Mavis Staples isn’t just a singer—she’s a force of nature, a voice that has echoed through the Civil Rights Movement, rocked the charts with the Staple Singers, and inspired generations with her unyielding spirit. At 86, she’s still dropping albums that blend raw gospel roots with modern soul, proving age is just a number when you’ve got that kind of fire. If you’re searching for Mavis Staples’ discography or Mavis Staples albums in chronological order, you’ve landed in the right spot. This guide takes you through her 14 studio albums up to 2025, complete with Spotify embeds, tracklists, and bite-sized insights into what makes each one a must-listen. From her explosive 1969 debut to the poignant reflections of Sad and Beautiful World, discover how Mavis turned personal pain into universal anthems. Ready to feel the groove? Let’s groove through her catalog—your playlist (and soul) will thank you.
List Of Mavis Staples Albums In Order by Year
Discover the complete list of Mavis Staples albums in order by year, showcasing her powerful gospel, soul, and R&B legacy. Explore every studio release, chart highlights, and artistic evolution from her early classics to modern masterpieces. Perfect for music lovers seeking a clear, chronological guide to Mavis Staples’ timeless discography.
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Mavis Staples |
| 1970 | Only for the Lonely |
| 1976 | OH,h what a Feeling |
| 1982 | Time Waits for No One |
| 1993 | The Voice |
| 1996 | Spirituals & Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson |
| 2004 | Have a Little Faith |
| 2007 | We’ll Never Turn Back |
| 2010 | You Are Not Alone |
| 2013 | One True Vine |
| 2016 | Livin’ on a High Note |
| 2017 | If All I Was Was Black |
| 2019 | We Get By |
| 2025 | Sad And Beautiful World |
Mavis Staples Albums In Order: A Timeless Journey Through Soul, Gospel, and Activism
1969 – Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples burst onto the solo scene with her self-titled debut, a Stax Records gem that captured her transition from family harmonies to individual powerhouse vocals. Produced by the label’s hitmakers, this album fuses Memphis soul with pop flair, showcasing Mavis’s velvety timbre on covers like Joe Tex’s “The Chokin’ Kind.” It’s a bold statement of independence, blending heartache and hope amid the era’s social turbulence. Critics hailed it as a fresh take on soul, and tracks like “Son of a Preacher Man” still ignite dance floors. At just 30, Mavis proved she was ready to lead, setting the stage for a career of fearless reinvention. Dive in for that authentic ’60s vibe—pure, unfiltered joy.
Track list:
1. Until I Met You
2. Sweet Things You Do
3. The Chokin’ Kind
4. You’re Driving Me (To the Arms of a Stranger)
5. A House Is Not a Home
6. Security
7. Son of a Preacher Man
8. I Got to Get You Off My Mind
9. How Can I Tell My Pa
1970 – Only for the Lonely
Fresh off her debut, Mavis delivered Only for the Lonely, a deeply emotive Stax follow-up that dives into heartbreak with unflinching honesty. Penned by songwriting pros like Isaac Hayes, the tracks pulse with orchestral swells and horn-driven grooves, highlighting her ability to convey vulnerability without losing edge. Standouts like “Since I Fell for You” became radio staples, earning Grammy nods and cementing her as the emotional core of soul. Released amid personal and cultural shifts, it reflects resilience—themes that resonate today. Fans adore its intimacy; it’s Mavis at her most confessional, turning tears into triumphs. If soulful ballads are your jam, this one’s a heartbreak healer.
Track list:
1. I Have Learned to Do Without You
2. How Many Times
3. Endlessly
4. You’re the Fool
5. Since I Fell for You
6. What Happened to the Real Me
7. Since You Became a Part of My Life
8. It Makes Me Wanna Cry
9. I’m Just Another Soldier for You
1976 – Oh What a Feeling
After a hiatus, Mavis roared back with Oh What a Feeling, a Curtis Mayfield-produced disco-soul hybrid that lit up the ’70s dancefloor. Recorded at Curtom Studios, it infuses funky basslines and strings with her gospel-inflected wail, bridging her roots to contemporary grooves. Hits like “Tonight I Feel Like Dancing” showcased her versatility, climbing charts and earning her a spot in the era’s glittering spotlight. Thematically, it’s about liberation—personal and collective—mirroring post-Civil Rights optimism. Though commercial success was mixed, its joyful energy endures, influencing modern acts like Leon Bridges. Crank it up for an instant mood lift; Mavis makes moving irresistible.
Track list:
1. Tonight I Feel Like Dancing
2. Let Love Come Between Us
3. Loving You
4. I Don’t Want to Lose My Real Good Thing
5. I’ve Been to the Well Before
6. Oh What a Feeling
7. I Honestly Love You
8. Good Lovin’ Man
9. Wish I Didn’t Have to Miss You
10. Can I Change My Mind
1982 – Time Waits for No One
Teaming with Prince for Time Waits for No One, Mavis explored synth-pop and funk on Paisley Park Records, a daring pivot that blended her soul depth with Purple Rain-era innovation. Prince’s production shines on duets like “Come Home,” where their voices entwine in electric chemistry. Themes of urgency and redemption pulse through, reflecting midlife reflections and societal calls to action. Though it underperformed commercially, it’s a cult favorite for its bold experimentation—think “Jaguar” as proto-hip-hop soul. This album humanized Prince while elevating Mavis, proving legends evolve. Essential for fans of genre-bending magic; it’s a time capsule of ’80s audacity.
Track list:
1. Interesting
2. 20th Century Express
3. Come Home
4. Jaguar
5. Train
6. The Old Songs
7. I Guess I’m Crazy
8. Time Waits for No One
1993 – The Voice
Prince’s influence deepened on The Voice, a spiritually charged Paisley Park outing where Mavis confronts faith, family, and funk. With tracks like the title cut—a spoken-word sermon over grooves—it merges gospel testimony with R&B swagger, earning praise for its raw power. Collaborations with the Steeles family add layered harmonies, evoking church revivals. Released during personal trials, it became a beacon of hope, influencing contemporary gospel-soul like Kirk Franklin. Critics called it her most mature work; at 54, Mavis owned her narrative. Perfect for reflective listens—it’s soul food for the spirit.
Track list:
1. The Voice
2. House in Order
3. Blood Is Thicker Than Time
4. You Will Be Moved
5. All Because of You
6. I’ll Be Right There
7. Why
8. A Man Called Jesus
9. The Last Stroll
10. Order My Steps
11. Jesus Is Coming
12. A Witness
1996 – Spirituals & Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson
A heartfelt homage to her idol Mahalia Jackson, Spirituals & Gospel pairs Mavis with blues virtuoso Lucky Peterson for an acoustic journey through sacred songs. Stripped-back arrangements—harmonica wails and fingerpicked guitar—amplify her soaring leads on classics like “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” It’s intimate, like a fireside revival, blending Delta blues with spiritual fervor. Released on Verve, it won over purists and introduced her to jazz crowds, garnering Grammy buzz. This album reaffirms Mavis’s gospel core amid career pivots. Timeless for worship or reflection; it’s pure, unadorned grace.
Track list:
1. Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
2. A Rusty Old Halo
3. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
4. If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
5. Wade in the Water
6. Down by the Riverside
7. Precious Lord Take My Hand
8. My Lord Is Writing
9. I Know I Got Religion
10. When I Get Home
11. My Mother’s Eyes
12. God Is Real
13. How I Got Over
2004 – Have a Little Faith
Revived by Alligator Records, Have a Little Faith marked Mavis’s triumphant return with rootsy blues-gospel hybrids produced by Jim Keltner. Tracks like “Pop’s Recipe”—a tribute to Pops Staples—brim with family lore and foot-stomping joy, featuring guests like David Hidalgo. It’s optimistic, urging faith amid doubt, and it earned her first Grammy win for “We Shall Not Be Moved” (bonus-track vibe). At 65, Mavis sounded reinvigorated, bridging Chicago blues to modern Americana. A fan favorite for its warmth; play it for uplift on tough days.
Track list:
1. Step into the Light
2. Pop’s Recipe
3. Have a Little Faith
4. God Is Not Sleeping
5. A Dying Man’s Plea
6. Ain’t No Better Than You
7. I Wanna Thank You
8. World in Motion
9. Bad Seed
10. I Got to Keep Singin’
11. In Times Like These
12. Got to Get You Off My Mind
2007 – We’ll Never Turn Back
Ry Cooder helmed We’ll Never Turn Back, a fiery civil rights tribute on ANTI- Records, reworking protest anthems with urgent slide guitar and choral swells. Mavis’s rendition of “Eyes on the Prize” became a rally cry, echoing Selma marches. Guests like Cindy Cashdollar add texture, but her voice steals the show—defiant, hopeful. Timed for the 2008 election, it revitalized her activism, snagging Grammy noms. Essential for understanding her legacy; it’s not nostalgia, it’s a call to arms. Blast it loud—history demands it.
Track list:
1. Down in Mississippi
2. Eyes on the Prize
3. We Shall Not Be Moved
4. In the Mississippi River
5. On My Way
6. This Little Light of Mine
7. 99 1/2
8. My Own Eyes
9. Turn Your Eyes
10. Jesus Is Coming
11. I’ll Be Rested
12. We Will Never Turn Back
2010 – You Are Not Alone
Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) produced You Are Not Alone, an eclectic mix of folk-gospel and R&B gems, featuring nods to Randy Newman and John Fogerty. Mavis’s take on “Losing You” aches with maturity, while “You Are Not Alone” (title track) offers comforting balm. Recorded live in the studio, its organic feel captured her band’s synergy. A critical darling, it introduced her to indie rockers, proving her cross-generational pull. Warm, wise, and wondrous—ideal for quiet nights pondering life’s twists.
Track list:
1. Don’t Knock
2. You Are Not Alone
3. Downward Road
4. In Christ There Is No East or West
5. Creep Along Moses
6. Losing You
7. I Belong to the Band
8. Last Train
9. Wrote a Song for Everyone
10. This World
11. Too Close/On My Way to Heaven
12. Only the Good Die Young
13. Heavy Makes You Sad
2013 – One True Vine
Tweedy returned for One True Vine, a concise roots-soul stunner with Low’s Alan Sparhawk adding ethereal touches. Covers like Funkadelic’s “Can You Get to That” groove with unexpected funk, while originals like “Every Step” radiate quiet strength. Mavis, post-knee surgery, sings with renewed vigor—proof of her unbreakable spirit. Praised for its brevity and beauty, it topped Americana charts. A meditative masterpiece; let it wash over you like a gentle river.
Track list:
1. Holy Ghost
2. Every Step
3. Can You Get to That
4. Jesus Wept
5. Far Celestial Shore
6. What Are They Doing in Heaven Today
7. Sow Good Seeds
8. I Like the Things About Me
9. Woke Up This Morning (With Jesus on My Mind)
10. One True Vine
2016 – Livin’ on a High Note
Mavis teamed with Ben Harper for Livin’ on a High Note, a jubilant ANTI-Records burst of positivity amid global unrest. Tracks like “Action” pulse with call-and-response energy, backed by her tight band. Harper’s production keeps it lean and lively, emphasizing joy over lament. At 77, she channels youthful exuberance, earning raves for its uplift. Short, sweet, and soul-satisfying—your daily dose of optimism.
Track list:
1. Take Us Back
2. Love and Trust
3. If It’s a Light
4. Action
5. High Note
6. Don’t Cry
7. Tomorrow
8. Dedicated
9. All Over Again
10. Livin’ on a High Note
2017 – If All I Was Was Black
Tweedy’s third collab, If All I Was Was Black, tackles racial injustice with poetic fury and hope. The title track is a mic-drop manifesto, while “We Go High” nods to Michelle Obama. Mavis’s voice—richer with age—cuts through sparse arrangements, making every word land. A protest album for the Trump era, it garnered acclaim for its timeliness and tenderness. Bold, brilliant, and bracing—activism at its most melodic.
Track list:
1. Little Bit
2. If All I Was Was Black
3. Who Told You That
4. Ain’t No Doubt About It (feat. Jeff Tweedy)
5. Peaceful Dream
6. No Time for Crying
7. Build a Bridge
8. We Go High
9. Try Harder
10. All Over Again
2019 – We Get By
Harper returned for We Get By, a communal anthem collection addressing division with unity’s glow. Duets like the title track with Harper soar, while “Change” urges empathy. Mavis’s delivery—gritty yet graceful—feels like a wise aunt’s counsel. Amid 2019’s chaos, it offered solace, topping blues charts. Simple, sturdy, and stirring—community in song form.
Track list:
1. Change
2. Anytime
3. We Get By (feat. Ben Harper)
4. Brothers and Sisters
5. Heavy on My Mind
6. Sometimes
7. Never Needed Anyone
8. Stronger
9. Wish I Was
10. We Get By (Reprise)
2025 – Sad and Beautiful World
Mavis’s latest, Sad and Beautiful World, drops wisdom bombs on ANTI- Records at 86, produced by a dream team blending indie and soul. Tracks like “Hard Times” confront chaos with compassion, her voice a beacon in turbulent times. Reflecting on legacy and loss, it’s introspective yet defiant—think “Beautiful Strangers” as a love letter to humanity. Critics buzz it’s her most poignant yet. A fitting capstone? Nah, just another chapter. Listen and let it heal; Mavis reminds us beauty persists.
Track list:
1. Chicago
2. Beautiful Strangers
3. Sad and Beautiful World
4. Human Mind
5. Hard Times
6. Godspeed
7. We Got to Have Peace
8. Anthem
9. One More Time
10. Sad and Beautiful World (Reprise)
There you have it—Mavis Staples albums in order, from fiery debuts to sage reflections. Her discography isn’t just music; it’s a soundtrack to struggle and triumph. Which one’s your favorite? Drop a comment below, and keep the soul alive!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Mavis Staples’ first solo album?
Mavis Staples kicked off her solo career with her self-titled debut album, Mavis Staples, released in 1969 on Stax Records. This soulful powerhouse introduced her velvety voice to the world, blending Memphis grooves with heartfelt covers like “Son of a Preacher Man.” It’s a timeless entry point for fans discovering her beyond the Staple Singers.
2. How many solo albums has Mavis Staples released as of 2025?
Mavis has released 14 solo studio albums to date, spanning from 1969 to 2025. Each one showcases her evolution—from raw ’60s soul to modern gospel-infused reflections—proving her enduring relevance at 86. For a full chronological breakdown, check our handy table above.
3. Which Mavis Staples album features a collaboration with Prince?
Prince’s magic touched two gems: Time Waits for No One (1982) and The Voice (1993), both on Paisley Park Records. Their duet “Come Home” on the former crackles with funky chemistry, while the latter dives deeper into spiritual funk. These collabs highlight Mavis’s fearless genre-blending spirit.
4. What themes dominate Mavis Staples’ later albums?
Post-2000 releases like We’ll Never Turn Back (2007) and If All I Was Was Black (2017) lean into activism, faith, and resilience, echoing her Civil Rights roots. Albums such as We Get By (2019) and Sad and Beautiful World (2025) add layers of hope amid hardship, making her discography a soundtrack for social change.
5. Where can I stream Mavis Staples’ albums?
All her albums are available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music—perfect for building that ultimate playlist. Dive into the embeds in our guide for instant access, or search “Mavis Staples discography” on your favorite platform to groove through her catalog chronologically.
Conclusion: The Enduring Echo of Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples’ solo journey isn’t just a discography—it’s a living testament to soul’s power to heal, unite, and ignite. From the dancefloor sizzle of Oh What a Feeling to the profound wisdom of Sad and Beautiful World, her 14 albums chronicle a life of triumphs, trials, and unshakeable grace. At 86, she’s not slowing down; she’s still marching for justice, one anthem at a time. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a curious newcomer, let her voice remind you: in a world that often feels heavy, music like Mavis’s lifts us higher. What’s your go-to track? Share in the comments, and keep the legacy alive—because with Mavis, the beat goes on.
