D'Angelo's long-awaited return with Black Messiah was the most hotly-anticipated R&B album of the year, but new records from Ne-Yo, Miguel, the Internet and Mark Ronson all held their own on our list of the year's best R&B.
Promising debut album from immensely likeable, teen-aged Canadian singer and songwriter who mixes pop and R&B.
Impressive ballad-heavy set of retro-soul made in collaboration with the likes of Adrian Gurvitz and Raphael Saadiq.
A little more retro-styled than her previous albums, the singer's seventh set bounds from boogie to soul-pop and includes a fine Dave Hollister duet.
The soul diva is reunited with producer Joe Henry for another album focused on her peerless gifts as an interpretive singer.
The soul dynamo's most stimulating work yet, produced entirely by psychedelic soul specialist Adrian Younge.
Featuring Jam and Lewis on a handful of cuts, another fine collection of upbeat love songs from Uncle Charlie.
Unhurried grooves and spaced-out ballads from the "soultronic" whiz-kid progeny of the Native Tongues and Soulquarians.
D'Angelo / D'Angelo and the Vanguard
The soul enigma's first album in 14 years is bristly, bracing, and more outward-looking than his first two classics.
A generous and uplifting dose of modern funk from Damon Riddick, joined by a supporting cast that includes Jody Watley, Flea, and Q-Tip.
The Take-Off and Landing of Everything
The band grapples with middle age on its gorgeously melancholic sixth album.
Occasionally frustrating, ultimately promising debut from the co-songwriter of Usher's number one R&B hit "Climax."
A relatively collaborative round of dizzying dancefloor moves from the producer-driven disco orchestra.
Once again, Galactic deliver a NOLA that's as vibrant and forward-thinking as it is steeped in second-line tradition.
A double dose of dizzying brilliance from Erykah Badu's and Prince's favorite Australian avant-R&B band.
A clean-cut and satisfying return after a seven-year absence, created with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
A wholly pleasing, relatively contemporary set from one of the planet's greatest multidimensional R&B talents.
So varied that it resembles a compilation, the singer and songwriter's fifth album nonetheless contains several of the year's best R&B cuts.
The former America's Got Talent contestant offers a refreshing approach to contemporary R&B for young adults.
The best of the singer's sixth solo album evokes late-night, late-'70s and early-'80s R&B radio programming.
Excellent set of career-spanning material performed at the Troubadour, where the singer's father recorded a like-titled set released 43 years prior.
Backed by a new label and a mostly new crop of collaborators, the eminently graceful vocalist and songwriter continues to fuse styles with ease.
Another star-studded set of throwback party numbers from the producer, featuring the smash Bruno Mars collaboration "Uptown Funk."
Featuring appearances from Phil Perry and Stokley Williams, the singer marks two decades as a solo artist with one of her best albums.
Less pop-oriented than his hit second album, a Los Angeles-fueled set that revels in grinding guitars, erotic wordplay, and sludgy tempos.
Mindi Abair / Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers / Sweet Pea Atkinson
In concert with Randy Jacobs and Sweet Pea Atkinson, the saxophonist's musical wild side is on full, gritty, glorious display.
Inspired by South Africa tour stops, another blissful travelogue from the Foreign Exchange's non-singing, one-man-band half.
The great vocalist delivers a deep, soulful set featuring a new take on the Montclairs' "Dreaming's Out of Season."
Solid and varied debut album from a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer who has worked with Usher and Beyoncé.
Even better than the singer's Grammy-nominated 2013 album, offering much more than the heartache its cover suggests.
Seventeen years after her debut on Qwest, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer drops a low-key, drama-free Def Jam gem.
Worthy follow-up to the classic-meets-contemporary R&B singer, songwriter, and arranger's five-star debut.
The Mosaic Project: Love and Soul
The second installment in the drummer/composer's all-female band focuses on the jazzy side of contemporary R&B.
Tales from the Land of Milk and Honey
Top-tier R&B duo Nicolay and Phonte, along with songwriting/production partner Zo!, fill their fun fifth album with rich harmonies and warm grooves.
The singular R&B band's third and best album exhibits Sydney Bennett's refined, still-candid songwriting.
Fearlessly eclectic Michigan-based artist makes powerful statements in favor of individuality and personal freedom.
A surprisingly modest, ballad-rich set, said to be the final release of the actor-singer's music career.
Made in collaboration with Kwame Holland, a largely upbeat set from an undervalued performer known more for heartache.