As these words are being written, 2010 is almost over, so it's time to look back at the cream of the crop when it comes to R&B and Soul music that was released during the year. The top half of the list is dominated by some of the most creative women in all of music; Janelle Monae, Sade, Corinne Bailey Rae and Erykah Badu are all represented. And there's plenty of mainstream, chart-topping artists on the list too, like R. Kelly, Usher and Monica. Too see the full list, click the link for about.com's picks for the 20 best R&B/Soul albums of 2010.

• Best R&B/Soul Albums of 2010
• Best R&B/Soul Albums of 2009
• Best Albums of 2008

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Sade cover © Epic Records.