Genre research project 51/1359: Deep Soul

Deep soul emerged in mid-1960s USA, drawing on the typical Southern Soul groove and accentuating the Gospel and Blues influence, particularly Chicago Blues. It is played at a relatively slow tempo and is primarily focused on the intense, intimate lead vocal delivery, emphasizing both the melancholic tone and lyrics, and producing a downbeat, reflective atmosphere. Common instrumental tropes include murky, 'scratchy' guitar sounds, prominent horn sections (accompanying strings more popular in 1970s recordings) and crystalline, spiritual-sounding piano and organ parts. The style declined in popularity in the late 1970s with the emergence of Disco and newer R&B genres.