The albums that define
neo soul.
Our picks for where to start with neo soul — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top neo soul artists
Start with one of these.
The neo soul essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Justin Timberlake
Everything I Thought It Was
A vibrant fusion of R&B grooves and pop melodies, layered with introspective lyrics and innovative production.
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Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2
A lush blend of modern R&B and pop, layered with intricate instrumentation and Timberlake's smooth falsetto.
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Alicia Keys
Unplugged
Raw, emotive performances highlight Alicia Keys' soulful vocals and poignant songwriting in an intimate setting.
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Alicia Keys
Santa Baby
Alicia Keys' soulful reinterpretations of holiday classics blend contemporary R&B with jazzy warmth and nostalgic flair.
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Mary J. Blige
The Breakthrough
Soulful melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, showcasing Mary J. Blige's emotional depth and vocal prowess.
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Mary J. Blige
What's the 411?
A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop beats and soulful melodies that set the stage for future R&B.
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Giorgia
G
Giorgia's 'G' weaves intricate melodies with soulful vocals, creating a lush soundscape of R&B and pop influences.
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Giorgia
Come Thelma & Louise
A vibrant blend of R&B and jazz with soulful melodies that evoke emotional depth and Italian flair.
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Wyclef Jean
From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion
A vibrant blend of hip-hop, reggae, and R&B reflecting on life's struggles and aspirations.
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Wyclef Jean
Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant
A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, reggae, and R&B that reflects the immigrant experience with lyrical depth and eclectic beats.
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Erykah Badu
Baduizm
A rich tapestry of soulful vocals and smooth grooves, blending jazz, funk, and hip-hop elements seamlessly.
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Erykah Badu
But You Caint Use My Phone
A playful exploration of communication, merging soulful vocals with innovative production and samples.
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Angie Stone
Dream
A rich tapestry of contemporary R&B and soul that blends heartfelt lyrics with vibrant grooves.
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Angie Stone
Full Circle
A soulful blend of contemporary R&B and funk, rich with heartfelt lyrics and vibrant grooves.
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Common
Black America Again
A soulful tapestry of reflective lyricism and jazz-infused beats that confronts systemic injustices.
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Common
Nobody's Smiling
A raw exploration of urban struggle infused with jazzy instrumentals and introspective lyricism.
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Kelis
Kelis Was Here
A bold fusion of hip-hop and R&B, layered with Kelis' distinctively fierce vocals and eclectic production.
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Kelis
Flesh Tone
A vibrant fusion of electronic beats and soulful melodies that exude empowerment and liberation.
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Aaliyah
Ultimate Aaliyah
Aaliyah's signature blend of sultry R&B grooves and ethereal melodies creates an intoxicating atmosphere throughout this compilation.
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Aaliyah
One in a Million
Aaliyah's smooth vocals glide over lush, atmospheric production blending R&B with hip-hop and electronic influences.
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The Roots
Phrenology
A genre-blurring exploration of hip-hop, rock, and soul infused with innovative rhythms and introspective lyrics.
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The Roots
The Roots Come Alive
A vibrant fusion of live instrumentation and sharp lyricism, embodying the essence of conscious hip-hop.
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Toshinobu Kubota
The Baddest II
A vibrant fusion of J-pop and R&B, blending soulful melodies with infectious dance grooves.
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Toshinobu Kubota
Shake It Paradise
A vibrant fusion of J-pop, R&B, and reggae that radiates joy and danceable grooves.
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