The Top 10 Soul/R&B Albums of All Time

This album featured R&B/Soul singer Sade's greatest hits including the Jazz/Soul song "Smooth Operator", the ballads , "No Ordinary Love", and "The Sweetest Taboo". The Best of Sade went Platinum in several countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

JAMES BROWN-LIVE AT THE APOLLO(1963)

James Brown's album was recorded live at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem in 1963. The album maintained a lengthy stay on the Billboard Top Pop albums chart the same year as a result of several songs which spawned top hits for the legendary singer. The album featured R&B/Soul classics such as "I'll Go Crazy", "Night Train", and "Think". In 2004, James Brown's Live At The Apollo was added to the Library of Congress.

BILL WITHERS-STILL BILL(1972)

Still Bill, the second studio album released by R&B singer Bill Withers, was the most successful record for this artist as it spawned great R&B classics such as "Lean on Me" and the up-beat track "Use Me". In 1972, Still Bill was certified Gold in the United States.

ARETHA FRANKLIN-LADY SOUL(1968)

Lady Soul was the second R&B chart-topper to be released by Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. The album featured great R&B classics such as the up-beat and rhythmic song "Chain of Fools" and the ballad "You Make Me Feel Like (A Natural Woman)".

ETTA JAMES-AT LAST(1961)

At Last, the debut album released from Blues/Soul singer Etta James, featured several chart-topping hits from the 1960s including "At Last" and "All I Could Do Was Cry". In 2003, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the album at #116 on the magazines "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

STEVIE WONDER-SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE (1976)

While Etta James had a lower ranking on Rolling Stone Magazines "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", R&B singer Stevie Wonder's most popular album Songs in the Key of Life ranked at #36. The album featured classic hits such as the romantic ballad "Isn't She Lovely", "Sir Duke", and the rhythmic and up-beat track "I Wish".

WHITNEY HOUSTON-WHITNEY HOUSTON(1985)

Whitney Houston's self-titled debut album had a lengthy stay at the top of the Billboard 200 charts in 1986. The album was certified Gold and Platinum within the same year. The album spawned several hits including, "You Give Good Love", "Saving All My Love For You", and "The Greatest Love of All".

PRINCE-PURPLE RAIN SOUNDTRACK(1984)

Purple Rain, the album bearing the same name as the popular 1984 film, was written and performed by R&B singer Prince and his band The Revolution. The soundtrack featured the very successful ballads "Purple Rain" and "The Beautiful Ones". The album also featured the dance track "When Doves Cry". In 1985, the album helped Prince win Grammy awards and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.

MICHAEL JACKSON-THRILLER (1984)

According to his official website, Michael Jackson's album Thriller was the best-selling album of all time. His 6^th studio release featured several chart-topping hits including "Thriller", "Billie Jean", "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin", and "Human Nature". In 2003, Thriller was ranked #20 on Rolling Stone Magazine's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Seven tracks on the album reached the Top 10 of the Billboard charts.

MARVIN GAYE-WHAT'S GOING ON? (1971)

What's Going On, the 11^th studio release from R&B/Soul singer Marvin Gaye, was ranked in the top 10 of Rolling Stone Magazine's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". The album was Marvin Gaye's best-selling album prior to 1973. The album featured classic hits such as "What's Going On", "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", and "God Is Love". The album continues to receive several accolades and recognition worldwide.