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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R&B Masterpieces: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (41–50)
Selfish ft. RihannaFUTURE
This song was released as a digital download in 2017 from the album Hndrxx by Future, an American rapper and singer-songwriter.
Featuring vocals by Rihanna, it incorporates elements of R&B and pop music.
R&B Masterpieces: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (51–60)
UmbrellaRihanna
It was released as the lead single from her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad.
The song was originally written for Britney Spears, but after her label rejected it, Rihanna ended up recording it.
It went on to win two awards at the MTV Music Awards.
At Your Best (You Are Love)Aaliyah
Originally written and recorded by the Isley Brothers for their mother.
In 1994, it was covered as a slow jam on American singer Aaliyah’s debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number.” R.
Kelly was involved in the production.
So Into YouFabolous feat. Tamia
Fabolous, a rapper from Brooklyn, has built a long and successful career by combining melodic mainstream tracks with a series of mixtapes.
The music video for this track features KD Aubert, an American actress and former fashion model.
UndercoverKehlani
A track included on the debut album SweetSexySavage, released in 2017 by Kehlani, an American singer-songwriter and dancer.
The song is about keeping a relationship secret.
It features a sweet, acoustic guitar-driven beat.
Real LoveMary J Blige
An edgy song in search of true love.
It was released as a single in 1992 by American singer Mary J.
Blige.
It samples the drum sound from Audio Two’s 1987 hit “Top Billin.” The song was covered in 2004 by Toby Lightman.
(No One Knows Me) Like The PianoSampha
A track from the debut album “Process,” released in 2017 by the British musician Sampha.
Inspired by his childhood, it was written in late 2014 when he returned to his South London hometown to encourage his mother, who had developed cancer.