Playlist of the best of Alternative R&B / Soul songs. Get into the singers pushing the boundaries of the genre’s sound. Featuring, Kelela, Jordan Rakei, Ojerime, SAULT and more.
So what exactly is ‘alternative R&B’ or ‘alternative soul’, you may have wondered?
As with most things, it depends.
The term ‘alternative R&B’ is sometimes used to refer to a wide range of R&B / Soul music that includes any R&B / Soul that is distinct from the sound of ‘mainstream’ contemporary R&B. When used in this way, it refers to anything from The Weeknd’s more pop-friendly R&B sound to ‘trap soul’ popularised by Bryson Tiller, that is outside the realms of what would usually be considered contemporary R&B (think H.E.R., Summer Walker, Aaliyah, Brandy, etc).
But our ‘Mood‘ playlist is about the even more ‘alternative’ brand of Alternative R&B that defies convention. Songs with airy, floaty, slightly psychedelic and sometimes dark melodies. The artists featured here are not afraid to experiment with some unusual sounds, especially unusual for R&B, and we’ve put together the best of their work for a killer playlist! Some of Alternative Soul’s finest. Some are up-and-coming. But all show true artistry and the finest of Alternative R&B / Soul. Their music is honest and their sound is unique, but addictive.
Moods: Perfect if you need some mellow tunes to chill out to, great background music as you’re about the house or for deep meaningful music that gets you thinking.
