Unlike October, November 2006 looks like it won't be a huge month for new R&B music. Several albums that were supposed to be released in November, including the new ones from Brian McKnight and Bobby Valentino, were pushed back a month to December (just in time for holiday shopping).
But there are a few notable releases, most notably the sophomore album by Akon, called Konvicted; the return of Marques Houston; and a limited-release Mary J. Blige CD.
1. "Konvicted," Akon
This album might not even belong on an R&B list, since Akon has crossed over so much into Hip-Hop and Urban Pop. But technically, he is a singer, we'll go ahead and include him. Konvicted, which includes the runaway hit single "Smack That," drops Nov. 14.
2. "Between Friends," Tamia
The latest from the wife of NBA star Grant Hill drops on Nov. 14. Check out our review of the disc HERE.
3. "My Friends & Me," Dionne Warwick
Dionne goes the guest star route on her new album by featuring duets with contemporary artists like Mya, Kelis, Angie Stone and Chante' Moore on her new album. The release is in stores Nov. 7. You can read our review HERE.4. "Joe Who? Joe Thomas," Joe
After what seems like a very long wait, the latest release from the singer Joe will (supposedly) be out on Nov. 28. But will it really? Your guess is as good as mine. UPDATE: The album's released has been pushed back to 2007.5. "Split Personality," Mila J.
Mila's debut album is due in U.S. stores Nov. 7. UPDATE: This album's release has been indefinitely delayed.6. "Holiday Wishes: From Me to You," Jon B.
The Blue-Eyed Soul singer's collection of traditional Christmas songs will be out on Nov. 14. Check out the About R&B review of it HERE.7. "Veteran," Marques Houston
The third solo release by the former Immature/iMx member Marques Houston is expected to hit the streets Nov. 14. Reportedly, guests on the album include the singer Mya and the rappers Yung Joc and Shawna. UPDATE: The album's release has been pushed back to March 2007.8. "Mary J. Blige & Friends (Circuit City Exclusive)," Mary J. Blige
This CD/DVD combo, which will be out on Nov. 14, has two parts: the first disc contains nine songs by Mary and friends like Elton John, Santana and Sting; the second disc is a DVD. It's only available at Circuit City, though; so check CircuitCity.com for more details.9. "Greatest Hits," Ginuwine
This one's interesting: usually labels release greatest hits pacakages by artists either:a) when said artist gets dropped by the label, or b) when they're still on the label, but considered washed up. Either way, Ginuwine's greatest hits album will be in stores Nov. 21.
10. "The Hits," Jagged Edge
As the name implies, this is a greatest hits package from Jagged Edge. By the way, if any member of my family wanted to get me a copy of this for Christmas, I wouldn't be mad at ya. It'll be out on Nov. 21.