Immerse yourself in the power of music as we present the ultimate collection of soulful songs that evoke a profound emotional response. From melodies that uplift your spirits to those that resonate with the depths of your soul, there’s a song to suit every mood and moment. W
Whether you seek the joyous rhythms that make you feel alive or the heartfelt ballads that speak to matters of the heart, we have carefully curated a list of 15 captivating tracks that will strike a chord with you.
Songs for Igniting Emotions
Nothing like a good song to liven up your spirit or tug at your heartstrings. Take your pick from the 15 soulful songs that will stir your emotions.
- “A Change is Gonna Come”
- “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
- “At Last”
- “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”
- “Hallelujah”
- “Stand By Me”
- “A Song for You”
- “Natural Women”
- “Lean on Me”
- “I Will Always Love You”
- “What A Wonderful World”
- “My Heart Will Go On”
- “I Say A Little Prayer”
- “Georgia on My Mind”
- “La Vie En Rose”
A Change is Gonna Come
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Sam Cooke
Album:
- Ain't That Good News
Description
We have to give credit to Sam Cooke for delivering a riveting track that tackles interracial issues with poise and charm. Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” by is widely regarded as one of the most soulful for its heartfelt and poignant composition. Cooke’s soulful and emotive vocals, combined with the song’s introspective lyrics, create a powerful and moving experience. Addressing themes of racial injustice and hope for a better future, the song captures the struggles and aspirations of the human spirit. “A Change is Gonna Come” resonates deeply with listeners, evoking a range of emotions and leaving quite an impression.
I Can't Make You Love Me
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Bonnie Raitt
Album:
- Luck of the Draw
Description
Bonnie Raitt channels her pain and dejection into a song brimming with raw emotions. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt stirs the listeners heart with its heartfelt and sorrowfull composition. Raitt’s soulful and vulnerable vocals, combined with the song’s introspective lyrics, create an intense and deeply moving experience. Addressing unrequited love and the pain of acceptance, the song resonates with listeners, evoking a profound sense of longing and empathy. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” stands as a timeless testament to the power of soulful music in capturing and stirring our deepest emotions.
At Last
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Etta James
Album:
- At Last!
Description
Etta James rejoices her new-found paramour with a teary and effusive ballad dedicated to her beloved. “At Last” boasts soulful melody that stirs one’s hearts with its timeless and powerful composition. James’ soulful and passionate vocals, coupled with the song’s romantic lyrics, create a deeply emotional and resonant experience. The song captures the essence of love’s fulfillment and the joy of finding a soulmate. With its rich melodies and heartfelt delivery, “At Last” has the ability to evoke strong emotions, leaving listeners captivated and moved by its soul-stirring beauty.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Marvin Gaye
Album:
- In the Groove
Description
Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” laments his lover’s betrayal with a restrained but emotionally charged song. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” rouses one’s heart with its captivating yet heart-rending composition. Gaye’s soulful and emotive vocals, combined with the song’s infectious rhythm and lyrics, create a powerful and resonant experience. The song delves into themes of betrayal and heartbreak, evoking a range of emotions from listeners. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” remains an enduring soul classic that continues to stirs the heart with its raw and passionate delivery.
Hallelujah
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Jeff Buckley
Album:
- Grace
Description
Jeff Buckley pours his heart out with “Hallelujah’s” powerful lyrics with layer after layers of emotions. The haunting and emotionally charged composition Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” is widely acclaimed for its soulful and introspective charm. Buckley’s mystifying and captivating vocals, coupled with the song’s poetic lyrics and delicate instrumentation, create a deeply moving and introspective experience. The song explores themes of love, longing, and spirituality, evoking a range of emotions from listeners. “Hallelujah” stands as a soul-stirring masterpiece that continues to touch hearts and resonate with its raw and heartfelt expression.
Stand by Me
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Ben E. King
Album:
- Don't Play That Song
Description
Ben E. King calls out to his beloved with an impassioned plea and the catchy melody of “Stand By Me.” The timeless and heartfelt lyrical power of “Stand by Me” continues to stir hearts and deepen bonds with its charming tune. King’s soulful and warm vocals, coupled with the song’s universal message of loyalty and support, create an enduring and emotionally resonant experience. The song’s melodic beauty and comforting lyrics evoke a sense of unity and strength, stirring deep emotions and serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of romance.
A Song for You
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Donny Hathaway
Album:
- Donny Hathaway
Description
“A Song for You” goes out to Donny Hathaway’s special someone. Donny Hathaway bares it all for his honey with the heartfelt and intimate rhythm of “A Song for You”. Hathaway’s soulful and emotive vocals, combined with the song’s tender lyrics, create a deeply emotional and evocative experience. The song captures the essence of love and dedication, resonating with listeners on a profound level. With its rich musicality and Hathaway’s passionate delivery, “A Song for You” possesses the power to touch hearts and stir a myriad of emotions with its soul-stirring beauty.
Natural Woman
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Aretha Franklin
Album:
- Lady Soul
Description
Aretha Franklin celebrates her womanly alure with a power ballad for her Mr. Right. “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin boasts an empowering and deeply expressive lyrical prowess that will make any woman giddy. Franklin’s soulful and powerful vocals, coupled with the song’s empowering lyrics, create an extraordinary and emotionally resonant experience. The song celebrates the strength and beauty of womanhood, striking a chord with listeners and evoking a range of emotions. “Natural Woman” stands as a soul-stirring anthem that continues to inspire and move hearts with its remarkable blend of soul and emotion.
Lean on Me
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Bill Withers
Album:
- Still Bill
Description
“Lean on Me” stands high and mighty with its endearing and powerful call for solidarity and camaraderie. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers can move even burliest of men to lean on a friend with its uplifting and empathetic composition. Withers’ soulful and warm vocals, combined with the song’s heartfelt lyrics, create a powerful and emotionally resonant experience. The song’s message of support, unity, and friendship strikes a universal chord, evoking a sense of comfort and strength in listeners. Bill is with you when you need a friend by your side.
I Will Always Love You
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Whitney Houston
Album:
- The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album
Description
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” stands proud besides the Dolly Parton original all thanks to Whitney’s show-stopping vocal power. The now-iconic ballad is one of Whitney’s most iconic songs due to her breathtaking vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Houston’s soulful and powerhouse vocals perfectly complements the song’s memoble lyrics, resulting in a deeply moving experience worthy of a standing ovation. The song showcases Houston’s vocal range and emotional delivery, evoking feelings of love, longing, and heartache.
What A Wonderful World
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Louis Armstrong
Album:
- What A Wonderful World
Description
Louis Armstrong celebrates life and everything nice with the soothing charm of “What a Wonderful World.” Armstrong’s soulful and gravelly vocals surprisingly works wonders with the song’s optimistic and poignant lyrics, resulting to a deeply resonant and soul-stirring experience that will undoubtedly lift your spirits up. The song’s message of gratitude, beauty, and the simple joys of life strikes a universal chord that will tug at your heart strings and brighten up even the darkest of days.
My Heart Will Go On
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Celine Dion
Album:
- Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack
Description
20 years later and Celine Dion’s iconic power ballad continues to move hearts; too bad it wasn’t strong enough to move that iceberg. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion is regarded as one of the most soulful songs all thanks to Celine’s commanding yet awe-inspiring vocals. Dion’s soulful and emotive vocals elevates the already emotionally packed lyrics into the annals of pop culture. The song captures the depth of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit.
I Say a Little Prayer
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Aretha Franklin
Album:
- Aretha Now
Description
Aretha Franklin returns to dedicate a prayer for her beloved. Aretha’s soulful and powerful vocals does wonders with the lyric’s low-key yet optimistic and sincere tone, resulting in a profoundly moving and uplifting experience. Aretha infuses the song with an endearing message of love, hope, and devotion that’s more than enough to make you feel butterflies within your stomach.
Georgia on My Mind
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Ray Charles
Album:
- The Genius Hits the Road
Description
The legendary Ray Charles reminisces the state of Georgia with a soulful and tender ode to Georgia. Charles’ soulful and emotive vocals effortlessly conveys the feeling of longing and sentimentality with the song’s evocative and touching tune. It’s a special kind of song for our most cherished and beloved locales, a loving tribute to a place of comfort and reprieve.
La Vie En Rose
Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Louis Armstrong
Album:
- The Best of the Decca Years Volume One: The Singer
Description
Edith Piaf would be proud of Louis Armstrong’s take on her classic “La Vie En Rose.” The song’s flowery and heartwarming lyrical charm works like clockwork with Armstrong’s raspy yet velvety vocals. What results is a beautiful cacophony of music, with Armstrong’s charming voice front and center. The song captures the beauty and bliss of love, enveloping listeners in a world of passion and longing. Edith Piaf’s original will remain a soulful and stirring piece of music that transcends generations.
And Scene…
The fun thing about music is it can either empower you or completely tear you down. Whether it be the domineering and transcendent vocals of Celine Dion and Louis Armstrong or to rousing and overpowering lyrics of Bonnie Raitt and Jeff Buckley. You never know what you’re gonna get, you just have to experience it for yourself.
