Since new generations are rediscovering ‘old-school’ neo-soul music, I decided to offer my list of essential neo-soul albums from artists who formed the movement as we identify it today. Many of the pioneering truly indie artists of the movement grew up, created families, acquired gainful employment, and put music on the back burner to deal with life’s successes and failures.
However, in my social media research to relaunch the “Neosoul Rhythms” podcast, I found that many neo-soul artists ‘back in the day’ that scored label contracts are still performing and touring. (Check the Neosoul Rhythms Instagram page.) Oh, you might argue with my choices, but I chose albums you can groove to from beginning to end, not ranked in any particular order. 😊
1. Maxwell – Urban Hang Suite, (1996; Columbia)
2. Erykah Badu – Baduizm, (1997; Universal)
3. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, (1988; Columbia)
4. D’Angelo – Brown Sugar, (1995; Virgin)
5. Jill Scott – Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, (2000; Hidden Beach)
6. Raphael Saadiq – Instant Vintage, (2002; Republic)
7. India Arie - Acoustic Soul, (2001; Motown)
8. Angie Stone – Stone Love, (2009; J Records)
9. Donnie – The Colored Section, (2003; Motown Records)
10. Geno Young – Ghetto Symphony, (2004; Native Records)
11. Jazzyfatnastees – The Once and Future, (MCA Record; 1999)
12. Amel Larrieux – Infinite Possibilities, (2000; Epic Records)
13. Laurnea – The Collection, (2005; Shanachie)
14. Musiq Soulchild – OnMyRadio, (2008; Atlantic Records)
15. PJ Morton – Emotions, (2006; 2 Pm Music)
16. Tonex – Pronounced “Toe-Nay”, (2000; Verity/Jive Records)
17. Fertile Ground – Black Is…, (2004; Black Out Records)
18. DJ Spinna – Intergalactic Soul, (2006; Shanachie)
19. Justin Timberlake – Justified, (2002; Jive Records)
20. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black, (2006; Universal Records)
21. Jimmy Sommers – Sunset Collective, (2007; Gemini Records LLC)