What is the best soul album of all time?

From Motown polish to Philadelphia grit, gospel-soaked landmarks share the stage with smooth quiet-storm classics and adventurous future-funk experiments. Where do you stand?

1

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye's 1971 concept album about war, poverty, and the environment that redefined what a soul record could be.

2

Songs in the Key of Life

Stevie Wonder's sprawling 1976 double album touching politics, spirituality, and love at the absolute peak of his powers.

3

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Aretha Franklin's 1967 Atlantic debut that established her as the Queen of Soul with raw, gospel-fired performances.

4

Call Me

Al Green's 1973 Memphis soul classic blending tender ballads, country, and gospel under Willie Mitchell's lush production.

5

Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul

Otis Redding's 1965 Stax masterpiece, recorded in just 28 hours and packed with his signature interpretive anthems.

6

Live at the Apollo

James Brown's 1963 landmark concert recording credited with reshaping live R&B albums for generations to come.

7

Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963

Sam Cooke's raw, sweaty 1963 club performance, shelved for two decades and finally released to reveal his unfiltered side.

8

Super Fly

Curtis Mayfield's 1972 soundtrack masterpiece blending lush orchestration with sharp social commentary on inner-city life.

9

Sign o' the Times

Prince's 1987 ambitious double album fusing funk, rock, gospel, and pop at the absolute peak of his creative powers.

10

Off the Wall

Michael Jackson's 1979 Quincy Jones-produced disco-soul triumph that launched his adult solo superstardom.

11

That's the Way of the World

Earth, Wind & Fire's 1975 lush spiritual-funk landmark featuring 'Shining Star' and 'Reasons.'

12

3 + 3

The Isley Brothers' 1973 genre-blending LP where Ernie Isley's psychedelic guitar leads 'That Lady' and 'Summer Breeze.'

13

There's a Riot Goin' On

Sly and the Family Stone's murky, paranoid 1971 funk landmark that dismantled the band's earlier optimism.

14

All Directions

The Temptations' 1972 psychedelic-soul peak, anchored by the seven-minute epic 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone.'

15

Imagination

Gladys Knight & the Pips' 1973 Buddah Records breakthrough featuring the Grammy-winning 'Midnight Train to Georgia.'

16

Back Stabbers

The O'Jays' 1972 Philadelphia soul masterwork combining lush strings with sharp social commentary.

17

CrazySexyCool

TLC's 1994 diamond-certified blend of new jack swing, hip-hop soul, and quiet storm balladry that defined a decade.

18

II

Boyz II Men's 1994 multi-platinum blockbuster of a cappella harmonies and slow-jam ballads that defined 90s R&B.

19

Rapture

Anita Baker's 1986 smooth-jazz-tinged quiet storm classic anchored by 'Sweet Love' and 'Caught Up in the Rapture.'

20

Diamond Life

Sade's 1984 sophisticated debut blending soul, jazz, and Latin rhythms with Sade Adu's signature cool vocals.