Essential listening R&B albums. 30 must-hear contemporary R&B / Soul albums from the past decade. R&B albums from Frank Ocean, Cleo Sol, Sza, Solange & More
R&B music is seeing a renaissance of sorts. It, of course, never went away but the past few years has seen the genre flourish both musically and commercially. Contemporary R&B artists have reinvented the sound of R&B, keeping its soulful essence and infusing modern sonics and concepts.
Cue our curated list of the 30 best R&B / Soul albums from the past decade for your listening. Our selection of the contemporary R&B albums of the past decade or so that we consider essential listening. Some of these R&B albums you may know but many are underrated true gems you may not have heard shouted about. All are brilliant bodies of work that have all in their own way pushed the sound of R&B forward. So, without further ado, let’s get into it…
- See our R&B Albums section for more of our top R&B albums of the past few years.
1. Channel Orange – Frank Ocean (2012)
Frank Ocean is certainly one of the most influential artists in contemporary R&B. His 2012 album, Channel Orange is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern R&B. Channel Orange followed his seminal EP, Nostalgia, Ultra. The album features a blend of soulful ballads and experimental tracks, all anchored by Ocean’s rich and emotive vocals. Stand-out tracks include “Thinkin Bout You” and “Pyramids,” but the album is best experienced as a whole, with its introspective themes and lush production creating a hypnotic, immersive mood.
2. Mother – Cleo Sol (2021)
Across featherlight tones Cleo decorates her second solo album, Mother. A tribute to herself as a mother, her mother and in doing so, encapsulates generational truths of women. This beautifully orchestrated project is brought to cinematic life through producer, Inflo – one of the real heroes of music in 2021. Cleo is truly sensational. Since the release of her first album, Rose In the Dark, listeners can spot a harnesssed cadence, as the singer has really strapped herself well to understand her abilities musically – truly beautiful to see and hear. She’s managed to produce one of the best R&B / Soul albums of the year two years in a row. A true feat.
Sounds like.. A soothingly refreshing contemporary take on Neo-Soul, guided along by incredibly rich, dynamic production from the masterful Inflo
Speaks to… The beauty and realities of motherhood, past present and future
Start with… Promises
3. Ctrl – Sza (2017)
SZA made her mark as a cult favourite in R&B with her debut album Ctrl, a stunning showcase of her songwriting and vocal abilities. The album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with SZA’s raw and vulnerable lyrics paired with innovative production that draws from a range of influences. Standout tracks include the introspective “Drew Barrymore,” the sultry “The Weekend,” and the emotional “Supermodel.”
4. Black Messiah – D’Angelo and The Vanguard (2014)
After a 14-year hiatus, D’Angelo returned with Black Messiah, an album that showcased his pioneering blend of Soul, Funk and R&B. Notably, this pioneering sound spawned the Neo-Soul movement that continues to wax strong till today. Black Messiah features a range of collaborators, from Questlove to Kendra Foster, and explores themes of social justice and personal transformation. Standout tracks include the funky Sugah Daddy, the politically charged 1000 Deaths, and the soulful ballad Really Love.
5. A Seat at the Table – Solange (2016)
Solange’s A Seat at the Table is a stunning work of art that explores themes of black womanhood, identity, and empowerment. Furthermore, this R&B album placed Solange in an elite artistic league. The album blends R&B, Jazz, Funk and even Hip Hop influences creating a rich and textured sound. Standout tracks include the dreamy Cranes in the Sky, the funky Don’t Touch My Hair, and the empowering F.U.B.U.
6. Freudian – Daniel Caesar (2017)
Daniel Caesar’s Freudian is a soulful and introspective masterpiece album. Daniel Caesar brings his church kid background to the fore on Freudian. Moreover, Freudian masterfully uses R&B devices like nay-hoos and doo-wops. The blend of R&B and Gospel influences creates a lush, heavenly sound. The standout tracks including the soulful Get You, We Find Love and the modern classic, Best Part.
7. Malibu – Anderson .Paak (2016)
With his 2016 debut, Anderson .Paak’s Malibu was solidified in stunning debut R&B albums. Malibu is a funky, yet eclectic album that showcases that .Paak is both a powerful vocalist and exceptional multi-instrumentalist. The album’s blend of R&B, Hip-Hop and Funk creates a unique and immersive sound. Again standout tracks include the soulful The Bird, the funky Come Down, and the dance floor classic, Am I Wrong.
8. House of Balloons – The Weeknd (2011)
The Weeknd’s House of Balloons is one of the landmark R&B albums that helped to define the sound of modern R&B. The album’s dark and moody production, paired with The Weeknd’s seductive vocals, creates a deeply atmospheric listening experience. Standout tracks include the haunting High For This, the seductive Wicked Games, and the emotional The Knowing.
9. Chasing Summer – SiR (2019)
Born and raised in Inglewood California, singer, songwriter and record producer, SiR’s project Chasing Summer, indicated by the name, is a bonafide summer jam project.
Sounds like…
Chilled mellow vibes, with reggae influences on some tracks like You Can’t Save Me. Hair Down featuring Kendrick Lamar possesses heavy beats but fused with SiR’s light vocals, a chilled atmosphere is created.
Speaks to…
SiR’s decade-old marriage and journey.
Start with…
Hair Down
10. Shea Butter Baby – Ari Lennox (2019)
Born in Washington D.C, 28-year-old, Ari Lennox is singed to J-Cole’s record label, Dreamville Records. On the Cole-featured single, Shea Butter Baby, Ari effortlessly oozes sultry passion and the album with the same monicker delivers.
Sounds like…
Perfect neo-soul, with luminous R&B renditions. Without a doubt, Lennox serves ear milk to listeners through her high vocal range and faultless runs. Surely, the album’s title is enough warning that you’ll melt like butter at the sound of her voice.
Speaks to…
Lenox’s personal experience of relationships and how she sails through both the good and bad parts of this. Sensual themes are openly threaded throughout this body of work.
Start With…
Shea Butter Baby
11. Reality Show – Jazmine Sullivan (2015)
Jazmine Sullivan’s Reality Show is a powerful and personal album that showcases the singer’s emotive delivery and songwriting skills. Jazmine tells the stories of a number of women in relatable, yet poignant situations. The album’s blend of R&B, soul, and Hip-Hop influences takes R&B lovers on a no-skip ride of contemporary R&B perfection. Standout tracks include the soulful Let It Burn, the powerful Forever Don’t Last, and the introspective, Masterpiece (Mona Lisa).
12. Untidy Soul – Samm Henshaw (2022)
Church was one of Samm Henshaw’s first introductions into music. Playing the drums at four he then picked up the piano and guitar in his teens. Now at 28, he has released an elegantly soulful and infectiously uplifting debut album. For fans of a young John Legend, Samm’s raspy voice is perfectly complemented by the gospel influences and melodious choirs on tracks like‘8:16’ and ‘Joy’ . There is a continuous influence of Jazz from the background adlibs to the sounds of trumpeter Keyon Harrold on ‘Still Broke’, a tale about getting lost in money only to end up cashless and friendless.
Love is explored throughout the album, such as the playful song ‘Chicken Wings’, a plea for good company and food. ‘Love by You’ a song filled with promises of being someone’s relief, and ‘East Detroit’ where over the steady and seductive bass, he pines for an old lover. Untidy Soul has no particular journey but much like the title it is a compilation of various thoughts and feelings. Overall this album tells us that sometimes the person in the way of your own joy is yourself. And it’s a delightful listen whilst doing that.
13. Marigold – Alex Isley (2022)
Jazz Studies graduate and classically trained artist Alex Isley grew up immersed in music. Her Father was legendary singer Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers, and her Grandmother an opera singer – it’s clear to see how these influences shape her music today. In her joint album with producer Jack Dine, Alex Isley’s songs blend seamlessly into one another to produce what is surely one of the best Soul / R&B albums of the past decade. We should note that this power producer-singer duo have made musical magic many times before. Most notably on Alex Isley’s 2020 hit, Good & Plenty.
The quintessence of soft modern R&B, it’s easy to sink into Isley’s voice like a cloud and let the album whisper stories of love to you. She details the pain of love in ‘Too Bad I Forget’, before moving on in ‘Love Again’ – carried by a romantic acoustic guitar. The recognisable swag of Robert Glasper is featured on ‘Still Wonder’ which feels more layered than some of the other tracks which seem purposely exposed, perhaps a nod to the ever-changing journey of love itself.
14. 11 – SAULT (2022)
Mystery music collective SAULT didn’t let the year end without blessing us with another studio album, this time titled 11. This was one of the five albums released for free that they said was made as an offering to God. 11 is 44 minutes of mantras, spiritual tenderness and solidarity. “Marching together, the strength is in us” summing up the sentiments of the albums. 11 offers a mix of soul and disco, with ‘Together’ carrying a funky beat.
Soulful track ‘Higher’ then encourages listeners to reflect and seek joy and hope as we head into another year. ‘Glory’ is one of the several tracks that includes warming reggae vocals to carry the message of unity. Featuring a pop rock closing as the electric guitar strums to the words “Take your time to know what you want if you can use the mind control.” It’s a comforting album that reminds listeners to look within themselves, their community and God to be the change.
15. Kaleidoscope Dream – Miguel (2012)
Miguel’s Kaleidoscope Dream is a stunning showcase of the singer’s vocal abilities and songwriting. An R&B album that also blends funk and psychedelic influences creating a dreamy, immersive listening experience. Standout tracks include the soulful modern classic Adorn, the dreamy Do You… and the funky Use Me.
16. HYPNOS – Ravyn Lenae (2022)
HYPNOS captures the stunning versability of Ravyn Lenae’s alluring voice, which is both delicate and otherworldly. It is an alternative R&B album of balmy harmonies and perfectly selected features. Lenae’s first single ‘Skin Tight’ with Steve Lacy is a dream combination. Both singers share a relaxed and ethereal energy that has created a sadly soft tale of a lovers parting.
One of the many things to love about this album is the storytelling. Not only is it beautifully composed but the lyrics were written to move you as much as the beat. Take the self-love track ‘Inside Out’ as an example, “I wonder why suddenly I can fly, No one can shake me now, And there were times you’d take me high to break me down, Then I’d come back around.” Her final single Xtasy was later remixed with rapper Doechii and producer KAYTRANADA, pumping a steady electric beat. HYPNOS feels like you’ve been pulled into a tight embrace with your best friend on the dancefloor. Let loose and let her hypnotic cadence move you in this spectacular alternative R&B album.
17. Souled Out – Jhene Aiko (2014)
Jhene Aiko sits in a special league with artists like Frank Ocean and The Weeknd as the most influential artists on contemporary R&B. When Jhene released her earliest projects – Sailing Souls, Sail Out and her 2014 album, Souled Out – the sound was fresh and unfamiliar. At the time it was appropriate to refer to Jhene’s sound as ‘alternative R&B’. But today, that sound is staple in mainstream contemporary R&B, with the influences easily heard in Summer Walker and Sza’s music.
Jhene Aiko’s Souled Out is Jhene’s most brilliant exposition of the lane in R&B that she pioneered. A soulful and introspective album that showcases the singer’s deeply emotive delivery and personal songwriting. Furthermore, Souled Out is tender, whilst being deeply emotional. Wistful and dreamy, with a healing aura. Standout tracks including the dreamy The Pressure, the introspective Wading, and the soulful Spotless Mind. The album is perfect for introspective moments and laid-back listening.
18. age/sex/location – Ari Lennox (2022)
The velvety vocals of Ari Lennox came to feed the appetite of the R&B obsessed with her sophomore album that sounds like a woman confident in her power. From the first track, POF, Ari Lennox makes it clear that she’s the new-age queen of Neo-Soul music. In the R&B album landscape, age/sex/location immediately and consistently stakes its peg in Neo-Soul.
‘POF’ immediately calls out the nonsense behaviour of men she has interacted with. Then on ‘Queen Space’ featuring Summer Walker she talks of the value of her love. As always, Lennox remains humorous with her storytelling with lyrics like “All cap, niggas hat-fishing, Why I don’t see no picture with your hat missing? Rug rat prison, Bare flippin’ five kids, but you’re back pimpin’.” Overall, the album feels mature and provides us with sexy slow jams like ‘Hoodie’ and preppy sexy tunes like ‘Pressure’. It’s an album that confidently portrays a change in perspective when it comes to love with consistent messaging and delivery just to let us know she means this ‘ish.
19. Gemini Rights – Steve Lacy (2022)
Inspired by a breakup with a boyfriend, Steve Lacy came through with an indie pop meets psychedelic funk and Soul combination in his second studio album, Gemini Rights. The beginning of his third track ‘Mercury’ sounds like it belongs on a Isley Brothers album. It then follows through with ‘60s bossa nova, a genre that was a marriage between samba and cool jazz. However, he still manages to provide pop rock vibes reminiscent of the early 2000s in ‘Helmet’ and ‘Bad Habit’ . Both of which could belong as the lead track in a noughties high school rom com. Lacy offers us a slow rhythmic love song in ‘Give You the World’ and dramatic promises in ‘Sunshine’ featuring Fousheê. The guitar of course plays a large role in Gemini Rights, it’s a highlight of the album second to the man himself.
20. Still Over It – Summer Walker (2021)
Still Over It is the sophomore offering from Walker following her debut R&B album, “Over it”. Walker’s confessional project provides evidence of her seasoned ear and harnessed cadence. Summer Walker’s ability to paint her truths, lyrically and melodically, has earned the stamp of approval amongst her peers and solidified accolades across categories. Boasting a healthy 20-track list, and tracking in just over an hour, Still Over It is the hitchhikers guide to life after so-called ‘happily ever after’.
Still Over It is the hitchikers guide to life after so-called ‘happily ever after’
While the lines are still blurred around London on da Track’s accreditation on the album, Summer recruits The Neptunes, Ari Lennox, Sza, Cardi B and Lil Durk – to name a few. Still Over It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart – marking Summer’s first project to reach the top spot and making history with the most prominent streaming debut for an R&B album by a female artist in US history.
Sounds like… Noughties R&B with touches of Neo-Soul amalgamated with a genuinely mesmerising collection of heartfelt, deeply soulful tracks, drags and prayers.
Speaks to… Those who need to learn the lesson of life after agreeing to a second half. The broken-hearted looking for rehabilitation
Start with… Insane
21. Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan (2021)
Heaux Tales stands as the beacon and pillar of smoke that confirmed the return of Jazmine Sullivan following a 6-year hiatus from music. For many fans of the singer, it felt like the breath of fresh air after fighting her corner for years. With a 14-strong lineup, Sullivan provides a voice for every woman. Often erratic, toxic and angst-ridden, the base of Jazmine’s voice coupled with her unmatched ability to steer her it into an incredible range of terrain, proves simple mediocracy cannot suffice Jazmine Sullivan’s musicianship. With her luggage of talent, Jazmine has orchestrated the diary of a 2021 woman, deciding how she wants to present herself to the world and not being told by anyone but her gotdamn self.
As the title firmly suggests, Heaux Tales is quite the ride, but it’s also the stiff drink that’ll age better with every sip. Features include Ari Lennox, H.E.R., Anderson Paak and includes comedic skits and one-liners.
Sounds like.. Jazmine Suillivan aged like fine wine. Her vocal ability still remains flawless throughout.
Speaks to. .. the modern day woman. How do you process being left for all the wrong reasons? How do you grieve over a lover leaving you for a younger woman, a woman who more conspicuously conforms to today’s ideas of ‘sexy’?
Start With…Bodies (Intro) then make your way down..
22. Black Radio III – Robert Glasper (2022)
It’s been almost 10 years since the four time Grammy Award Winner Robert Glasper released his last Black Radio Album. This time around he begins with a track lyrically capturing the power and intentionality of music for Black people. “Dreams let loose in the pure hearts with divine acoustics, We lay blueprints at the blue note, I come from a people transmuted, transformed by song”, as told to us by spoken word poet Amir Sulaiman. In true Robert Glasper style he’s taken an iconic song ‘Everybody wants to rule the world’ by Tears for Fears, and given it a new home. It features the layered voice of Lalah Hathaway before rapper Common lyrically dives deeper into the ominously gleeful song.
Robert Glasper’s albums guarantee collabs with some of the most legendary voices in the jazz and soul scene. From PJ Morton and India Arie whose lullaby-like voices feature on ‘Forever’, and jazz powerhouses Gregory Porter and Ledisi on ‘It Don’t Matter’. Both songs are about love, one more pure and sure and the other complicated and passionate.
23. Mood Valiant – Hiatus Kayote (2021)
The Australian Funk / Soul trio has really created an earworm with Mood Valiant. True to its title, this project creates feelings of valiant freedom and expression. Moulding an orchestra of different sounds in a pot of musicality – Hiatus Kayote is truly what doctors order for a feel-good listen. The twice Grammy-nominated band are truly ahead of the new age of Funk & Soul and have begun to sow the seeds of their avant-garde. Certainly one of the standout Soul / R&B albums of the decade.
Sounds like… a festival of musicality with funk and soul ties
Speaks to… Lovers of instrumentation
Start with… Get Sun featuring Arthur Verocai
24. Rose In The Dark – Cleo Sol (2020)
Cleo Sol, the London born singer-songwriter whose unique brand of soul simply pierces the heart, blessed us with by far one of the stand out R&B albums of 2020.
Rose In The Dark is soul music at its finest with Cleo’s voice dazzling throughout. Lyrically and melodically, she paints intensely vivid images laced over smooth soulful production which delights throughout. The 11-track album lasts just under 40 minutes is yet again another example of a project from the next gen that is doing justice to Soul and R&B.
Sounds like…
An eclectic amalgamation of Blues mixed with contemporary Soul.
Speaks to…
True lovers of early 2000s Neo-Soul lovers who appreciate an artist brave enough to share their introspective perspective.
Start with…
When I’m In Your Arms
25. Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas (2020)
The hugely talented Lianne La Havas came back with a bang this year with her new self-titled album. Despite not dropping a project since 2015, the wait was well and truly worth it. Lianne delivered brilliantly vivid storytelling music throughout, with a genuinely heartwarming soul that resonates.
Sounds like…
Chilled, retro soul at its very finest. vibes throughout, touching on a very reminiscent to Corrine Bailey Rae and early Tracy Chapman. Lianne’s multi layered vocals and vivid lyrics help to steer the album’s self-assured soulful direction.
Speaks to…
Purposefully bold yet tender, this album touches on a host of relatable topics from self-growth to life and love.
Start with…
Bittersweet
26. The Album – Teyana Taylor (2019)
Without doubt Teyana Taylor is one of the most diversely talented entertainers of her generation. In June, she dropped her very much anticipated album, The Album. Teyana being the dope creative she is, the project plays out in 5 sections linked to the acronym A, L, B, U, and M.
Moreover, if being a talented singer, songwriter, dancer and actress wasn’t enough, Teyana also took the videography of the album into her own hands, self-directing the visuals on the album.
Sounds like…
Consisting of 23 tracks The Album embodies Taylor’s creativity and is a far cry of when she previously felt stifled creatively when recording previous projects. The fusion of different soulful sounds further implements Teyana as a truly unique R&B artist.
Speaks to…
Elite R&B music from an artist you cannot box into any category.
Start with…
Bare Wit Me
27. Honey For Wounds – Ego Ella May (2020)
South-Londoner, Ego Ella May artist provided us with a majestic mix of contemporary Jazz / Neo Soul meshed with eclectic R&B on the album, Honey For Wounds. Full of layered songwriting unique to Ego, the album is a delightful listen spanning 11 tracks.
Sounds like…
An artist that does not shy away from both political and personal topics with ease. Vocally she is flawless and has a heartwarmingly rich tone that really resonates with the soul of the listener. Something that has drawn her to many comparisons to Erykah Badu.
Speaks to…
A modern-day masterpiece that not only soothes the soul but goes very far in healing it. Taking on life beyond just love and romance as many albums do
Start with…
Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys
27. 5 – SAULT (2019)
Sault are an uber-mysterious group that seemingly came out of nowhere! Their first appearance was 5, their pretty spectacular 14-track debut album. SAULT’s 5 is straight into history as one of the most exceptional contemporary R&B albums. They are signed to Independent label, Forever Living Originals and are, unquestionably, a talent to watch (and maybe even stalk cause we need more of this good stuff).
Sounds like…
An experimental body of work with infusions of Soul, traditional African music, as well as alternative rock components. Clapping cadences, afro-drums and foreign language excerpts are incorporated with infectious melodies and harmonies. Soulful sounds seep through songs like Masterpiece.
Speaks to…
Authentic individuality and the power of unity through love in different forms.
Start with…
Up all night
28. Ugh, Those Feelings Again – Snoh Aalegra (2019)
Ugh, Those Feels Again… Another top contender for best R&B albums of the past few years. Swedish singer and songwriter, Snoh Aalegra is signed to London-based record label AWAL. This project is the songstress’ second studio album, following Feels, an album that established Snoh as a force in contemporary moody vibes and landed the singer a Drake sample on More Life.
Sounds like…
Soulful, mellow vibes, that are guaranteed to have you in your feels. Songs like I Want You Around have a smoother feel, whilst Nothing To Me features heavier beats.
Speaks to…
The dynamics of romantic relationships and the journey of falling in love.
Start with…
I Want You Around
29. The Jungle Is The Only Way Out – Mereba (2019)
Based in Atlanta and signed to Interscope Records, The Jungle is The Only Way Out is Ethiopian-American, Mereba’s, debut major-label album.
Sounds like…
Leading with Soul, the album has hints of Hip-Hop on tracks like Stay Tru and Sandstorm, reminiscent of Jhene Aiko but with more grit. Folk is also fiercely featured in songs like Black Truck and Get Free. Authenticity is consistently displayed throughout, whether Mereba is singing, rapping or spitting spoken word.
Speaks to…
Intentional lyrics motivated by and striving for love, based on Mereba’s own experiences. Confidently, she proclaims that the core message of this album is “The only way out is through”.
Start with…
Heatwave (Ft. 6LACK)
30. Painted – Lucky Daye (2019)
Hailing from New Orleans, 33-year-old Lucky Daye will indeed make you feel lucky (hehe, corny but whatever) when playing his songs, as they bless your ears with melodies. He is signed to the RCA joint label, Keep Cool.
Sounds like…
Early Chris Brown and Bruno Mars vibes. Songs such as Roll Some Mo are truly R&B inspired, but the album also has a funky feel with tracks like Late Night. Daye’s high pitch vocals create to a chilled summer feel.
Speaks to…
Relationships, affection and summer love. This music will have you all up in your feelings.
Start with…
Roll Some Mo
