As fans and music lovers are still coming to terms with singer D’Angelo’s recent death, it seems like more and more are starting to revisit the sound he unknowingly helped pioneer: Neo-Soul.
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The genre, a subgroup of the broader R&B umbrella, is one that’s rooted in authenticity, groove, and deep emotion. From iconic jam sessions to Grammy-winning anthems, the Neo-Soul sound became the heartbeat of a creative renaissance in the late 90s and early 2000s that centered Black artistry, Black pride, Black issues and Black love.
And while D’Angelo played a major part in pushing it to the masses, his peers like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, The Roots, Common, Maxwell and more all helped shape a sonic landscape that felt both spiritual, sensual, sexy and radical all at the same time.
So it’s in honor of his death and because of the booming searches, we thought it’d be fun to take a look back at some of the most essential Neo-Soul albums you must listen to if you call yourself a true lover of the sound. From “Brown Sugar” to “Like Water for Chocolate,” keep reading to get into the goodness!
D’Angelo – “Brown Sugar”
Though he wasn’t too fond of the term “neo-soul,” there’s no doubt that D’Angelo pioneered the sound and the genre pushing more into the mainstream and attracting avid listeners. From the jazzy pianos to the clean horns, his “Brown Sugar” album set a standard like no other.
Maxwell – “Urban Hang Suite” (1996)
Talk about a groovy album, Maxwell had no business coming out the gate with a body of work like this. “Sumthin’ Sumthin’,”…Till the Cops Come Knockin’” and “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) alone make this an album with no skips!
Lauryn Hill – “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998)
There’s arguably no one else in the industry who has been lauded as an icon (and rightfully so) over just one album. Do you know how powerful that is? One listen to Lauryn Hill’s debut album and you’ll quickly understand exactly why and how it was so influential.
Erykah Badu – “Baduizm” (1997)
There’s just something about hearing “On and On” and “Appletree” that automatically teleports you right back to late 90s. When you talk about an essential Neo-Soul listen, you have to talk about Erykah Badu’s “Baduizm.”
Jill Scott – “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1” (2000)
Let’s all be so serious for one second here: did you really think Jilly from Philly a.k.a. Jill Scott’s debut album wasn’t going to make the cut? She was the quintessential lover girl before it became a trending hashtag on social media. Scott just knew how to make you feel things and we’ll forever love her for it.
India.Arie – “Acoustic Soul” (1999)
The amazing thing about India.Arie’s “Acoustic Soul” is just how much it’s filled with self-love, pride in our community and history, and overall positive feelings. This album made us all feel proud to be Black and to love Blackness in all its facets.
The Roots- “Things Fall Apart” (2001)
The way The Roots infused jazz with elements of intellectual lyricism, addictive beats, and an overall vibe that you were listening to something that was both good on the ears and good for you should honestly be studied. “You Got Me” in particular will never, ever, ever get old.
Common- “Like Water for Chocolate” (2000)
Common has always been good at is telling a story while he raps. There are so many amazing things about this album, it made “conscious rap” cool before it became a term the kids nowadays are using.
Musiq Soulchild- “Aijuswanaseing” (2000)
Much like Jill Scott (and really everyone on this list)–you cant have a conversation about Neo-Soul music without mentioning Musiq Soulchild. While his vocals here recently may be questionable for some people, he came out with straight fire when dropped “Aijuswanaseing.” Trust us, you’re gonna enjoy pressing play on this one.
Bilal- “1st Born Second” (2001)
“You must be my soul sista, soul sista, hey sista” is just one of those ooey, gooey choruses that make you wish for better relations between men and women these days. It really all could be so simple, right? While you ponder that, give Bilal’s “1st Born Second” a stream.
Erykah Badu- “Mama’s Gun” (2000)
There are honestly too many good songs to name on Erykah Badu’s “Mama’s Gun.” Just press play and prepare to be instantly impressed and mellowed out. Neo-Soul really got a winner with this one.
Floetry- “Floetic” (2002)
Love is one of the major themes in all of these albums, but the way Floetry poetically describes and muses on the topic is something that’s both heartwarming, heart-breaking and puts you in your feels.
Angie Stone- “Black Diamond” (1999)
Yet another pioneer of the genre, Angie Stone’s “Black Diamond” is one of those projects that people may not readily think back to, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve to get its proper flowers.
D’Angelo- “Voodoo” (2000)
We don’t have to say it…you see the material. “Send It On,” “One Mo’Gin,” “Spanish Joint,” “The Root,” “Untitled”….yeah. D’Angelo had the sauce, the juice and everything in between.
Jill Scott- “Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2” (2004)
Aside from this album being yet another Jill Scott classic, the fact that it has “Golden” on it feels so crazy. It feels like that song has been around forever yet it seems like it just came out yesterday. Whatever kinds of timeless mojo Scott sprinkled on it, I hope she keeps doing it because it’s working!
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