Top 50 Best Songs by Soul II Soul

Soul II Soul are one of the most influential British musical collectives in modern music history. Founded in London by Jazzie B, the group helped redefine British soul by blending R&B, soul, reggae, house, hip hop and dance music into a distinctive sound that became known worldwide as the Funki Dred style. Their influence extended far beyond the UK, helping to shape contemporary R&B, neo soul, UK dance music and acid jazz throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.

This list brings together Soul II Soul’s most commercially successful and historically significant officially released songs. The ranking is based on a combination of worldwide chart performance, certifications, international commercial success, cultural impact and long term popularity. Where official worldwide sales figures are unavailable, songs have been prioritised using recognised chart archives, industry databases and historical commercial performance.

Unlike many artists capable of producing fifty commercial singles, Soul II Soul officially released only around eighteen commercial singles during their original recording career. To maintain factual accuracy, the table therefore also includes important officially released album tracks that have become recognised fan favourites, DJ staples and significant recordings within their catalogue. These are clearly identified and remain official recordings released by the group. No promotional-only releases, unofficial remixes, bootlegs or live versions have been included.

Their biggest international successes remain Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) and Keep On Movin’, both featuring Caron Wheeler, which became worldwide hits and earned Platinum certifications in several countries. These classics continue to receive radio airplay, streaming success and club support decades after their original release. Soul II Soul’s catalogue represents one of the defining collections of British soul music and remains essential listening for DJs, collectors, producers and music historians alike.

Note: Soul II Soul officially released only eighteen commercial singles. Positions 19–50 consist of officially released album tracks and notable catalogue recordings, not additional singles, ensuring factual completeness rather than inventing non-existent commercial releases.

Why These Songs Belong in Every DJ Collection

Soul II Soul’s music remains timeless because it effortlessly blends soul, funk, reggae, house and R&B into grooves that work equally well in clubs, festivals, radio shows and lounge environments.

Tracks like Back To Life and Keep On Movin’ remain guaranteed dancefloor fillers more than three decades after their release. Their productions introduced smoother bass lines, warmer percussion and sophisticated vocal arrangements that influenced artists from Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo to Massive Attack, Groove Armada and countless UK garage and house producers.

Whether playing classic soul, house, disco, R&B or chill out sets, Soul II Soul’s recordings continue to bridge generations of music lovers.

A Brief History of Soul II Soul

Soul II Soul began life as a London sound system led by Jazzie B during the mid 1980s before evolving into one of Britain’s most successful musical collectives. Their debut album Club Classics Vol. One reached number one in the UK and became a major international success, while Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) topped the UK Singles Chart and became one of 1989’s biggest-selling singles. The group won two Grammy Awards and helped establish British soul as a globally respected genre. Their signature “A Happy Face, A Thumpin’ Bass, For A Lovin’ Race” philosophy became synonymous with positivity, unity and musical innovation.

10 Fun Facts About Soul II Soul

1. Soul II Soul was founded by Jazzie B in London.
2. The group originally started as a sound system before becoming recording artists.
3. They won two Grammy Awards.
4. Back To Life reached number one in the UK.
5. Keep On Movin’ reached number one on the US R&B chart.
6. Their debut album reached number one in the UK.
7. Their distinctive “Funki Dred” fashion style became almost as famous as their music.
8. Caron Wheeler’s vocals helped define the group’s biggest international hits.
9. Soul II Soul heavily influenced neo soul, UK R&B and acid jazz.
10. Jazzie B received an OBE for services to music.

Learn How to Become a DJ

If Soul II Soul’s timeless grooves have inspired you to start your own DJ journey, there has never been a better time to learn. Understanding music selection, mixing techniques, beatmatching, reading a crowd and building memorable playlists are all essential skills that can be learned with the right guidance.

Whether you dream of playing in clubs, festivals, weddings, private events or simply mixing for fun at home, a structured learning approach can dramatically shorten your learning curve.

Start your journey today with the How to Become a DJ guide and discover the techniques, equipment knowledge and professional advice that will help you build confidence behind the decks.