The Most Popular Northern Soul Record, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the record you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:44
In the bustling dance halls of the 1970s, Northern Soul music found its heartbeat amidst energetic beats and passionate vocals. This movement, rooted in the soulful sounds of the American R&B record labels, became synonymous with frenzied dance moves and all-nighters. Today, the fervor for these records still burns brightly for many enthusiasts, yet determining the most cherished tracks can often spark lively debates among fans.
By creating a community-driven ranking, fans are given a voice to express their love for specific tracks, ensuring that the most resonant songs climb to the top. This dynamic list not only connects newcomers and seasoned aficionados but also serves as a living homage to the vibrant history of Northern Soul. Engage with the ranking to help celebrate and determine which records truly capture the essence of this influential music movement.
What Is the Most Popular Northern Soul Record?
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168votes
"Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)" by Frank Wilson
Frank WilsonThis is considered the holy grail of Northern Soul records, with only a few copies known to exist. Its rarity and upbeat tempo make it a favorite among Northern Soul fans.Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) is a popular Northern Soul record that was released in 1965. It is considered one of the most sought-after and valuable records in the Northern Soul genre.- Release Year: 1965
- Genre: Northern Soul
- Label: Soul
- B-side: Sweeter As The Days Go By
- Written By: Frank Wilson
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225votesOriginally a B-side, this song became a Northern Soul classic due to its catchy chorus and danceable beat. It has been covered by many artists over the years.
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323votes
"Out on the Floor" by Dobie Gray
Dobie GrayAnother dancefloor favorite, this song has a driving beat and powerful vocals that make it a staple of Northern Soul playlists.Out on the Floor is a classic Northern Soul record that was released in 1966. It is a highly energetic and soulful track, widely regarded as one of the best examples of Northern Soul music. The song features powerful vocals by Dobie Gray and a driving rhythm section, making it a favorite among Northern Soul enthusiasts.- Release date: 1966
- Genre: Northern Soul
- Label: Charger
- B-side: No Room to Cry
- Length: 2:55
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421votes
"The Snake" by Al Wilson
Al WilsonThis song has a funky groove and a catchy chorus that make it a popular Northern Soul track. Its use of animal imagery and metaphors also add to its appeal."The Snake" by Al Wilson is a highly acclaimed Northern Soul record that was released in 1968. It is characterized by its infectious rhythm and soulful vocals, making it a favorite among Northern Soul enthusiasts. The song tells a cautionary tale about a deceitful woman who is compared to a snake. It has since become one of the most iconic and beloved tracks in the Northern Soul genre.- Release Year: 1968
- Genre: Northern Soul
- Length: 2 minutes and 38 seconds
- Label: Soul City Records
- B-Side: "Now I Know What Love Is"
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57votes
"Sliced Tomatoes" by Just Brothers
Just BrothersWith its fast-paced drumbeat and funky guitar riff, this song has become a Northern Soul classic. It has been sampled in many hip-hop songs over the years.Sliced Tomatoes is a popular Northern Soul record that was released in 1972. The song was performed by the American R&B duo Just Brothers, composed of brothers Jimmy and Frank Bryant. It is renowned for its infectious and upbeat groove, which perfectly embodies the energetic spirit of Northern Soul music. The song features a combination of soulful vocals, tight brass arrangements, and a driving rhythm section that makes it a dancefloor favorite among enthusiasts.- Year: 1972
- Genre: Northern Soul
- Label: Music Merchant
- Writer(s): Jimmy Roach, Frank Bryant
- Producer: Carl Davis
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618votes
"Seven Days Too Long" by Chuck Wood
Chuck WoodThis song has a driving beat and catchy chorus that make it a favorite among Northern Soul fans. It has been covered by many artists over the years.Seven Days Too Long is a Northern Soul record that gained immense popularity in the Northern Soul movement of the 1960s. The song was originally performed by Chuck Wood, an American soul singer. It quickly became an anthem within the Northern Soul scene and remains one of the most beloved tracks associated with the genre.- Genre: Northern Soul
- Year of Release: 1966
- Label: Roulette Records
- Format: 7-inch vinyl single
- B-side: Love Bug (Instrumental)
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76votesThis song has a catchy melody and uplifting lyrics that make it a popular Northern Soul track. Its use of horns and strings also adds to its appeal.
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87votes
"What" by Judy Street
Judy StreetThis song has a soulful vocal performance and a catchy chorus that make it a favorite among Northern Soul fans. Its upbeat tempo also makes it a great dance track.The 'What' by Judy Street is a highly popular Northern Soul record released in 1966. It is considered one of the ultimate classics of the genre. The song features a catchy, upbeat rhythm with soulful vocals delivered by Judy Street. Its energetic and danceable nature made it a favorite among the Northern Soul community, and it remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.- Release Year: 1966
- Genre: Northern Soul
- Record Label: Grapevine
- B-Side: 'You Turn Me On'
- Length: 2:23
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922votesThis song has a driving beat and catchy chorus that make it a popular Northern Soul track. Its use of horns and strings also adds to its appeal.
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1010votes
"Long After Tonight Is All Over" by Jimmy Radcliffe
Jimmy RadcliffeThis song has a soulful vocal performance and a catchy chorus that make it a favorite among Northern Soul fans. Its use of orchestration and strings also adds to its appeal.Long After Tonight Is All Over is a highly acclaimed Northern Soul record often regarded as one of the most popular and significant songs in the genre. Released in 1965, it was performed by American singer Jimmy Radcliffe. The song combines a soulful vocal performance with an energetic and catchy rhythm, making it a staple on dancefloors in the Northern Soul scene. Its heartfelt lyrics and melodic hooks have made it a beloved classic for fans of the genre.- Release Year: 1965
- Genre: Northern Soul
- Artist: Jimmy Radcliffe
- Record Label: Musicor Records
- Length: 2 minutes and 27 seconds
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular record
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Sales and chart successRecords that have sold well and charted highly are more likely to be popular and well-remembered by the Northern Soul community.
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Cultural impactA record's cultural impact can be measured by its influence on other artists, its presence in the media (e.g., film, television, and advertising), and its representation in popular culture (e.g., references in books, art, and conversations).
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Dancefloor popularityNorthern Soul is primarily a dance music genre, so records that are popular on the dancefloor and played regularly at Northern Soul events are likely to be considered more popular.
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Rarity and collectabilityPart of the appeal of Northern Soul is the rarity of the records. Collectors and enthusiasts often seek out obscure, hard-to-find tracks. Records that are rare and highly sought-after may be considered more popular due to their exclusivity.
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Reputation among the Northern Soul communityA record's popularity within the Northern Soul community can be gauged by its presence on lists of top Northern Soul tracks, discussions on fan forums and social media, and testimonials from DJs, collectors, and enthusiasts.
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Musical qualityA catchy melody, strong vocals, and high production values can help make a record popular. Factors such as arrangement, songwriting, and musicianship should also be considered.
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LongevityRecords that have stood the test of time and continue to be played and enjoyed by fans over the years are likely to be more popular in the long run.
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Emotional connectionThe emotional impact and resonance of a record can contribute to its popularity. Records that evoke strong emotions or memories for listeners are more likely to be considered popular.
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Cover versions and remixesA song's popularity can be boosted by successful cover versions or remixes that introduce it to a new audience or recontextualize it for a new generation.
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International appealWhile Northern Soul is a primarily British phenomenon, records that have become popular in other countries, especially in Europe and the United States, can be considered as having broader appeal and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Northern Soul record. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Record is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3728 views
- 151 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Record once every 24 hours. The rank of each Record is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular northern soul record
Northern Soul is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1960s in Northern England. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, heavy basslines, and soulful vocals. Northern Soul quickly gained a following among young people in the region, who would gather at all-night dance events known as "all-nighters" to dance to the latest and greatest Northern Soul records.
The most popular Northern Soul records are those that have stood the test of time and continue to be played and enjoyed by fans of the genre today. These records often feature catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and lyrics that speak to the experiences and emotions of the Northern Soul community.
If you're looking to explore the world of Northern Soul, there's no better place to start than with its most popular records. From classics like "Tainted Love" by Gloria Jones to lesser-known gems like "Sliced Tomatoes" by Just Brothers, there's a Northern Soul record out there for everyone. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the sounds of Northern Soul!
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