Genre Research - Soul

Soul music combines the sounds of gospel music, rhythm and blues music.  Soul music became popular in America in the 1960's and Soul was a big part of the "British Invasion" in the 60's.

Characteristics of Soul

Tone - Soul is a very emotive music and therefore the tones used reflect various emotions whether it be happy or sad. Tones such as smooth or ghentle are frequently used.

Rhythm and Blues  - Soul borrows a lot from Blues music with the 12 bar , 3 line style lyric that is associated with Blues music.

Call and Response - This is when the artist "calls out" a particular phrase or saying and another artist "responds" to that. This is a feature that can be seen in many Soul songs.

Repetition - A lot of the same musical notes, phrases and rhythms are generally repeated in Soul music.

Instrumentation - Soul music is performed with a combination of different instruments. The use of horns and trumpets define what Soul music is all about.  The Saxophone is one iconic image of Soul music.


Styles of Soul

Detroit ( Motown) Soul - strongly rhythmic and influenced by Blues. Often includes hand clapping and a powerful bass line.

Memphis Soul - features melancholic and melodic horns , organs , bass and drums to create a unique Soul sound.

Chicago Soul - focuses more on a gospel sound , was a lot more diverse to other Soul styles

Philadelphia Soul - features a more orchestral sound with "doo-wop" vocals

Blue-eyed Soul - refers to artists who perform in other genres that are inspired by Soul

British Soul - a lot of artists in Britain were referred to as Blue-eyed Soul peformers, artists such as the Beatles and even George Michael.

Northern (Modern) Soul - soul music that is performed by DJ artists and features an up-tempo beat.

Nu-Jazz and Soulful Electronica - Electronic genres such as House , UK Garage were influenced by Soul music.

 Icons of Soul

Adele - British singer whose album "21" which was a critical and commercial success.

Cee-Lo Green - member of Gnarls Barkley whose Soul single "F*** You" was an instant hit.

James Brown - referred to as "The Godfather of Soul" had many hits such as "I Feel Good" and "Get Up". 

Beyonce - a lot of her work and style is heavily influenced by Soul.

The Commodores - Soul band that sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Bruno Mars - a lot of his music follows the style of Soul

Aretha Franklin - referred to as the "Queen of Soul" had many hits most notably "Respect".

Marvin Gaye - had many hits such as " I Heard It Through The Grapevine"

The Jackson 5 - the band were famous for their Soul music.

Alicia Keys - known for he piano instrumentals in most of her hit songs

Otis Redding - most famous Soul song was "The Dock of the Bay"

Ray Charles - pioneer of Soul music and is one of the icons of Soul music.