Sounds in Country and Western MusicRay Charles
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
A bold, genre-crossing landmark that reframed country through soul. Lush and influential. A historic record.
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65Just as I AmBill Withers
Just as I Am
An intimate debut of acoustic-leaning soul, introducing 'Ain't No Sunshine'. Honest and understated. A quietly perfect record.
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66Pieces of a ManGil Scott-Heron
Pieces of a Man
A foundational fusion of soul, jazz and spoken word, home to 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'. Sharp and influential. A proto-rap landmark.
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67Cloud NineThe Temptations
Cloud Nine
A psychedelic-soul pivot toward funk and social themes. Bold and influential. A turning point.
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68FreshSly and the Family Stone
Fresh
A loose, funky post-Riot record of reinvented grooves. Influential and warm. A genre favourite.
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69Black MessiahD'Angelo and the Vanguard
Black Messiah
A dense, politically charged comeback after 14 years, layered and live. Bold and acclaimed. A triumphant return.
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70New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)Erykah Badu
New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)
A dense, political neo-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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71BLACKsummers'nightMaxwell
BLACKsummers'night
A lush, mature neo-soul comeback. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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72The Diary of Alicia KeysAlicia Keys
The Diary of Alicia Keys
A polished, soulful follow-up of confident craft. Smooth and huge. A commercial peak.
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73No More DramaMary J. Blige
No More Drama
A triumphant, empowered peak of hip-hop-soul. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.
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74My WayUsher
My Way
A slick, hit-laden R&B peak, home to 'Nice & Slow'. Smooth and huge. A breakthrough.
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75FanMailTLC
FanMail
A futuristic, hit-packed R&B peak, home to 'No Scrubs'. Polished and huge. A commercial high.
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76SurvivorDestiny's Child
Survivor
A confident, hit-stuffed peak, home to its title anthem. Polished and huge. A commercial high.
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77House of BalloonsThe Weeknd
House of Balloons
A dark, atmospheric mixtape debut that reshaped R&B. Bold and influential. A landmark.
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78StarboyThe Weeknd
Starboy
A glossy, Daft-Punk-assisted pop-R&B peak. Polished and huge. A commercial high.
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79Dawn FMThe Weeknd
Dawn FM
A sleek, 80s-tinged concept album of synth-pop-soul. Polished and acclaimed. A creative high.
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80WildheartMiguel
Wildheart
A sensual, rock-tinged R&B peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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81When I Get HomeSolange
When I Get Home
A hazy, experimental art-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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82VenturaAnderson .Paak
Ventura
A warm, soulful companion to Oxnard. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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83Freetown SoundBlood Orange
Freetown Sound
A collage-like art-R&B record of identity and 80s textures. Lush and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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84Case Study 01Daniel Caesar
Case Study 01
A lush, adventurous follow-up to Freudian. Smooth and acclaimed. A creative step.
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85NineSault
Nine
A sharp, soulful protest record released for a limited window. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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86Gemini RightsSteve Lacy
Gemini Rights
A breezy, funky bedroom-R&B peak, home to 'Bad Habit'. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakout.
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87Lost & FoundJorja Smith
Lost & Found
A soulful, assured UK-R&B debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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88ShaftIsaac Hayes
Shaft
A funky, cinematic soundtrack landmark, home to its Oscar-winning theme. Sleek and influential. A 70s classic.
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89Ship AhoyThe O'Jays
Ship Ahoy
A lush, socially conscious Philly-soul peak. Powerful and beloved. A high point.
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90C'est ChicChic
C'est Chic
A peak of sophisticated disco, home to 'Le Freak'. Sleek and huge. A genre cornerstone.
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91RisqueChic
Risque
A peak of sophisticated disco-funk, home to 'Good Times'. Sleek and hugely influential on hip-hop. A dancefloor landmark.
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92All 'n AllEarth, Wind & Fire
All 'n All
A lavish, spiritual funk-soul peak. Polished and beloved. A high point.
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93Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo SyndromeParliament
Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome
A cosmic P-Funk peak, home to 'Flash Light'. Funky and beloved. A high point.
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94Free Your Mind... and Your Ass Will FollowFunkadelic
Free Your Mind... and Your Ass Will Follow
A wild, psychedelic-funk landmark of acid-rock intensity. Bold and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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95The World Is a GhettoWar
The World Is a Ghetto
A smooth, socially conscious funk-soul peak of Latin and jazz textures. Groovy and warm. A 70s favourite.
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96Trouble ManMarvin Gaye
Trouble Man
A lush, jazzy soundtrack peak of cinematic soul. Smooth and beloved. A cult favourite.
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97RootsCurtis Mayfield
Roots
A lush, socially conscious soul peak. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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98RaptureAnita Baker
Rapture
A smooth, sophisticated quiet-storm peak, home to 'Sweet Love'. Lush and huge. A genre cornerstone.
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99Stronger Than PrideSade
Stronger Than Pride
A cool, sophisticated soul peak. Smooth and beloved. A high point.
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100One in a MillionAaliyah
One in a Million
A sleek, futuristic R&B landmark with Timbaland's innovative beats. Smooth and influential. Her breakthrough.
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101AaliyahAaliyah
Aaliyah
A polished, forward-thinking final album of cool sophistication. Smooth and acclaimed. A poignant peak.
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102New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)Erykah Badu
New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)
A warm, melodic companion to the political Part One. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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103IsolationKali Uchis
Isolation
A vibrant, genre-blending debut of psychedelic R&B-pop. Bold and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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104Choose Your WeaponHiatus Kaiyote
Choose Your Weapon
A dense, virtuosic future-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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105It Is What It IsThundercat
It Is What It Is
A jazzy, melancholic blend of funk, soul and virtuoso bass. Singular and warm. A modern favourite.
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106AromanticismMoses Sumney
Aromanticism
A spare, ethereal art-soul debut. Singular and acclaimed. A striking arrival.
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107graeMoses Sumney
grae
An ambitious, genre-spanning art-soul double album. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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108ProcessSampha
Process
A tender, electronic-soul debut of grief and warmth, home to '(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano'. Intimate and acclaimed. A standout.
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109LahaiSampha
Lahai
A warm, rhythmic follow-up of soulful electronics. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.
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110LP1FKA twigs
LP1
An avant-R&B debut of fragile vocals and glitchy, sensual production. Singular and acclaimed. A striking arrival.
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111MagdaleneFKA twigs
Magdalene
A bold, art-pop peak of heartbreak and reinvention. Adventurous and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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112Collapsed in SunbeamsArlo Parks
Collapsed in Sunbeams
A gentle, literate bedroom-soul debut. Warm and Mercury-winning. A breakthrough.
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113The Electric LadyJanelle Monae
The Electric Lady
A lush, ambitious concept peak of funk and soul. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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114St. ElsewhereGnarls Barkley
St. Elsewhere
A quirky, soulful pop-soul record, home to the inescapable 'Crazy'. Inventive and fun. A 2000s landmark.