Here's my five non-obscure soul recommendations.

1. Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear
2. The Stylistics - The Stylistics
3. Donny Hathaway - Extension of a Man
4. Anything by Otis Redding, James Brown or Smokey Robinson. Take your pick.
5. Terry Callier - What Color Is Love

My knowledge of soul is a bit deficient, but I can confirm that you can't go wrong with any of these suggestions.

I've been meaning to listen to Hot Buttered Soul for ages. I've always liked Sam & Dave but I can't seem to track down Soul Men, so I'd be eternally grateful if anyone could send it to me.

I saw one mention of Sam Cooke, but I don't believe it can be overstated - Sam Cooke is, to me, the definitive soul artist. Your collection is not complete without a copy of Portrait Of A Legend, at the least. Stevie Wonder is also excellent, and I would rate Songs In The Key Of Life as his best, although basically all of his albums from Music Of My Mind through Songs In The Key Of Life are amazing.

The Isley Brothers album Givin' it Back is a great listen. It was released in 1971 and all seven tracks are cover versions, theres a reason why they did a covers album the clue is in the album title. Apparently they were more than a little bit pissed of with Hendrix at the time, Im sure you all know Hendrix had been the lead guitarist in The Isley Brothers earlier in his career. He seemed to forget all about his influences and the people that had helped him on his way before his success happened, or at least thats how many black American artists saw it at the time. Anyway.......... if you havent heard it before give it a listen, its a great album.

Track 4..........

There are some great classic soul music recommendations here. Don't overlook the more recent Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings--they should have greater recognition. My classic soul favs are Ray Charles, Solomon Burke (who made several albums in the last decade) and Sam Cooke (don't miss his work with the Soul-Stirrers, the gospel group he worked with until he crossed over to pop music).

Guys seriously, Pieces Of A Man by Gil Scott Heron is a must.

You forgot Marvin Gaye's album, What's Going On.

Yeah, I disagree with my own list now. What's Going On is much better than Let's Get It On. Well, that's my opinion, I guess.

James Carr - You Got My Mind Messed Up

hot butterd soul!!!


plus, i know many people frown on best of compilations and hits collections but this one served me well

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