July was one of the worst months for new R&B in quite awhile. Other than Prince's new album, Planet Earth, there was hardly any good new music worth picking up. (Sorry, Kelly Rowland.) August should be a little better overall, even though there's no superstar like Prince releasing an album during the month. (Sorry, Amerie.) Well, that is, unless you want to count R. Kelly's DVD of 10 new chapters in his "Trapped in the Closet" series of songs. Check below to see the R&B releases for August.
"Because I Love It," Amerie
Cover © Sony Music.
This album was released in Europe months ago, but has been pushed back several times already this year in the United States. However, the new album by Beyonce's would-be rival Amerie is finally due to be released by Sony on Aug. 21. (Maybe.) UPDATE: Nope, the album didn't come out. No word yet on when, or if, it might be released in the U.S.
"Irreemplazable," Beyonce
Album cover © Sony Music.
On Aug. 21 Beyonce will release Irreemplazable, an eight-song EP featuring Spanish language versions of songs from her B'Day album, plus a couple of remixes and a Spanish remake of her song "Listen" from the Dreamgirls soundtrack.
"Pain and Paper," Lil' Mo
Cover © Koch Records.
After a long absence, Lil' Mo's third CD is due out Aug. 28 on Honeychild Inc./Koch Records. Lots of rappers make guest appearances, including Da Brat, Fabolous, Jim Jones and Trina.
"Lost & Found," Ledisi
Cover © Verve Records.
The latest by this vocally powerful jazz-R&B singer is due out Aug. 28 on Verve Records. You can stream her current single, "It's Alright," right HERE.
"A Woman's Touch," Thelma Houston
Cover © Shout! Factory.
Thelma's 14th album is is a concept album featuring her renditions of vintage R&B and Pop songs that were originally recorded by male singers. The album is due out on Aug. 14 on Shout! Factory Records.
"East Side Story," Emily King
Image © J Records.
The debut album by Emily King - an R&B-pop singer who some people are comparing to Alicia Keys - is due out Aug. 28 on J Records. Read the About R&B interview with her HERE.
"The Popular Machine," Van Hunt
Cover © Blue Note Records.
This four-song digital-only EP is being released Aug. 7 and is a preview of Van's upcoming full-length album, Popular, which is due out in January, 2008. The Popular Machine will include the first two singles from Popular: "Turn My TV On" and "The Lowest 1 Of My Desires." It will also feature acoustic versions of two songs from his second album, 2006's On the Jungle Floor.
"Konvicted (Special Edition)," Akon
The original version of this album was released in November 2006, but a special edition CD/DVD of Akon's Konvicted comes out on Aug. 28. It'll feature his new single "Sorry, Blame It On Me." The DVD includes music videos and a film documenting Akon's return to homeland of Senegal.
"Trapped in the Closet: Chapters 13-22," R. Kelly (DVD)
This DVD, which features 10 music videos, is due out on Aug. 21.
