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?

What's Going On

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

1/20

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.

2/20

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.

3/20

Call Me

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

4/20

Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul

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

5/20

Live at the Apollo

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

6/20

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.

7/20

Super Fly

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

8/20

Sign o' the Times

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

9/20

Off the Wall

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

10/20

That's the Way of the World

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

11/20

3 + 3

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

12/20

There's a Riot Goin' On

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

13/20

All Directions

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

14/20

Imagination

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

15/20

Back Stabbers

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

16/20

CrazySexyCool

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

17/20

II

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

18/20

Rapture

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

19/20

Diamond Life

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

20/20