neo soul
what it is
neo soul is a subgenre of soul that emerged in the 1990s, blending the warmth of 1970s soul with contemporary influences from jazz, funk, hip hop, and electronica.
what it sounds like
it sounds smooth and intimate, with live instrumentation, layered harmonies, and grooves that feel both vintage and modern. vocals are often rich and expressive, floating over beats that might sample classic soul or loop organic rhythms.
where it came from
it grew out of the late 80s and 90s as artists like d'angelo and erykah badu looked back to classic soul and funk while bringing in the textures of hip hop production and jazz improvisation. the genre offered an alternative to mainstream r&b, prioritizing musicianship and lyrical depth.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make neo soul a playlist
turn these 30 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is neo soul?
neo soul is a subgenre of soul that emerged in the 1990s, blending the warmth of 1970s soul with contemporary influences from jazz, funk, hip hop, and electronica. it sounds smooth and intimate, with live instrumentation, layered harmonies, and grooves that feel both vintage and modern. vocals are often rich and expressive, floating over beats that might sample classic soul or loop organic rhythms.
Where did neo soul come from?
it grew out of the late 80s and 90s as artists like d'angelo and erykah badu looked back to classic soul and funk while bringing in the textures of hip hop production and jazz improvisation. the genre offered an alternative to mainstream r&b, prioritizing musicianship and lyrical depth.
What are good neo soul albums to start with?
Try Subject by Dwele, 1st Born Second by Bilal, ARDIPITHECUS by Willow, and How Do You Do by Mayer Hawthorne.
Who are some women making neo soul?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/neo-soul/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making neo soul, from mainstream to underground.
artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20