Best R&B Albums of 2007

The Makings of a Man, which is Jaheim's fourth album overall, may have prettier melodies and bigger hooks than some songs on his previous albums, but the subject matter is still ghetto life, and he does a good job painting a picture of how he rose from life in the projects to become the man he is today.

The skinny little white girl with the big black voice finally established her own identity on this, her third album. Although this album hasn't been as big of a success in her native England as her first two releases, it's definitely her most well-rounded, substantive work yet.

Like Joe's new album, the latest from Musiq Soulchild offers no surprises if you're familiar with the artist's previous work. However, the 'friends first' song "B.U.D.D.Y." and the tender ballad "teachme" are among the best songs Musiq's ever recorded.

On her self-titled second album, Fantasia completely steps out of the "American Idol" shadow and makes it clear that she's her own woman now. Fantasia's new album is strong, saucy, sassy, bold and brassy, just like her. Although she still has a way to go before she completely reaches her potential, she's miles ahead of most of the other ex-"American Idol" contestants when it comes to getting there.

Before all is said and done, Ne-Yo will likely be considered one of the greatest songwriters of the modern era. His vocal style may mirror Michael Jackson's a little too much, but this is only his second album, so there's still plenty of time for him to establish more of an individual identity for himself.

After months of delays (and title changes) Joe's sixth album came out in April. And? It was pretty much like his previous five releases: smooth, sultry and sophisticated.

Angie Stone's producers have finally gotten it right. On Angie's previous albums, her mature, sometimes husky vocals were wedded to breakbeats, samples and other song elements that seemed to contrast with her old school Soul vibe. But on her third album, The Art of Love & War, her voice is aided and abetted by lush, mature, mid-tempo backing tracks which do a lot more to help her songs than those recycled beats and pseudo-hip hop stuff ever did.

Your Guide really effed up and gave this album a bad review after listening to it only twice. Luckily, some very wise people helped me see the error of my ways. And after a few more listens, I finally began to realize how great Carl's brand of subtle, tasteful R&B is.

Although this wasn't up to Kelly's usual standards, a mediocre R. Kelly album is still better than anything that a lot of other male R&B singers have to offer. Hopefully though, Kelly will retire his ridiculous pseudo-thug persona after this. Men in their 40s should not be acting like that.

This album's a little boring, but it definitely grows on you. Chrisette is sort of a mini-Jill Scott. Smart, funny and full of sunny optimism.