Must-have Neo-soul Albums
2010-03-08
Every music lover has a handful of albums that fall into the “must-have” category. Hardcore rap fans may name classics such as N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton, while those who prefer the lyrical wizardry of hip hop might say It Was Written by Nas. For those who enjoy artists that burst the conventional bubble and recapture the old school sounds Rhythm and Blues, these are neo soul albums you can’t be without.
Floetic
Floetry is comprised of Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart, aka the Songstress and Floacist. This dynamic duo made their debut in 2002 with Floetic, a soulful album that offered a melodic blend of jazz, hip hop and poetry. Floetic is so intimate that you may consider it better suited for after-dark relaxation. From “Big Ben” to “Now You’re Gone,” this one is a keeper that will sizzle in CD players for years to come.
Acoustic Soul
Hence the name, India.Arie’s Acoustic Soul boasts moving soul music with a commanding acoustic touch. Apart from her mesmerizing voice, Arie also plays the guitar and drums – no synthesizers or machines, just instrumental magic in its purest form. Of the 16 tracks, “Video,” was her first single and among the most impressive, never grew stale from commercial appeal. “Simple” is another popular favorite, a catchy tune with a thumping beat distinctive of most love songs. Acoustic Soul is solid throughout and perhaps the best of India’s three albums.
Ain’t Nobody Worryin’
Thick, mellifluous and flat out soulful, Ain’t No Body Worryin’ is reminiscent of early ’70s soul with modern pizzazz sprinkled throughout. Anthony Hamilton captured an audience of listeners with his smashing debut, Anthony’s album had to be soulful since he used to sing background for one of the kings of neo soul, D’Angelo. He has therefor cemented himself as one of the godfathers of nu soul. Hamilton’s voice is majestic and powerful, to the point where every single word resonates within. You can’t call yourself a neo soul fanatic without this riveting new classic in your collection.
Voodoo
Following the successful debut of Brown Sugar, D’Angelo proved that he was far from a one-album wonder with the release of Voodoo. A perfection of retro soul, this cutting edge masterpiece not only dramatically compares to old school Marvin Gaye, but also the bone chilling experimental sounds of Jimi Hendrix’s Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland. Voodoo has that finger-snapping, head bopping command with blasts of anger, love songs and eye-opening reality this flavorful genre is so known for. Anyone familiar with D’Angelo’s sophomore album will agree that it was well worth the wait.
By: Prince Damons
About the Author:
Floetic
Floetry is comprised of Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart, aka the Songstress and Floacist. This dynamic duo made their debut in 2002 with Floetic, a soulful album that offered a melodic blend of jazz, hip hop and poetry. Floetic is so intimate that you may consider it better suited for after-dark relaxation. From “Big Ben” to “Now You’re Gone,” this one is a keeper that will sizzle in CD players for years to come.
Acoustic Soul
Hence the name, India.Arie’s Acoustic Soul boasts moving soul music with a commanding acoustic touch. Apart from her mesmerizing voice, Arie also plays the guitar and drums – no synthesizers or machines, just instrumental magic in its purest form. Of the 16 tracks, “Video,” was her first single and among the most impressive, never grew stale from commercial appeal. “Simple” is another popular favorite, a catchy tune with a thumping beat distinctive of most love songs. Acoustic Soul is solid throughout and perhaps the best of India’s three albums.
Ain’t Nobody Worryin’
Thick, mellifluous and flat out soulful, Ain’t No Body Worryin’ is reminiscent of early ’70s soul with modern pizzazz sprinkled throughout. Anthony Hamilton captured an audience of listeners with his smashing debut, Anthony’s album had to be soulful since he used to sing background for one of the kings of neo soul, D’Angelo. He has therefor cemented himself as one of the godfathers of nu soul. Hamilton’s voice is majestic and powerful, to the point where every single word resonates within. You can’t call yourself a neo soul fanatic without this riveting new classic in your collection.
Voodoo
Following the successful debut of Brown Sugar, D’Angelo proved that he was far from a one-album wonder with the release of Voodoo. A perfection of retro soul, this cutting edge masterpiece not only dramatically compares to old school Marvin Gaye, but also the bone chilling experimental sounds of Jimi Hendrix’s Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland. Voodoo has that finger-snapping, head bopping command with blasts of anger, love songs and eye-opening reality this flavorful genre is so known for. Anyone familiar with D’Angelo’s sophomore album will agree that it was well worth the wait.
By: Prince Damons
About the Author:
Listen to the latest soul and hip hop tracks by visiting Prince “BlkMagic” Damons, where you can experience the latest in Atmospheric Soul, featuring Too Short, Goapele and more.
Posted in Soul Music by: Hip Hop Diva
