Essential psychedelic soul listening

The albums that define psychedelic soul.

Our picks for where to start with psychedelic soul — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The psychedelic soul essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

The Magic Garden

The 5th Dimension

The Magic Garden

A vibrant tapestry of psychedelic soul that intertwines lush harmonies with whimsical storytelling.

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The Age of Aquarius

The 5th Dimension

The Age of Aquarius

A vibrant blend of pop and psychedelic soul, echoing the optimism of the late 1960s counterculture.

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Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

Channel Orange

A lush tapestry of alternative R&B, blending introspective lyrics with vibrant, genre-defying production.

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Nostalgia, Ultra

Frank Ocean

Nostalgia, Ultra

A genre-blurring tapestry of vulnerability and introspection woven with lush melodies and unconventional songwriting.

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Ecology

Rare Earth

Ecology

A fusion of bluesy rock and psychedelic soul that explores themes of nature and human connection.

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Rarearth

Rare Earth

Rarearth

A vibrant fusion of funk and rock that captures the eclectic spirit of the late '70s.

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There's a Riot Goin' On

Sly and the Family Stone

There's a Riot Goin' On

A raw and experimental fusion of funk rhythms with a somber, introspective lyrical depth.

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Black Pumas

Black Pumas

Black Pumas

A vibrant fusion of psychedelic soul and modern funk, rich with heartfelt vocals and groovy instrumentation.

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Chronicles of a Diamond

Black Pumas

Chronicles of a Diamond

A vibrant blend of psychedelic soul and contemporary R&B that radiates warmth and emotional depth.

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Stand!

Sly and the Family Stone

Stand!

A vibrant fusion of funk, rock, and soul that challenges societal norms with infectious grooves.

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Submarine

The Marías

Submarine

Ethereal melodies blend with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamy soundscape that invites listeners to escape reality.

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The Time Has Come

The Chambers Brothers

The Time Has Come

Psychedelic soul grooves intertwine with socially conscious lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and emotion.

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A New Time – A New Day

The Chambers Brothers

A New Time – A New Day

Psychedelic soul rhythms intertwine with powerful vocals, creating an uplifting and reflective sonic landscape.

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Aladdin

Rotary Connection

Aladdin

Psychedelic soul intertwines with lush orchestration, creating a dreamlike soundscape rich in emotional depth.

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Songs

Rotary Connection

Songs

Psychedelic soul weaves lush orchestration with heartfelt vocals, creating an immersive sonic tapestry.

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Synthetic Soul

Chiiild

Synthetic Soul

A lush blend of psychedelic soul and contemporary R&B that invites introspection through its experimental textures.

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Whatever

The Friends of Distinction

Whatever

A vibrant blend of soulful harmonies and pop-infused melodies that captures the essence of early '70s optimism.

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Grazin'

The Friends of Distinction

Grazin'

A vibrant blend of soul and sunshine pop that radiates warmth and infectious grooves.

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Black Merda

Black Merda

Black Merda

A vibrant fusion of funk and rock that captures the spirit of early 70s experimentation.

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Troubadour

The Stepkids

Troubadour

Psychedelic soul intertwines with lush instrumentation, creating a dreamlike reverie that transports listeners to another realm.

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The Stepkids

The Stepkids

The Stepkids

A vibrant blend of psychedelic soul and funk that seamlessly intertwines nostalgia with modernity.

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The Modern Tribe

Celebration

The Modern Tribe

An eclectic blend of psychedelic soul with vibrant rhythms and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of modern exploration.

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