Essential Albums
Albums That Would Make a Great 'Starter Kit' for Newer Fans of R&B and Soul.
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"R.," R. Kelly
The rare double-CD that has almost no bad songs, R fully explores both the sacred ("I Believe I Can Fly," "I'm Your Angel") and profane ("Don't Put Me Out," "Down Low Double Life") sides of the man who is R. Kelly.
The rare double-CD that has almost no bad songs, R fully explores both the sacred ("I Believe I Can Fly," "I'm Your Angel") and profane ("Don't Put Me Out," "Down Low Double Life") sides of the man who is R. Kelly.
"Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1," Jill Scott
Released in 2000, Jill Scott's debut album went on to receive four Grammy nominations and transformed Ms. Scott from a Philadelphia unknown into a global star.
Released in 2000, Jill Scott's debut album went on to receive four Grammy nominations and transformed Ms. Scott from a Philadelphia unknown into a global star.
"Songs in A Minor," Alicia Keys
The debut of a neo-classic. Songs in A Minor netted Alicia Keys the 2002 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best R&B Album, and "Fallin'" won Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.
The debut of a neo-classic. Songs in A Minor netted Alicia Keys the 2002 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best R&B Album, and "Fallin'" won Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.
"My Life," Mary J. Blige
This 1994 release features Mary's powerful version of the classic "I'm Goin' Down," and received a Grammy nomination for Best Album.
This 1994 release features Mary's powerful version of the classic "I'm Goin' Down," and received a Grammy nomination for Best Album.
"Brown Sugar," D'Angelo
One of the first albums of the Neo-Soul movement. Rather than hand his talents over to any of the super-producers who rule modern R&B, D'Angelo himself handled most tasks on his 1995 debut album, from writing and producing to arranging and playing most of the instruments.
One of the first albums of the Neo-Soul movement. Rather than hand his talents over to any of the super-producers who rule modern R&B, D'Angelo himself handled most tasks on his 1995 debut album, from writing and producing to arranging and playing most of the instruments.
"Peace Beyond Passion," Me'Shell NdegeOcello
Me'Shell NdegeOcello's 2nd album is a blend of funk, jazz, rap and soul. There's also a deeply personal spiritual bent, and includes songs that explore racism, homophobia and other societal ills.
Me'Shell NdegeOcello's 2nd album is a blend of funk, jazz, rap and soul. There's also a deeply personal spiritual bent, and includes songs that explore racism, homophobia and other societal ills.
"What's Going On," Marvin Gaye
One of the most well-rounded albums ever, What's Goin' On embodies the 'peace, love and soul' philosophy that Gaye personified.
One of the most well-rounded albums ever, What's Goin' On embodies the 'peace, love and soul' philosophy that Gaye personified.
"Sign O' The Times," Prince
Some of the the Purple One's best ballads are on this double CD, including the classics "Slow Love" and "Adore."
Some of the the Purple One's best ballads are on this double CD, including the classics "Slow Love" and "Adore."
"Music From the Motion Picture Dead Presidents," Various Artists
Featuring classic 70s Soul, like Issac Hayes' sorrowful "Walk On By," James Brown's funky "The Payback" and Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man."
Featuring classic 70s Soul, like Issac Hayes' sorrowful "Walk On By," James Brown's funky "The Payback" and Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man."
"Baduizm," Erykah Badu
Baduizm won the 1988 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and the single "On & On" won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Baduizm won the 1988 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and the single "On & On" won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
"Long Time No See," Chico DeBarge
This 1997 album was released three years after DeBarge himself was released - from prison. Chico and his brother spent six years in prison on drug charges.
This 1997 album was released three years after DeBarge himself was released - from prison. Chico and his brother spent six years in prison on drug charges.
"Make It Last Forever," Keith Sweat
Although only "I Want Her" crossed over to the pop charts, hitting the Top Five, the five singles from Keith Sweat's debut album were prominently featured on R&B radio and dance floors from the winter of 1987 through the fall of 1988.
Although only "I Want Her" crossed over to the pop charts, hitting the Top Five, the five singles from Keith Sweat's debut album were prominently featured on R&B radio and dance floors from the winter of 1987 through the fall of 1988.