November was a slow month for R&B - quite a few new releases scheduled to come out that month were pushed back to 2007. But December 2006 should be better, since labels typically like to get major releases in stores for the holiday season. In fact, some well-known R&B names are releasing new albums this month, particulalry folks who go by just one name, like Ciara, Fantasia, Omarion and Tyrese. Check out the list below for more details.
1. "Ten," Brian McKnight
The first release by B. McKnight on his new Warner Bros. Records home will be in stores on Dec. 5. Check out our review of the CD HERE.
2. "Fantasia," Fantasia Barrino
This album, which is due out Dec. 12 on J Records, is gonna do big things. Mark my words. You can check your Guide's review of the disc HERE.
3. "Evolution," Ciara
Ci-Ci's sophomore set of songs is in stores Dec. 5 on LaFace Records. For you Guide's review of the disc, look HERE.4. "Ocean Drive," Johnta Austin
The debut album by award-winning songwriter Johnta (it's pronounced jawn-tay) will be out Dec. 26 on Virgin Records. UPDATE: Ocean Drive's release date has been pushed back to Feb. 7, 2007.5. "Alter Ego," Tyrese
Due in stores Dec. 12 from J Records, Tyrese's new half-R&B/half-rap album is going to compete head-to-head with another J artist, Fantasia Barrino, for first-week sales. That's a bad look for Black Ty. Anyway, the About R&B review of Alter Ego can be seen HERE.6. "21," Omarion
The latest from the 21-year-old ex-boy band star is due Dec. 26 on Sony/Epic. Your R&B Guide's review of the CD is HERE.7. "Back To Black," Amy Winehouse
The American release date for the sophomore album by the powerhouse British Soul singer is slated for Dec. 19. UPDATE: Although the album was released in Europe back in October 2006, the American drop date has been pushed back to March 2007.8. "Dreamgirls (Soundtrack)," Various Artists
Two versions of the soundtrack will be out Dec. 5 on Sony; a single-disc version features 19 songs, while a two-disc verion features a whopping 37 songs. The movie, by the way, will be in U.S. theatres on Dec. 21.9. "Reflections: A Retrospective," Mary J. Blige
This greatest hits/best-of package also has a few new songs, including "We Ride." Reflections is due in stores Dec. 12 on the Geffen music label, and your Guide to R&B's review of it is right HERE.10. "Platinum Collection," Teddy Pendergrass
A greatest hits package of music by a man who influenced many contemporary male R&B singers. It's due out in the U.S. on Dec. 19.