The year 2024 offered a fantastic musical experience with the epic returns of Usher and Marsha Ambrosius, along with attention-worthy releases from indie artists like Durand Bernarr and Avery*Sunshine.
Outside of the R&B genre, Beyoncé shook the music industry with the release of Cowboy Carter, which was denounced as a country album and simply a Beyoncé album. We got a glimpse of Luther Vandross‘ life and career in select theaters ahead of the 2025 debut of Luther: Never Too Much on New Year’s Day.
Fans saw a musical reunion between Monica and Brandy, facilitated by Ariana Grande, which earned the R&B legends a third Grammy nomination together, plus the long-awaited comeback of Melanie Fiona. Soft launches for upcoming albums from Summer Walker and Amerie were also revealed.
Amid everything happening in the genre, the Rated R&B team dedicated time to thoroughly listen to hundreds of projects in order to select the 25 best R&B albums of 2024.
25. Bilal, Adjust Brightness
Genre-bending mastermind Bilal’s first album in nearly a decade, Adjust Brightness, was intentionally crafted to confuse algorithms. “I wanted to create music that challenges the digital age,” he explained. The 11-track set devoids overly optimized, programmatic sounds for a more human-first, less A.I.-influenced reality. The lyrics feel like improvised thoughts, straying from a radio-ready structure. Yet, Bilal draws listeners with relatable vignettes about love and life. He desires a deeper romance on “Tell Me,” gets lost in intimacy on “A2Z,” and grapples with unreciprocated love on “Who We R Now.” On “Evr Chngin Nrml,” he contemplates the seasonality of life, while the Robert Glasper-helmed standout “The Story” explores generational trauma and the hope of breaking the cycle. “I hope he lives to see his babies grow,” Bilal sings over a jazz-rap backdrop. Adjust Brightness may require more than one listen, but with each play, the full picture comes into clear view. — KEITHAN SAMUELS
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
24. Syleena Johnson, Legacy
Syleena Johnson’s final solo album is an ode to her late father and Blues Hall of Fame legend, Syl Johnson. She threads Legacy with soulful sample chops from his vast catalog, referencing his biggest hits to lesser-known gems. “This is a feel-good album; it’ll make you think, make you dance, and even make you reflect,” Johnson told Rated R&B. “Black Balloon,” which samples Syl’s 1969 single “Black Balloons,” is filled with hope and empowerment for anyone feeling stuck. Similarly, “Back and Better” bursts with glee like confetti after a victory lap. Then there’s “Monsters in the Closet,” a deeply personal record where she grapples with her mental health while navigating the entertainment industry. The album’s second half dabbles in the tangled web of romance, where she yearns for affection (“Available”), wonders if she should follow her heart or the signs (“Falling in Love”), and attempts to repair a fractured relationship (“Together Forever”). This may be Syleena Johnson’s final solo album, but one thing is for sure: Her legacy is forever stamped.
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23. Chlöe, Trouble In Paradise
Following her 2023 debut album, In Pieces, Chlöe continues her quest to be boldly expressive in virtually every aspect of her career, using her sophomore LP, Trouble In Paradise, to do so further. As a soloist, Chlöe has never sounded more assured in her vocal ability and production stylings than with this album. This certitude is heard distinctly on songs like “Boy Bye,” a foot-stomping kiss-off that effortlessly mixes pop and mainstream R&B. “Temporary Single,” an Afrobeats-infused earworm, gives a nod to an evergreen Anita Baker tune. Even when musing over sexual topics like self-pleasure (“Rose”), Bailey maintains a level of subtlety that makes R&B such a special genre. This is a woman who makes no apologies for loving herself, literally. On Trouble In Paradise, Chlöe shows she has what it takes to be an endearing figure in R&B and beyond. As long as Chlöe stays the course and follows her heart, the sky’s the limit for her. — EDWARD DAVE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
22. Kehlani, While We Wait 2
Kehlani has always been open about their love for love. With While We Wait 2, the sequel to their 2019 mixtape, they further position themselves as a complex individual who is still capable of creating a nurturing home. “Love Like” feels like it’s the lovechild of iconic ‘90s groups like En Vogue and TLC, as the Bay Area artist uses their airy tone to great effect to ruminate on a love that values reciprocity. Elsewhere, songs like “S.I.N.G.L.E” and “Know Better” featuring Lil’ Mo and Vince Staples are fiery up-tempo tracks with soaring 808s where Kehlani paints themself as someone who is incapable of love and wants an affair with no strings attached. While We Wait 2 is a great evolution for where Kehlani is in their life and career. The agency and clarity they attained from heartbreak and age are in full bloom on this second volume. — EDWARD DAVE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
21. SiR, HEAVY
SiR‘s HEAVY is an exceptionally smooth experience that firmly reaffirms him as a new-aged crooner who deserves wider recognition. On the album, the Top Dawg Entertainment signee explores vulnerability in a way that feels authentic, with arguably some of his most thoughtful songwriting. On the self-observing “Only Human,” SiR anguishes over a distressing relationship with another woman. It’s in that stark analysis of his own mental state that we get the best music from him. Meanwhile, “Ignorant” featuring Ty Dolla $ign showcases SiR in prime braggadocious form over a thrilling trap beat. Transitioning between a gentleman and a heartbreaker seamlessly reveals the album’s hidden strength. The album boasts a bevy of impressive collaborators from Anderson .Paak to Ab-Soul. SiR’s musical guests deliver strong hooks and verses, but he never manages to get lost in their respective greatness. SiR is content in his own lane, further separating himself from his contemporaries. — EDWARD DAVE
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20. October London, October Nights
October London‘s first album, The Rebirth of Marvin, drew mondo inspiration from Marvin Gaye, as suggested by its title, and spawned two No. 1s. Grateful to be compared to Gaye, London told Rated R&B his sophomore album, October Nights, is a “transitional album.” Vocally, the first half of October Nights often echoes Gaye’s sweet, smooth tones, particularly in “Touch on Me,” a self-described vibe piece expressing an untamed desire for physical contact. He excels on songs such as “She Keeps Calling,” an electronic funk cut in a vein similar to Kashif and the Babyface-helmed “Missing You.” While London celebrates “A Beautiful Woman,” he skillfully dodges bullets from a smooth woman criminal in “Kill Shot.” Though October Nights was released a year after The Rebirth of Marvin, there is no evidence that it was rushed. For all it’s worth, London accomplished what he aimed for on October Nights; he successfully opened himself and his developed following to more styles. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
19. Tinashe, Quantum Baby
Tinashe continued her annual release streak with Quantum Baby, the second part of a trilogy that began with 2023’s BB/ANG3L. Between the first and second volumes, Nashe went viral on TikTok with the flirty “Nasty,” which earned her first Billboard Hot 100 entry as a lead act in a decade. Hot single aside, other beguiling tracks engaged listeners in its parent project. On the scene-stealing “Thirsty,” Tinashe hopes her non-stop teasing inspires her man to pant excessively. “Cross The Line” is a sleek, addictive dance cut that finds Tinashe going out on a limb to pursue who could be her ideal partner. In spots, Tinashe’s cadence on “Red Flags” is in the style of SWV’s “Right Here (Human Nature Remix).” While Quantum Baby is just as compact as its predecessor, the latter lacks “No Broke Boys,” a neck-swinging baddie anthem that distinguishes the boys from the men and dismisses those who cannot compete where they do not compare. Award Tinashe her 10s for Quantum Baby. — ANTWANE FOLK
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18. Bryson Tiller, Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller has nothing to prove with nearly a decade of occupying the trap-soul space. But with his self-titled album, he sets out to define the sound that put him on the map. From tracks like the busy yet marching band-esque “Ciao!” to the sexy and romantic “Prize,” his appeal as an R&B crooner remains as fresh as it did in 2015. Tiller also flexes with chops as a pop mainstay, particularly on the boisterous “Assume The Position” and bonus track “Whatever She Wants.” Before the release of his self-titled album, Tiller mentioned to Complex, “This is probably going to be my last one for a while,” indicating his interest in exploring video game design. If that’s the case, Bryson Tiller serves as a worthy holdover for an artist who has arguably done more to make R&B enjoyable than most in the past decade. — ANDERS HARE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
17. Normani, Dopamine
Normani‘s long-awaited solo debut album, Dopamine, arrived with a quiet vengeance for those who doubted her. The album is a collection of eclectic-leaning tracks that harken back to the era when Darkchild dominated the music scene. Despite the familiar soundscapes, Normani manages to keep things fresh and innovative. She possesses undeniable sex appeal, and on this album, she elicits immense charisma to captivate listeners. The Janet Jackson-coded “Lights On” is a request to keep the bedroom illuminated so all her senses are activated. Another standout, “Insomnia,” features background vocals from Brandy. The most surprising tune on Dopamine, though, is “Take My Time,” which features an electric-synth melody that is reminiscent of ‘80s club music. Despite being away from the limelight for a while, Normani has never stopped being an earnest student of R&B lore. Above all else, she sounds like a confident artist poised for a lasting career. From top to sturdy bottom, Dopamine is a dose of Normani’s resilience in the face of adversity, using her power to channel these experiences into the music. — EDWARD DAVE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
16. Sinéad Harnett, Boundaries
On Boundaries, Sinéad Harnett continues her introspective pursuit of self-work. She unpacks past trauma and anguish, accepting them as they were in order to move forward on her healing journey. Part of that healing is permitting herself to set those boundaries to protect her heart. The album begins on a good note with “Shoulder,” a picturesque tune about the serenity her lover brings to her life. The sobering “Thinking Less” reveals the true colors of her partner’s facade that have her questioning, “How you gonna switch it up?” The betrayal of a faulty lover can hit like whiplash, but even in the wreckage of agony, Harnett’s heart isn’t totaled. The album’s closer, “Wish You Could See,” is her victory speech. Boundaries is a reminder that when we feel like we’re stuck in the mud, through time, we still have the potential to bloom like a lotus.
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
15. NxWorries, Why Lawd?
NxWorries, the genre-mashing duo consisting of Anderson .Paak and talented producer Knxwledge, reached new artistic heights with their second album, Why Lawd? This long-awaited follow-up arrived eight years after their inaugural collaboration, Yes Lawd!, delivering fresh sounds that fans and critics alike eagerly awaited. What’s most striking about Why Lawd? is the intense emotional excavation. .Paak ruminates on unsuccessful relationships while also critiquing his own foils. The Thundercat-assisted “KeepHer” is a notable track that sees .Paak deconstruct his pleas for a scorned lover’s attention.
It is not common for established artists to display this level of transparency, as few are inclined to portray themselves in a negative light. But, .Paak approaches this in a way that is resonant and accessible. He is just as quick to trade misery for comedic quips. This creates a stellar duality of a complex man. Production-wise, Knxwledge contributes a bevy of soundscapes that complements .Paak’s unique tenor voice. Why Lawd? is bejeweled with lo-fi-based chillwave melodies that have been married with gospel and funk synths. NxWorries’ second collaborative album confirms that the duo’s first project wasn’t just lightning in a bottle. They have continued their upward trend of excellence. — EDWARD DAVE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
14. Khalid, Sincere
The road leading up to Sincere was a long one, to say the least. After an EP (Scenic Drive) and a few scrapped singles, Khalid finally finds his footing with Sincere. While standalone tracks that predated his new era, such as 2022’s “Skyline” and “Satellite,” captured love’s bliss, his third outing takes a somber approach. The diaristic album chronicles the demolition of a relationship. Tracks like the smoker’s anthem “Adore U” and the sky-ridden “Altitude” underscore love in full bloom. By track four, “It’s All Good,” things wither away. “You’re my biggest regret,” he sings on the forlorn tune. The rest of Sincere sees Khalid navigating the grey area of a breakup. Highlights include the intoxicating “Dose,” the Arlo Parks-assisted “Breathe,” the conflicting “Tainted” and the Fleetwood Mac-inspired “Heatstroke.” It may have taken Khalid five years to release a follow-up to 2019’s Free Spirit, but sometimes, you need time to gain new experiences—whether good or bad. One thing’s for sure: Khalid poured his heart and soul into Sincere, making it well worth the wait. — KEITHAN SAMUELS
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
13. Elijah Blake, elijah.
Elijah Blake‘s performance as a chart-topping writer over the years likely paved the way for sharpened writing on his eponymous album. The album’s lead single, “Ghostbuster,” exposes this idea, featuring ruminative lyrics of a deceased love that cannot be replicated, regardless of new interests. Blake’s bittersweet “Best Friend,” with its graceful opening drums akin to Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky” and aquatic harmonies suggestive of Brandy, is ideal for shedding tears in a dark room. Blake’s lyricism also never sounds too unimaginative to follow. The best reference is “Sugarwater & Lime,” an exceptional retro-soul highlight that offers a creative perspective on laboring at a homemade lemonade stand (a relationship) without reaping any rewards. Blake also diversified his vocals on his latest, delivering compelling performances without showcasing his full range. He does this exact thing on “Sacrifice,” raising a question of mutual, wholehearted devotion. Nine guests appear on elijah! (Deluxe Edition), released three months after the standard version. If it’s worth anything, discover Elijah Blake through his original elijah. album; you won’t regret it. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
12. Lucky Daye, Algorithm
Lucky Daye continues to turn out intoxicatingly good R&B with his latest effort, Algorithm. On his third LP, the singer-songwriter leans into a distinctive type of intimacy to swoon audiences, having led up its arrival with songs like the hit single, “That’s You,” and “HERicane.” Songs such as “Top” and “Never Leavin’ U Lonely,” allow you to get into Daye’s headspace, where he paints a steamy picture of his whims and desires. Daye explores a man’s struggle to thrive amid heartbreak and messy lovers, evidenced best on “Paralyzed,” with RAYE, where he finds solace in surrendering to love without ego. Public perception of Daye might be a little skewed because people don’t see him front stage on the mainstream stages, but his star has always been consistently bright. He doesn’t need spectacles and promo to garner a fanbase. Daye just makes damn good music, and that singular fact has kept him afloat. To that end, Algorithm is a sleek album brimming with intimate anthems that further clot Daye as a force in the R&B community. – EDWARD DAVE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
11. Tyrese, Beautiful Pain
After several years of quiet, Tyrese resurfaced in early 2023, following his divorce, with a melancholy ballad of vacillation, “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me.” This marked the beginning of his lead-up to Beautiful Pain, where he settles into reflective, heartfelt material to acknowledge fault and wring out feelings of love after war. Most affecting is “Love Transaction,” which is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye. In this highlight, produced by Brandon “B.A.M.” Hodge, Tyrese delivers burns to his ex-wife, questioning her motives for inflated alimony and child support. Beautiful Pain is a suite to classic soul, highlighted by Tyrese’s evocative croons and stirring wails, as well as his references to early ‘70s soul. If there’s one track that stands above all, it’s his remarkable rendition of Skylark’s 1972 track, “Wildflower,” which is dedicated to his late mother. While the album mainly contemplates the past, it offers a glimpse of the future in “Willing.” On the bluesy number, Tyrese’s new woman sees beyond his romantic scars. There isn’t a wasted track on Beautiful Pain, which gives hope that Tyrese won’t wait nearly a decade before releasing a follow-up. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
10. FLO, Access All Areas
Tasked with reviving R&B girl groups, as the intro featuring Cynthia Erivo suggests, FLO is bringing the ‘90s and Y2K era of female powerhouses back into prominence. Their debut album, Access All Areas, explores relatable themes over modern, bouncy production, but what sets them apart is a sync and harmony not seen since the days of Destiny’s Child and En Vogue. The girls put their foot down, sending warning shots on songs like “Caught Up” and “Get It Till I’m Gone,” and on tracks like the nostalgic “Bending My Rules,” things get sultry and intimate. Now a talented trio with a cult following, FLO proves that the girl group concept is not dead, paving the way for future generations of women behind them. — ANDERS HARE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
9. Ravyn Lenae, Bird’s Eye
Alt-R&B songbird Ravyn Lenae embarks on a necessary migration back to home on her second album, Bird’s Eye, the follow-up to her lauded debut, HYPNOS. The Chicago native’s 11-track journey is dotted with reflections on the tides of a developing relationship (“Genius”), including early red flags (“Bad Idea”), feeling adrift in her mid-20s (“Pilot”), and dealing with estranged familial relationships (“One Wish” featuring Childish Gambino). On the latter track, Lenae coos about her father being absent during significant moments in her childhood. She told Grammy.com, “We started repairing or rekindling our relationship maybe two years ago. The making of Bird’s Eye was at its peak and I felt like it was important for me to have a song on the album that addressed my relationship with him in order for me to release it and start to move on in a positive way.” For the album’s production, Lenae worked closely with Dahi, who helmed every track alongside a few co-producers. Sonically, Bird’s Eye flows smoothly like an albatross gliding on the wind, with gusts of reggae (“Candy”) and pop-rock (“Love Me Not”) to enhance the flight without detouring from its soulful essence. — KEITHAN SAMUELS
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
8. Leon Thomas, MUTT
A breakthrough in heartbreak and passion, Leon Thomas’ MUTT is a soulful triumph that solidifies his position as one of R&B’s most innovative voices. Thomas blends the innate, masterclass songwriting he’s penned over the years with sampled soulful melodies and guitar licks, resulting in a rustic, timeless sound. Standout tracks like the intimate “YES IT IS” and the thumping title track “MUTT” highlight Thomas’ hit-making ability, while the raw-sounding vocals on “ANSWER YOUR PHONE” raise goosebumps. The album’s intricate arrangements and honest lyricism explore themes of love, identity, and resilience, all while showcasing Thomas’ power to push the boundaries of R&B. “MUTT is the documentation of my evolution into the John Legend version of myself one day with the whole family, touring and being a professional R&B artist who also has time for a life,” Thomas told Rated R&B. If these aspirations are still what Thomas envisions for himself, MUTT will help him achieve them quickly, demonstrating that he is not merely a childhood star but an essential artist and songwriter in today’s music scene. — ANDERS HARE
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
7. PARTYNEXTDOOR, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4)
PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4) feels like a long-overdue new season of a beloved romantic drama series. The opener, “C o n t r o l,” sets the scene with light rain and crackling thunder in the background as PARTYNEXTDOOR is eager to skip the small talk and get down to business in the bedroom, with lyrical nods to Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up.” Sex, and all its dynamics, is a recurring motif throughout the album. On the euphoric “L os e M y M i n d,” he is delightfully overstimulated by a ménage à trois with a love interest and her friend. “M a k e I t T o T h e M o r n i n g” hears him wanting to table a late-night argument in favor of lovemaking. PARTYNEXTDOOR doesn’t spend all his time between the sheets, though. “S t u c k I n M y W a y s” explores the push and pull of catching feelings for someone, while “C h e e r s” celebrates the joyous moments in a relationship. On the sentimental “F a m i l y,” he croons, “I miss my brother, I miss my family.” PARTYNEXTDOOR (P4) tells a tale of a man navigating situationships and relationships while growing in the process. Cinematic skits placed at the end of several tracks tie the narrative together, making it one of PARTYNEXTDOOR’s most cohesive works in recent years. — KEITHAN SAMUELS
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
6. Gallant, Zinc.
Gallant’s Zinc. may have arrived five years after his sophomore album, Sweet Insomnia, but he didn’t leave his fans hanging. After releasing two EPs, Neptune (2021) and sneek (2023), the R&B alchemist returned to full form with his junior album. Inspired by the element that aids in wound healing, Zinc. unpacks self-destructive behavior (“Sticks + Stones.”), emotional unavailability (“Siberia.”) and baggage (“Crimes of Compassion.”), the cyclical nature of relationships (“Centigrade.” featuring Nao) and regretful reflections (“Fly On the Wall. — Osaka Version.”). Aside from Gallant’s impressive vocal performance, he pushes his songwriting to another realm. His poetic essence gives listeners control over how deeply they engage. “I was afraid of making an album that was so self-indulgent and so heady that it was not enjoyable or no songs you can just sink into,” he told Rated R&B. It’s safe to say, Zinc. is more than enjoyable; it’s Gallant at his best. — KEITHAN SAMUELS
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
5. Marsha Ambrosius, CASABLANCO
Marsha Ambriouis was certain she was done with music after the 2018 release of her third solo album, Nyla. She maintained a low-profile presence as a featured artist on D Smoke’s “Road Rage” and “Clockwork” and 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne’s “Moonlight.” She was also sampled by acts such as Drake and Maeta. Ambriouis later felt a creative spark after encouragement from Dr. Dre, who primarily produced her return album, CASABLANCO. The 2023 single, “The Greatest,” on which she showers her partner in thanks for being the crescendo of love, brought her back to music platforms. When love isn’t fulfilling, Ambriouis will only tolerate so much. That’s the case on “Greedy,” an unfiltered torch song featuring the horns from OutKast’s “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and underscored by an air of danger and indecisiveness.
Elsewhere on CASABLANCO, Ambrosius has much to say about prurient subjects, musing on an illustrative interlude of an unexpected ménage à trois on the jazz-influenced “Thrill Her.” The same can be said for the album’s R&B radio hit, “One Night Stand.” Here, Ambrosius bonds ear-catching components from the music of Patrice Rushen, Mary J. Blige, and Mary Jane Girls, authoring a tantalizing jam laced with brown-raising carnality. For music lovers, CASABLANCO resembles a collection of must-have tracks from late-night CD commercials. Whether Ambrosius evokes the mid-’80s with T La Rock and Jazzy Jay’s “It’s Yours” or turns back time to the early-’70s for Stevie Wonder’s “Too High,” CASABLANCO exists in the context of all of which we live and what came before us. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
4. Lalah Hathaway, VANTABLACK
Seven years between proper studio albums seems like an eternity for Lalah Hathaway, whose album schedule generally follows a quadrennial pattern. That anticipation and trepidation make VANTABLACK a pleasant return. Hathaway stated that she’s the “Blackest I’ve ever been” on her record, and with a title that embraces all things dark and lovely, she is absolutely right. Hathaway presents a refreshing perspective on warmth and sweetness in relationships, making it feel as though she’s the first to broach these themes. That’s most clearly demonstrated in “No Lie.” In a beatific mode, she pledges devotion in a staunch manner, with a hushed accompaniment from Michael McDonald. Elsewhere, Hathaway is ceaseless in her pursuit to falter and make her partner smile and blush uncontrollably with often words of adoration (“You Don’t Know” featuring Phonte and “So In Love”).
A fair portion of VANTABLACK involves questing (“Returning”), boosting self-confidence (“Higher”), and more talks of love (“Mood For You” featuring MC Lyte). Although Hathaway is not known for using obscenities, “#BITMFW” earns its lone explicit label on the album as she confidently doubles down about her immensity over production that borders on tinny electronic music. One of Hathaway’s longest sets, VANTABLACK, lives up to the hype of its jet-black handle and, in some spots, exclusively celebrates Black culture. She illustrates this beautifully with the riveting spoken word opener, “BLACK,” featuring hip-hop treasures Rapsody and Common, who reel off notable, melanin-peaking components of Black identity, including Blue Magic, the Holy Ghost, and Clair Huxtable of The Cosby Show. As Hathaway trustingly said, VANTABLACK can be played in any order and will have the same impact as if it were listened to from beginning to end. And that is what ultimately makes VANTABLACK a winning album. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
3. Andra Day, CASSANDRA (cherith)
Andra Day described her third album, CASSANDRA (cherith), as “a journey through my soul, from a state of being already full rather than from a place of lack.” Across 16 sprawling tracks, Day treks through different stages of love over more experimental soundscapes than she’s known for. The free-flowing “Maybe Next Time” hears her venting about a no-good lover over jazz-infused instrumentation. The lyrics are intentionally wordy, giving her the space to deliver a waterfall-like melody. The Latin-kissed “Narcos (H.C.D.),” infused with hip-hop elements, tells a tale of emotional chaos that may arise in a relationship. “Your same ole tricks and my same mistakes will make things worse,” she sings.
The piano-driven “Probably” and the vintage soul “Midnight” recall Day’s early sound established on 2013’s Cheers to the Fall. Songs like “Nervous” and “Champagne Flutes” explore the romantic side of love with slow-burn intimacy. Best of all is the soul-barring lead single, “Where Do We Go,” which beautifully captures Day’s vocal prowess. CASSANDRA (cherith) is exactly who Andra Day knows she is. — KEITHAN SAMUELS
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
2. Ledisi, Good Life
On Good Life, Ledisi conveys the idea that unexpected joys can arise from disappointments. While she may have missed out on 2025 Grammy attention, she secured a pregame performance at Super Bowl LIX for millions of viewers in her home state of New Orleans. This reflects the theme of Good Life: embracing the good with the bad in life and love. Two songs from the album depict Ledisi engulfed in remorse and heartache. With the first, “I Need To Know,” an anticipatory ballad recorded and written in collaboration with Rex Rideout, Ledisi pressingly desires outright answers from her partner about their decaying romance.
“Me and You Aren’t Good,” a reflective tune, finds her immediately recognizing a troubled love and shows the maturity to share this realization with an impossible partner. She expresses a sophisticated sense of submissiveness in “Stay Here Tonight,” while “Perfect Stranger,” a duet with Kenny Lattimore, explores forbidden affection. However, the track that truly illuminates Good Life is “Quality Time,” which features the smooth quintet Butcher Brown. The main feature of this seductive groove is in the last 45 seconds, where Ledisi’s raspy falsetto sings the repeated line, “I need more.” Let’s be honest: Ledisi has never released a subpar album. It won’t start with Good Life, either. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
1. Muni Long, Revenge
First making a huge impression with the viral hit and Grammy-winning tune “Hrs & Hrs,” Muni Long kept trending upward with “Made For Me,” another chart-topper and platinum triumph. Perhaps this ascent gave the singer and songwriter the confidence to tell Rated R&B, “I’m claiming I’ve made the R&B album of the year.”
With three consecutive No. 1s at R&B radio in under a year, Long had every reason to be proud and boast on her sophomore album, Revenge. Among the songs to lead the charts was “Make Me Forget,” a D’Angelo-inspired ballad about a love of quarrels that she’ll dismiss from her mind, especially when reminiscing on past romances. At points, it’s apparent that Long is speaking from experience. The symphonic “The Baddest” hears Long stunt and vent of alleged extramarital antics.
Concealed with coarser language, the Jersey club-inspired “Played Yourself” touches on an ex who suddenly misses what he once had as Long glows up. Good thing Long had another studio session with producer Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman; it led to “Ruined Me,” the soul-crushing finale that marked one of Long’s most ineffaceable late-night television performances. Aside from the obvious bangers, Revenge consists of other noteworthy tracks that draw in all ears more than just typical album fillers.
While the grand opener, “Superpowers,” is in a class of its own, the title track impresses even more for its clever songwriting that defies expectations given its title. Lyrically, the latter song does not depict Long berating a former lover but instead presents a peace offering following romantic aggravation. Long was right; Revenge turned out to be the best R&B album of 2024 and is one of the many highlights of her enduring career. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
Usher, Coming Home
After an eight-year gap between full-length releases, Usher’s Coming Home fits well with his other albums, partly due to his embrace of sonic surprises. As the steamy cover art of Usher’s first independently released album suggests, Coming Home tells a sultry tale of a self-actualized lover who has experienced their fair share of romantic endeavors. To that end, many tracks on the album see the R&B icon sounding the most confident he has in years. The title track, an eclectic collaboration with Burna Boy, boasts some of the album’s most explicit lyrics: “Won’t just open your legs and leave you for dead.” “On The Side,” produced by Jermaine Dupri, recalls his diamond-selling Confessions era, with its silky mid-tempo melodies and risqué ramblings of an affair. As if captivating millions during Super Bowl LVIII wasn’t impressive enough, Coming Home presents Usher as a shining light amidst a year marked by many emerging artists. Usher’s continual metamorphosis and openness to experimenting with his sound are the primary reasons he will never be viewed as a relic from the ‘90s. — EDWARD DAVE
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Mary J. Blige, Gratitude
Mary J. Blige’s 15th album, Gratitude, celebrates new love, similar to how proudly she did with 2003’s Love & Life. Most of the selections grin in uncomplicated joy, embracing a current lover in a new way, as fulgently reflected in the No. 1 R&B hit “Breathing” and the sweetened cautionary “Don’t F—k Up.” “Nobody But You” is a contender for the album’s best track and reunites Blige with producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins as well as subtly references a goody (“2U”) from her ever-lengthening discography. The uplifting dance groove “Beautiful People,” produced by KAYTRANADA, is a close second. “Never Give Up On Me” evokes a late ‘70s vibe with its Jean Carn disco-funk backbone. Blige also gives props to an En Vogue classic on “Need You More” featuring Jadakiss. Far too often, music staples, especially women, are often sidelined after reaching certain milestones, as Blige cited when she accepted a BET HER Award three years after receiving the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Some voices remain essential today; as one of the genre’s last matriarchs, Blige’s immense voice is one of them. — ANTWANE FOLK
Listen: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
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