A classic R&B masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
The genre “R&B” began to take hold around the 1970s.
Even though we call it R&B, its style has changed with each era, and by now I think it’s a genre with a rather fuzzy definition.
For this piece, I’ll define R&B as “groovy tracks packed with vocal techniques often used in R&B, like ad-libs and runs,” and introduce some classic R&B albums!
While I’m including a few major tracks, I’ve also picked out some extremely obscure songs that even hardcore R&B aficionados in Japan probably don’t know—so be sure to check them out!
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Classic R&B albums: must-listen recommendations (1–10)
Can You Read My MindBrian McKnight
Brian McKnight is a powerhouse R&B singer who, beyond his vocal prowess, is highly acclaimed across a wide range of fields including songwriting, arranging, and instrument performance.
Many people in Japan are probably familiar with him as well.
His greatest charm is, without a doubt, his whisper voice—his breathy, sweet vocals are nothing short of breathtaking.
His classic album Back At One includes the famous title track of the same name along with other hit songs.
That’s What I LikeBruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a highly skilled artist who continues to enjoy worldwide popularity.
While he initially focused on pop music, in his mid-career he shifted toward a rock ’n’ roll style reminiscent of Elvis Presley.
These days, he mainly releases R&B and disco-influenced tracks.
His acclaimed masterpiece “24K Magic,” released in 2016 as his third album, marked a stylistic shift toward disco and R&B.
Just FriendsMusiq Soulchild
Music Soulchild is an artist whose distinctive musicality—R&B infused with a jazz flavor—has earned him high acclaim not only from R&B fans but also from neo-soul enthusiasts.
He rose to popularity very quickly after his debut, and his album Aijuswanaseing, despite being his debut release, immediately earned a Platinum Disc, an honor reserved for works that achieve major hits.
Celebrated as a classic, the album delivers stylish, high-sophistication R&B that fully justifies its success.
R&B masterpieces: Must-listen recommended albums (11–20)
CruelGirl Ultra
Girl Ultra is an R&B singer from Mexico.
She’s not very well known in Japan, so many of you might be hearing her music for the first time.
To put her appeal simply, imagine Ella Mai’s style with an even doper vibe.
She’s an artist whose sound—very much the opposite of commercial R&B—selects its listeners in a good way.
Her album “Boys” is a classic that showcases just how high-level Latin R&B can be.
VideoIndia Arie
India.
Arie is an artist whose distinctive R&B, infused with African sounds, has earned high praise worldwide.
Her style is highly individual and is often contrasted with that of Erykah Badu, who is also known for incorporating African elements.
Her acclaimed masterpiece Acoustic Soul, released in 2001, is a well-crafted album with thoughtful touches right from the intro.
Highly recommended for those who appreciate cohesive albums.
InsaneEric Benét
Armed with an exceptionally pure, stable falsetto, Eric Benét is a powerhouse R&B singer who has earned high acclaim worldwide.
His refined looks add to his appeal, and he’s well known for having a large female fanbase.
Though he draws plenty of excited cheers, his talent ranks among the very best of R&B singers; when it comes to sweet ballads in particular, few can surpass him.
His album “Eric Benét” is a masterpiece that showcases this strength, crafted as a culmination of his work with a tapestry of multiple genres woven throughout.
Body PartyCiara
Armed with a distinctive high-pitched tone and exceptional arranging skills, Ciara, a female R&B singer, has earned widespread acclaim in the English-speaking world.
While her striking looks often draw visual attention, her musicality is outstanding; she’s especially known for covers that honor the strengths of the originals while transforming them into works with a completely different character.
The album “Ciara” is celebrated as one of her masterpieces and received high praise from critics known for their stringent standards across various countries.