The best R&B albums you need on your spin list from 2021. Featuring Summer Walker, Cleo Sol, Jazmine Sullivan, Hiatus Kayote and more.
2021 was a pillar of success in the world of Soul, Jazz and R&B. Last year we spoke of the music made to comfort us during the quarantine and this year we speak of the music that was made during those seasons, the artistic groups formed during and those who realised they had a talent for music. Across transatlantic ties, musicians, producers met up via zoom calls and iphone notes apps to create one of the best years for R&B music. For that, musicians we applaud you.
In 2021, Soul, Jazz and R&B artists have delivered exceptional projects, albums and EPs alike, that produced a slew of songs we love. The pen game has been unfiltered, truthful and relatable. Here is our shortlist of the best R&B albums from 2021. The Soul, Jazz and R&B albums that eased us in the best and most difficult of times. Plus a few bonus EPs we couldn’t help but mention for those of you that stick it out to the end.
The Best R&B Albums of 2021
Cleo Sol – Mother
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
Summer Walker – Still Over It
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
Jazmine Sullivan – Heaux Tales
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..
Children of Zeus – Balance
The Manchester group made their mark as Neo-Soul titans with the release of their first project, Travel Light, which saw them visit the UK, Europe, Australia and South Africa. Balance is a team compilation, consisting of Tyler Daley’s laid back flow and Konny Kon’s melt worthy swoon. The project came about when the duo devoted themselves to music in lockdown.
Children of Zeus took the time to mature their sound; ‘Balance’ is 50 minutes of future-classic British soul music encompassing Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Gospel and R&B. The duo largely produced Balance by themselves, though we also see the return of Grammy-winner, Beat Butcha, whose previous production credits include Jay Z, Beyonce, Nipsey Hussle, & Griselda. Clocking in just under an hour of content, the album boasts a healthy 13 song lineup.
Sounds like… UK street Soul of 2021
Speaks to… A jukebox orchestrated by children with a love for Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B music, Dancehall. But also a mature audience
Start with… I Need You
Tone Stith – FWM
FWM by the young Tone Stith crafts his sonic musicality in this list of 2021 greats. Combining his already exceptional pen game credits for Chris Brown (Undecided, Liquor, You Decide), the 23-year-old has now dropped his own R&B gem. Encapsulating the term “grown and sexy” into one project alone, with the help of some classic samples and R&B music heavyweights; the result is the perfectly decorated FWM.
Adding insult to injury, the June release of FWM was partnered with the release Still FWM? a mere four months later. It’s clear Tone has a lot in his R&B vault still yet to be released.
Sounds like… Grown and sexy music
Speaks to… Classic r&b lovers, combing the old and new but also hopeless romantics
Start with… When I’m With You, then move to Still FWM?
Anaiis – This is No Longer a Dream
This is No Longer a Dream is an introspective album from Anaiis. The highly anticipated project follows the songstress’ journey towards self-awareness and a comfortable mental state – all while juggling life as an independent artist. Coupled with deep artistic integrity in her music videos and lyrics, Anaiis has welcomed her listeners into her world, one which is clearly no longer a dream.
Sounds like… Euphoric alternative Soul floating on some dazzling instrumentals
Speaks to… Fans of those who like things nice and slow
Start with.. Chuu and Vanishing (both COLORS and Chipmunk versions)
Euphoric alternative Soul floating on some dazzling instrumentals
Joyce Wrice – Overgrown
Joyce Wrice has undoubtedly got an electric voice. Coupled with the 90’s twang to her music and its instrumentals, the result is this fantastically orchestrated true R&B album. It’s almost as if fans took a hard breathe when this album came out, because it felt like a child at a funfair – so much to choose from! Recruiting features such as Freddy Gibbs, Devin Morrison, Westside Gunn Lucky Daye – then sprinkling Kaytranada in like parsley, is truly the formula for excellence in 2021.
A very if-you-know artist, her spit ball of greatness has gained incredible speed in the past year.
Sounds like… ’90s R&B meets 2021 to create vibes upon vibes!
Speaks to… Music lovers who love a diverse mix of sounds across 2021’s contemporary R&B genre
Start with… Addicted
Hiatus Kayote – Mood Valiant
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.
Sounds like… a festival of musicality with funk and soul ties
Speaks to… Lovers of instrumentation
Start with… Get Sun featuring Arthur Verocai
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Little Simz has truly stolen the show in 2021 with the release of SIMBI (Sometimes I Might Be Introvert). It’s the indie kid of the selection. Kinda quiet and shy, with the artistic integrity of a great and the bravery of a lion. Certain artists are made for vinyl and Simz sits at the must-have list. The pseudonymous album projects Black British truths and rhymes, disco and 70’s and classic West African twangs. A collection of worlds burrowed on every track , a melting pot of Rhythm and Blues, Hip Hop and Jazz. The project, which is helmed by producer Inflo, best known for his work with Michael Kiwanuka, Jungle, Adele and Cleo Sol, creates cinematic instrumentals and sounds across dazzling vocals.
Just over an hour, with a 19-strong tracklist, Little Simz birthed a masterpiece in 2021 that will be studied for years to come and celebrated amongst the greats in Black British culture. It’s certainly a contender for Album of the Year (and is nominated for precisely that at the Brits).
Sounds like… Respectfully, The GOAT
Speak to… Those looking for an insight into the best of Black British music of 2021
Start with… It’s a movie, so start from the top and make your way down.
A collection of worlds burrowed on every track, a melting pot of Rhythm and Blues, Hip Hop and Jazz
Phabo – Soulquarius
Phabo is making what we like to call the ‘true’ R&B; a reference to the 90’s-00’s sound that stood proudly on its own. Sucking on the teat of influences from D’Angelo, Donnell Jones and paying homage to the artists that would cry in the rain, Soulquarius is the journey through music, that takes you back to a different time. Unafraid to confess a few toxic admissions, but equally biting at Jaheim’s “street R&B” persona, Phabo in 16-songs jumps the queue to the front of the new school faves. In just over 40 minutes, highly decorated synths and smooth tempos welcome you to a new world of Phabo what he describes as Soulquarius. Certainly one of the best R&B albums of 2021.
Sounds like… Introspective soulful R&B that is chill, yet hits with its ability to resonate.
Speaks to.. scenes of airy, mystic soul
Start with… Slippery ft. Destin Conrad & The Homie
Zilo – Where the flowers grow
Zilo is truly too smooth with it. This isn’t their first time at the rodeo. Where Flowers Grow is the third album since 2018 which contains seventeen tracks, so there are a lot of tracks to preview. It’s another strong offering from one of UK R&B’s finest emerging acts. Zilo first released “Tell Her” and “Water Me” as singles in Apr 2020 and May 2021. The Alternative-Soul scene can gratefully welcome this album as one of its strong points of 2021. Combining groove and sexy tempos – this is a must-play R&B album of 2021.
Sounds like… Provokingly insightful for the genre
Speaks to… Those looking for a chill Sunday listen
Start with… Water Me
Reggie Becton – California
A latecomer addition to the years’ R&B list, Reggie Becton did not disappoint. Often featured alongside Ye Ali, 2021 has marked the year that fans have been exposed to the musical expertise of Reggie Becton. Having first teased his talents with anthems such as Listenin, California is a nod to the big city. The PG County, Maryland crooner is said to have been inspired by the likes of Prince, Marvin Gaye and Avant. With Reggie’s discography, one can expect sounds that dabble in Funk-rock, Gogo, Hip-Hop / R&B and 80s’ Soul. This album is one for the heartbreak kids and the suckers for love. Clocking in 40 minutes of new R&B renaissance moods, Reggie brings Ye Ali, Chris Patrick and Ryhan to bring this California vision to life.
Sounds like… The new skool of R&B
Speaks to… Those looking for the next chapter of love
Start With… Obvious
DESTIN CONRAD – COLORWAY
DESTIN CONRAD has painted freedom to love in the most harmonious way – through his voice. This masterful project from the 20-year-old highlights his excellent ear for production and well-written truths. Across 6 songs and 3 interludes, DESTIN recruits Ambré and Swavay for this expressive piece of art. While it may be his debut EP, Conrad has already begun to plant the seeds of his career. Conrad has writing credits on Kehlani’s It was Good Until It Wasnt and Ambre’s Pulp.
Thereal synths, paired with driving drums work perfectly in allowing listeners to take in Conrad’s abilities as a vocalist. “IN THE AIR” was the leading single off the EP, and was followed by the release of the LA tinged video for Bill$. Since its November 2020 release, COLORWAY has solidified DESTIN as an exciting case to zero in on in coming years, whether for his pen or his decorated voice.
Sounds like… Love of all colours and pronouns, coupled with some tequila
Speaks to… Purposefully bold yet tender, this album touches on a host of relatable topics from self-growth to life and love.
Start with… EXCITED!
Mac Ayres – Magic 8Ball
Magic 8Ball welcomes you into the world of clouded vocals from the ever so multi-talented Mac Ayres. Combining themes of R&B; Soul; Funk; Jazz-Fusion and vaporware, Magic 8ball is a fun pocket of sound along some great jingles from Mac Ayres. Listeners can take pleasure in the fact that Ayres writes and produces his own music, so everything feels that little bit more special. Released right at the top of the year, Mac Ayres again delivered one of the year’s best R&B albums.
Sounds like… a sonic fun-bag of a multi-instrumentalist’s magic
Speaks to… Those looking for the smoother crooner
Start with… Where You Going Tonight?
Mariah The Scientist – RY RY WORLD
Love Mariah’s vocal cadence and her way with words. For the real heartbroken girls – the vengeful babes – Mariah is our leader. RY RY WORLD is a growth and ascension the singer has had since the 2019 release of Master. Welcoming listeners into a cosmic ascension of pianos and synths glowing with introspection, her ability to cry out “I dream to be a fool, that way you wouldn’t know I knew what you do”, plays at F Scott Fitzgerald’s Gatsby, but equally combines the poetic unhinged truths only Mariah is willing to admit on her songs. Recruiting Atlanta heavyweights Young Thug and Lil Baby to take her listeners on this rehabilitation journey, Mariah is truly the friend with the movie-like love life.
Sounds like… Poetic diarised truths bought to sound
Speaks to … The babes who just want some loving
Start with… Aura
Shakka – Road Trip to Venus
The long-awaited debut album from a great like Shakka was always due to have diamond tinted production quality. Shakka takes us on a musical road trip around love and relationships – with some fun skits and features including GoldLink, Tiana Major9 and Imani Williams. Shakka is clearly a sucker for love. He experiments with tropical, rhythmic instrumentals. Equally, the synthy, beatbox-backed songs and bouncy drums dabble in garage style beats (something we are similar within Shakka’s previous EP’s), a nod to Craig David samples. Ten years in the making and Shakka has proven this project was worth the wait and is the perfect musical CV for those who may not have known of the talent Shakka has been carrying for all these years.
Sounds like… A road trip wonder
Speaks to… The fans of Garage and its elevated influence in 2021
Start with… Scuba Deep and Take It There
Bonus: 7 2021 R&B and Soul EPs you need to hear
Emmavie – What’s A Diamond To A Baby
The uber talented, Producer and Singer, Emmavie returns with the fantastic project, Whats A Diamond To A Baby. The 7-track EP was rarely short but did not fall in quality. The Londoner songstress pulled out all the stops in looping lollipop Rhythms, rich harmonies alongside some quality features. Chilled, retro soul at its very finest. Vibes throughout
Start with… Tune
Jvck James – Joyride
Jvck James has dominated the UK R&B scene with the release of his Joyride EP. The real new kid on the block, James has turned heads for his clean ear for authentic Donell Jones-esque sounds with the smoothe Usher tones and Frank Ocean drive. A real swooner, equipped with braids, sunglasses, y2k jeans – the world of Jvck is clear from the majority of artists in his calibre. The Avant Garde Jvck has began to sow marks him as the meteorite to watch. He harkens back to the days of R&B dominating the charts but his time is undeniably now. His engineer has perfectly layered his voice on this one, the quality of the project seriously excels. A serious contender for EP of the year.
Start With… No Drama
VanJess – Homegrown
Homegrown feels like a real hug for the two Nigerian- American sisters. Offering listeners 14-strong lineup of songs including a deluxe version, the ladies really had a chance to show of their musicality and their ever so talented selves. The growth of VanJess since their Youtube days is fantastic to see.
The project showcases their growth and introspective soulful R&B that is chill, yet hits with its ability to resonate. It is Elite R&B that remains true to itself in every meaning of the word. They accompanied the EP by a live version with lush aesthetics to match.
Start with… Slow Down, then move to the Lucky Daye feature
Jerome Thomas – That Secret Sauce
Jermone Thomas is the new chapter of Neo-Soul, Jazz and we are here for it. A real crate-digger in this game, his music serves delicious vibes of sexiness and funk. Probably the strongest contemporary nod to D’Angelo, yet offering his own unique sound, Jerome is set to get a foot tap from the most steernest of listeners. The project really plays through seamlessly with grooves that hit your dancing soul. For those that “WANT THE FUNK!”
Start with… Sauce
Sasha Keable – Intermission
Delivered right at the end of the year, Sasha Keable pulled through with one of the strongest R&B projects of the year. 7 tracks that pack the punch of powerful vocals, seamless songwriting and sonically sharp production that holds it all together. South Londond Colombiana, Sasha Keable firmly implanted herself as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging acts with this follow-up to 2019’s MAN. A rousing ride through contemporary R&B.
Start with… Never Knew Love
The KTNA – Resurgence
Another late in the year offering, the self-termed ‘sisterz of Darkness’, twins Millie and Hope Katana, shared Resurgence. Resurgence is a true triumph for this independent duo. Featuring harmonious vocals of perfection, exceptional production and songwriting that digs deeper to explore the darker sides of life. It’s all the more impressive that it was performed, written and produced by the sisters themselves. A testament to polymath musical talents of The KTNA.
Sonically, it’s a warm hug of silky smooth, but exuberant Neo-Soul and Alternative Soul. Made to be taken in on a cold winter night. 2021 was a year of reaching new heights for this duo and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.
Start with… Alive
Kaleem Taylor, The Code – Vague Detail
The combination when never knew we wanted, but we always needed. This link up was incredibly vocally satisfying. Kaleem Taylor is one of the best male singers on the UK R&B scene and The Code has equally made his mark as a singer-producer. The use of harmonies and layering from both Kaleem and The Code is sensational. Combining a next level of production and voice control is a gift – Vague Detail teased us with this EP. One for sad boy hours.
Start with… How Does it Feel
