Born in the United States after the Second World War, the Soul is one of the contemporary musical genres of greater ancestry. It is an expression of African American communities, a combination of elements of gospel, doo wop and rhytm and blues.
Guitar, electric bass, drums, keyboard, piano, synthesizer, organ and saxophone, in addition to the soloist and choirs, make up its traditional structure.
Conclusion catchy rhythms, which are often accented by clapping and body movements. Another common feature is the call-and-response episodes between the vocal leader and the backup singers.
The Soul, a symbol of social struggle
Towards the end of the 60s and early 70s, the genre served as companion in the fight for Civil Rights in the United States, with artists who even actively participated within the political groups promoting change.
Although many consider that its heyday ended in the early 80s, Soul has never ceased to be present in the collective unconscious, not only of the American population, also in practically the rest of the American continent and in Europe.
As a cultural manifestation that evolves with the people, it has suffered metamorphoses and mergers with other genres. As well a good number of derived rhythms have emerged, which keep it fully current.
Some of the most emblematic songs of Soul
Hit the road, Jackby Ray Charles (1961)
Composed by Percy Mayfield, "The Poet Laureate of the Blues." This theme represented the first number one on the Billboard charts for "The Father of Soul". From start to finish, it's about a dialogue between Charles and his backing group, The Realettes. Occupies ranked 387 on the list of The Best Songs of All Time. Since 2016, you can dance in the popular video game Just Dance.
Respectby Otis Redding (1965)
This topic became an anthem for African Americans since its publication. The most popular version of the song would be published a couple of years later, with the voice of Aretha Franklin, who endowed the lyrics with aggressiveness.
Franklin's version has been used several times in the movies and is considered to be the 9th most acclaimed song of all time by specialized critics, according to the portal Acclaimed Music.
(Sittin'On) The Dock of The Bay by Otis Redding (1968)
Released after Redding's tragic death in a plane crash. Has been versioned multiple times, by artists ranging from Charly García, Michael Bolton or the grunge band Pearl Jam. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, it ranks 28 among the Best 500 Songs of All Time.
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse (2006)
Another early death, albeit for entirely different reasons, deprived Soul of another of its most promising voices and songwriters. This was the third promotional single from the self-titled album, after two other legendary pieces: Rehab y You know i'm no good. Later they would be promoted Tears dry on their own y Love is a losing game, all full of the unmistakable emotional charge of the British singer. With 3,5 million copies, Back to Black is the best-selling album of the XNUMXst century in the UK.
Rolling in the deep by Adele (2010)
Another female voice born in England, considered by many to be the best fusion of Soul with the most commercial Pop. Composed by Adele herself in collaboration with Paul Epworth, the song won three Grammy Awards, in addition to selling more than 14 million copies (both physical and via digital downloads) worldwide.
It's a man's man's man's world by James Brown (1966)
"The Godfather of Soul" cannot be left out of any list of this musical genre. Neither when talking about R&B or Funk. It peaked at # 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and for Rolling Stone magazine, among the Best 500 Songs of All Time, it occupies position 123. It has been covered by various artists ranging from Christina Aguilera to Cher.
Ain't no sunchine by Bill Withers (1971)
One of the most heartfelt songs of the genre, the living representation of a broken and devastated heart. Composed by Withers himself and published in his debut work just as i am. It peaked at # 3 on the Billboard chart. For the editors of Rolling Stone magazine, among the Best 500 Songs of All Time, it ranks 285.
No one by Alicia Keys (2007)
Halfway between R&B and Soul, full of reggae elements. Keys refreshed mid-XNUMXs pop music with this song, and with the disk as i am.
i tried by Mercy Gray (1999)
Before the end of the XNUMXth century, This American singer gave Soul a bit of the sound of its origins, although adding violins. For this song, Gray was awarded a Grammy in the category of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Let's stay together by Al Green (1971)
One of the most enduring classics in the history of contemporary American music. For Rolling Stone magazine, it's about from song # 60, in the Top 500 Songs of All Time. In 1983, Tina Turner released a Disco version with her powerful voice, which was even more successful than Green's.
Superstition by Steven Wonder (1972)
A song that carries the classic soul decal. Composed and produced by Wonder himself for the Motown Records label.
I feel good by Nina Simone (1965)
Made of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the Broadway musical The roar of the Greasepaint - The smell of the crowd. The passion with which the American interpreter sang this song, still shakes anyone today.
Wonderful World by Sam Cooke (1961)
This singer shares with Otis Redding the honor of being called "The King of Soul". In addition to being one of the pioneers of the genre and being extremely successful in his time with both African American and white audiences, he became the first dark-skinned singer to found his own label partner. His success was also cut short by an early death, a fact that occurred under conditions that, half a century later, are still not entirely clear. Wonderful World it is a declaration of love full of optimism and vitality.
Image sources: El Periódico / Soul Funk / YouTube