Find the music you're missing Here's how

Grok 8: Essential Nu Soul Albums Pt. 1 Grok 8: Nu Soul Pt. 1 If you're a newcomer to the Neo Soul (or Nu Soul) party, you’ve got some catching up to do. No music collection is complete without these turn of the century soul treasures.

Each of these classic albums listed below successfully merges the earthy emotion of 70s soul and funk with a hearty dose of hip hop swagger and energy. The range here is vast as the artists at turns evoke uptown smooth, inner city grit, Afro-centric majesty and down home gospel shouting.

Coincidentally, almost all of the eight are solo debuts. Perhaps that explains the insightful and personal nature of the lyrics, and the often adventurous tenor of the music. 1. {$D'Angelo} – {^R+++217756} (1995)
This is the album that started the Neo Soul movement. Michael D'Angelo Archer's sumptuous concoction of jazzy funk is the perfect compliment to his streetwise lyricism and fluid vocals.

The songs are visual and the subjects broad. He's singing about a different kind of {@T++1938233} on the title track. Check out the funky bassline on {@T++1938234}, and the vocal harmonies that float through {@T++1938236}.

Some may argue that 2000’s {^R+++445058} conjures an even bolder artistic statement, but you’ll appreciate that follow-up more after you've sampled the sweet grooves on this more accessible double-platinum debut.D'Angelo – "Brown Sugar"

2. {$Maxwell} – {^R+++232749} (1996)
COUPLES: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite is the perfect soundtrack for an evening alone together, but please, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THIS ALBUM!

Put it on right after dinner and turn the lights down low. The suave, slippery funk of {@T++1570019} opens the door of possibility. Then there is the flirtatious {@T++1570020}. {@T++1570021} arrives next as if to say, “Naw, baby. This isn’t just a physical thing!” By Track 6, {@T++1570023}... Well, you’ll just have to see for yourself what happens...Maxwell - Sumthin' Sumthin'

3. {$Erykah Badu} – {^R+++246913} (1997)
I nearly fell out of bed the morning Baduizm's lead single, {@T++1570999}, bumped out of my little clock radio.

Baduizm introduced us to Erykah Badu, a unique artist from Dallas whose brew of inner city blues and Kemetic science blends masterfully with minimalist, jazz-inflected hip hop to create a sound that is rich, sensual, and seductive.Erykah Badu – "On & On"

4. {$Lauryn Hill} - {^R+++373833} (1998)
The sudden success of {$The Fugees}' rendition of {@T++1380138} launched Lauryn Hill's star into orbit. The phenomenal power of Miseducation catapulted her into another galaxy.

This album showcases Lauryn's talents as a transcendent singer, a stellar songwriter and a dope emcee with infinite potential. Forget the controversial unplugged album, the emotional break down and the self-imposed exile that followed the success. If Lauryn Hill never releases any more music, Miseducation is a masterpiece that is unmatched.Lauryn Hill – {@T++2238736}

In part two discover the essential Nu Soul albums of Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, India.Arie, and Anthony Hamilton - Coming Soon!