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Learn about the origins, development, and subgenres of contemporary R&B, a popular music genre that combines rhythm and blues with pop, soul, funk, hip hop, and electronic influences. Explore the contributions of artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and more.
Listen to the best new R&B songs from Sza, Frank Ocean, Ari Lennox and more on this playlist. The Blues Project showcases the diversity and vitality of contemporary R&B music in 2024 and beyond.
Jan 3, 2024 · Many of this century’s epochal blockbuster albums are R&B records: from Usher’s 10-times platinum Confessions, to Beyonce’s Lemonade, to Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi,...
- 4 min
- Rolling Stone
Nov 1, 2023 · Learn about the origins, evolution, and current landscape of R&B, a genre that has influenced pop, hip-hop, and alternative music. Discover the key artists who have shaped contemporary R&B and how it reflects social and cultural issues.
- Channel Orange – Frank Ocean
- Mother – Cleo Sol
- Ctrl – Sza
- Black Messiah – D’Angelo and The Vanguard
- A Seat at The Table – Solange
- Freudian – Daniel Caesar
- Malibu – Anderson .Paak
- House of Balloons – The Weeknd
- Chasing Summer – Sir
- Shea Butter Baby – Ari Lennox
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Frank Ocean is certainly one of the most influential artists in contemporary R&B. His 2012 album, Channel Orange is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern R&B. Channel Orange followed his seminal EP, Nostalgia, Ultra. The album features a blend of soulful ballads and experimental tracks, all anchored by Ocean’s rich and emotive vocals. Stand-ou...
Across featherlight tones Cleo decorates her second solo album, Mother. A tribute to herself as a mother, her mother and in doing so, encapsulates generational truths of women. This beautifully orchestrated project is brought to cinematic life through producer, Inflo – one of the real heroes of music in 2021. Cleo is truly sensational. Since the re...
SZA made her mark as a cult favourite in R&B with her debut album Ctrl, a stunning showcase of her songwriting and vocal abilities. The album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with SZA’s raw and vulnerable lyrics paired with innovative production that draws from a range of influences. Standout tracks include the introspective “Drew...
After a 14-year hiatus, D’Angelo returned withBlack Messiah, an album that showcased his pioneering blend of Soul, Funk and R&B. Notably, this pioneering sound spawned the Neo-Soul movement that continues to wax strong till today. Black Messiah features a range of collaborators, from Questlove to Kendra Foster, and explores themes of social justice...
Solange’s A Seat at the Table is a stunning work of art that explores themes of black womanhood, identity, and empowerment. Furthermore, this R&B album placed Solange in an elite artistic league. The album blends R&B, Jazz, Funk and even Hip Hop influences creating a rich and textured sound. Standout tracks include the dreamy Cranes in the Sky, the...
Daniel Caesar’s Freudian is a soulful and introspective masterpiece album. Daniel Caesar brings his church kid background to the fore on Freudian. Moreover, Freudian masterfully uses R&B devices like nay-hoos and doo-wops. The blend of R&B and Gospel influences creates a lush, heavenly sound. The standout tracks including the soulful Get You, We Fi...
With his 2016 debut, Anderson .Paak’s Malibu was solidified in stunning debut R&B albums. Malibu is a funky, yet eclectic album that showcases that .Paak is both a powerful vocalist and exceptional multi-instrumentalist. The album’s blend of R&B, Hip-Hop and Funk creates a unique and immersive sound. Again standout tracks include the soulful The Bi...
The Weeknd’s House of Balloons is one of the landmark R&B albums that helped to define the sound of modern R&B. The album’s dark and moody production, paired with The Weeknd’s seductive vocals, creates a deeply atmospheric listening experience. Standout tracks include the hauntingHigh For This, the seductive Wicked Games, and the emotionalThe Knowi...
Born and raised in Inglewood California, singer, songwriter and record producer, SiR’s project Chasing Summer, indicated by the name, is a bonafide summer jam project.
Born in Washington D.C, 28-year-old, Ari Lennox is singed to J-Cole’s record label, Dreamville Records. On the Cole-featured single, Shea Butter Baby, Ari effortlessly oozes sultry passion and the album with the same monicker delivers.
A curated list of essential listening R&B albums from 2010 to 2024, featuring Frank Ocean, Sza, Solange, D'Angelo and more. Explore the diverse and innovative sounds of modern R&B, from soulful ballads to experimental tracks.
- 4 min
Learn about the history, artists, albums, and songs of contemporary R&B, a slick and soulful style that developed after urban R&B. Explore the highlights and recent releases of this subgenre on AllMusic.
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Dec 7, 2022 · R&B rediscovered its place in the club, pushed into the outer reaches of space, found and lost love (as always) and relished the beauty of the Black experience. These are the 20 best albums...
