Ranking the Best Kelly Price Albums

Kelly Price should be the Aretha Franklin of our generation.

I said it and I meant it.

I dare you to find another artist who has consistently delivered the soul-stirring performances that have been Kelly’s hallmark for well over two decades. From gospel standout to show-stealing background vocalist to leading lady, Kelly has played every role imaginable, succeeding every time.

In honor of her career, look back at her entire discography from bottom to top (excluding her Christmas album). As always, rankings are determined by song quality, consistency, and impact on the genre.

Kelly is a once in a generation talent. These album prove it.

6. This is Who I Am (2006)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Kelly’s vocals were honed in the church house – as if you couldn’t tell – so it was no shock that she decided to return to her gospel roots for this set. Overall, it’s a solid but fairly unspectacular outing, but, personally, I was just thrilled to hear a full-length version of her “Healing” interlude from her debut album.

Forgotten favorites: “Healing,” “This Is Who I Am,” “God Is Faithful”

5. Sing Pray Love, Vol. 1: Sing (2014)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Read our album review here

Edd said: Kelly’s most recent album lives up to its billing – as usual, it’s ALL about the vocals and they’re once again in fine form. But as strong as this project is, it still finds itself on the lower end of Kelly’s discography. It just lacks the memorable songs that populate her more noteworthy releases. However, this one is still a win.

Forgotten favorites: “It’s My Time,” “Think Again (Shep’s Sermon),” “Conversations with HER”

4. Kelly (2011)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Read our album review here

Edd said: One of my favorite releases of 2011, Kelly still holds up very well today. The big singles get the top billing – and rightfully so – but it’s the deep album cuts that keep this release afloat. The album doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel. It’s Kelly in her wheelhouse, and she’s still singing the paint off the walls.

Forgotten favorites: “Himaholic,” “Sorry,” “And You Don’t Stop”

3. Mirror, Mirror (2000)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Kelly had a really tough act to follow in trying to top her incredible debut album. Mirror, Mirror does a pretty admirable job escaping that massive shadow. Showcasing a strong mix of ballads, bouncy uptempo tracks and classic remakes, this album set the template for many of Kelly’s subsequent releases.

Forgotten favorites: “She Wants You,” “Mirror Mirror,” “Married Man”

2. Priceless (2003)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Although it was just three years, the gap between Kelly’s sophomore album and her third set felt eternal back in ’03. And when this LP finally landed, it blew me away. Though much more robust than her usual albums, Priceless never loses steam. High-profile guest appearances (Eric Clapton! George Benson! The Clark Sisters!) and incredible sequencing makes this LP the most underrated gem in Kelly’s crown.

Forgotten favorites: “Again,” “I Live Here Now,” “Whatcha Gon Do”

1. Soul of a Woman (1998)

Soul In Stereo rating: 5 stars out of 5

Edd said: If you’re a longtime follower of Soul In Stereo, you know No. 1 was never in doubt. Kelly Price’s debut album, in my humble opinion, is one of the most pure, passionate and powerful R&B releases in the modern era. Yes, the “Friend of Mine Remix” is what gets all the attention all these years later, but that’s just a morsel. Soul of a Woman boasts a flawless collection of album cuts that flow seamlessly from beginning to end with no pitfalls. The production is top-notch and vocally, Kelly is absolutely unmatched. Y’all can call me biased – Soul of a Woman is my favorite R&B album of all time – but the facts speak for themselves. It’s unquestionably Kelly’s greatest work.

Forgotten favorites: “Don’t Say Goodbye,” “Her,” “You Complete Me”

What’s your favorite Kelly Price release? Let us know in the comments below.