If you have a hard time shopping for someone for Mother's Day, consider music as an option. Not only is it the gift that keeps on giving, but lasting memories can be made while listening to a music gift. But if you're the type that has a hard time picking out music for your mother (or grandmother, or sister, or daughter, etc.) then your Guide to R&B is here to help. Take a look at the below list of albums - all of which are by women - for a few suggestions on what to get.
Alicia Keys' "As I Am"
© J Records.
Most other singers, even those who are above average, pale in comparison to Alicia Keys. Evidence of this is inherent throughout Alicia's third studio album, As I Am, which is probably the most powerful R&B release of 2007.
Lizz Wright's "The Orchard"
© Verve Records.
On her brilliant third album, The Orchard, which was released Feb. 26, 2008, Lizz Wright shows and proves that she can master numerous music genres. The Orchard is a beautifully serene collection of mature, personal, and sometimes spiritual, songs that serve to cement her standing as one of the more versatile and talented artists in contemporary music today.
Mary J. Blige's "Growing Pains"
© Geffen Records.
On Mary J. Blige's eighth studio album, the reigning Queen of Hip-Hop Soul once again proves that she is indeed music royalty and has no intention of abdicating her throne anytime soon. Growing Pains is a well-produced, extremely well-sung album about both the joy and pain, the sunshine and rain that comes with living life. Mary J. may have sworn off drama, but on this album she finds out that it's much easier said than done.
Chaka Khan's "Funk This"
© Burgundy Records.
It was the song "Lost Without You," that propelled Robin Thicke to star status, but there are many songs on the album that are even better. Check out the album review for more.
Jill Scott's "The Real Thing: Words & Sounds Vol. 3"
© Hidden Beach Recordings.
Jill Scott proves on this album that she still is - and will likely always be - the real thing. As she's done on all her albums before this, Jill thrills listeners with her wonderfully powerful voice and introspective and insightful lyrics. This album though, unlike its predecessors, has an almost palpable undercurrent of melancholy and/or sadness on quite a few songs, and some tracks are also very adult and erotic in nature.
India.Arie's "Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship"
© Motown Records.
India.Arie's sophomore album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship, with it's lush melodies, extremely personal and heartfelt lyrics and pearls of wisdom, proves that the quality of India's first album wasn't a fluke and that she's among the most talented R&B/Soul artists of this generation.
Conya Doss's "Still ... "
© Conya Doss Songs.
Despite her lack of fame and mainstream acceptance, Conya Doss keeps releasing good independent music, and doing it on her own terms. Her latest album, Still, which was released April 1, 2008, is a pleasant, mature and intelligent work of art that's a little short on catchy, radio-friendly ditties that instantly get stuck in your head, but is long on sensual, sophisticated songs for the over-30 crowd.
