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 (51–60)
I’m SprungT-Pain
This is the debut single from T-Pain’s first album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, released after being discovered by Akon.
The song is dedicated to his wife.
At the time, his melancholic vocals processed with Auto-Tune felt innovative and went on to inspire many followers.
It peaked at No.
8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye
This is the title track from Marvin Gaye’s landmark studio album, What’s Going On.
The song was composed after Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops, who were touring with Marvin, witnessed an anti-war demonstration and the violent actions of the police.
Inspired by his reaction—“What’s happening here? What’s going on?”—the song took shape.
LonelyAkon
A song that uses Bobby Vinton’s oldies track “Mr.
Lonely,” it was the hit that first propelled him to worldwide fame as an artist.
It reached number one in seven countries, including Australia and Denmark.
This classic showcases his uniquely gritty, persistent vocal style as a Senegalese-American artist.
You’re Makin’ Me HIghToni Braxton
A song released in 1996 as a double A-side single along with “Let It Flow.” It reached No.
1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and won a Grammy Award in 1997.
The music video features appearances by actress Tisha Campbell-Martin, among others.
R&B masterpieces: Must-listen recommended albums (61–70)
Bump N’ GrindR. Kelly
The title “Bump N’ Grind” refers to sex.
From the early to mid-1990s, many R&B songs used titles that referenced sex.
This track was released by R.
Kelly in 1994 and reached No.
1 on the Hot R&B Songs chart.
That’s What’s UpAlicia Keys
A quiet, minimal song released by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys through her SoundCloud account on January 25, 2017, her 36th birthday.
It samples Kings Of Tomorrow’s 2005 track “So Alive.”
All That I Can SayMary J Blige
It’s the lead single from her fourth studio album, “Mary,” by the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.
The song was composed by Lauryn Hill of the Fugees, who were at the height of their popularity at the time.
There’s also a must-hear cover by jazz vocalist Gretchen Parlato that has a sophisticated, grown-up vibe.