Back in the 1990s - particularly the early-to-mid-90s - R&B ruled the charts, and it was during this time that some of the best Soul and R&B music since the '70s was released.
For a few years there was a mini-R&B renaissance that resulted in many great and eclectic acts arriving on the scene, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo and Jodeci.
And with that in mind, your Guide to R&B presents to you his list of the essential R&B and Soul albums of the 1990s.
1. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," Lauryn Hill (1998)
This album is the cream of the crop, the standard-bearer, the measuring stick that all albums of its era should be judged by. It is to the '90s what Alicia Keys' Songs in A Minor is to this decade. Times ten.
2. "R.," R. Kelly (1998)
Say what you will about the man's private life, but no one can deny that Robert Sylvester Kelly is a musical genius. There's almost no duds on this CD, which is remarkable since it's a double album with a total of 30 tracks between the two discs.
3. "Share My World," Mary J. Blige (1997)
Mary J. is another artist whom it's difficult to chose a best 1990s CD of hers, but Share My World can be considered first among equals, as far as her albums go. But Mary's other '90s albums, Mary (1999), My Life (1994) and What's the 411? (1992) are all good, though.
4. "Brown Sugar," D'Angelo (1995)
The title track by itself makes the whole album worth the purchase price. But there's plenty of other good music here too, especially a version of "Crusin' " that's even better than Smokey Robinson's original.
5. "Baduizm," Erykah Badu (1997)
From out of nowhere, Ms. Badu arrived on the scene in 1997 and blew up big time with her debut album, which was led by the single "On & On." Although she's still a relevant highly creative artist to this day, nothing she's released since has equaled the overall quality of Baduizm.
6. "Forever My Lady," Jodeci (1991)
This album was considered near-perfect at the time of its release and even spawned three phenomenally successful hit singles: "Forever My Lady," "Come & Talk to Me" and "Stay."
7. "Cooleyhighharmony," Boyz II Men (1991)
Back before they sold out - er, make that matured - Boyz II Men was a fun-loving, freewheeling group of guys. This album is their only one that's chock full of the uptempo New Jack Swing that was popular at the time.
8. "MTV's Unplugged: Maxwell," Maxwell (1997)
This eight-song live EP, which was released a year after his debut album, is one of the best live R&B albums ever and is perfect mood-setting music for the bedroom. Check for his cover versions of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" and Nine Inch Nails' "Closer."
9. "Long Time No See," Chico DeBarge (1997)
An underrated classic. Chico had just been released from prison when he recorded this album, but instead of wildin' out, he became introspective. Long Time No See is sultry, soulful and simmering. Must-hear songs: "Iggin' Me," "No Guarantee" and his cover of Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man."
10. "Hits," Tony! Toni! Tone! (1997)
Since all of the Tonys' album's were stellar, it's near-impossible to pick just one out of the pack. Since that's the case, their one greatest hits package is the way to go.
