AllMusic 2017 Year in Review
Favorite R&B Albums
The past and present came together in the best R&B albums of 2017, including the soulful and eclectic work of Cody ChesnuTT, the wild synthesis of Thundercat's Drunk, the first album from in-demand collaborator Sampha, and the colorful major label debut of SZA.
Modern, uncompromised material from the veteran R&B artist, co-produced with Tim Kelley.
ChesnuTT's third album finds him striking a soulfully exuberant, stylistically eclectic balance between his lo-fi roots and love of classic R&B.
Second album from the retro-soul artist tops his fine debut, adding a psychedelic edge to his solid songs and powerful vocals.
Atmospheric yet compositionally sound full-length debut from the independent R&B artist.
The Cardiff duo take their place in a lineage that includes London's rare groove and broken beat scenes.
Full-blooded return to R&B from the "I Can't Stand the Rain" co-writer, supported by some of his Hi Records-era cohorts and other Bo-Keys members.
Inviting, frolicsome, and delightfully off-center love songs from the multi-instrumentalist Stones Throw signee.
The sophomore full-length by the French/Cuban siblings looks hard at injustice and reflects struggle in beautifully written, passionately articulated songs.
After shortening their name, changing labels, and enlisting new members, this outfit melds funk, disco, pop, and even post-punk.
Excellent proper debut from the Grammy-nominated, TLC-inspired singer and songwriter.
Soul-piercing hyperballads and zero-gravity club tracks color the singer's riveting Warp debut.
The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer continues to roll with another set of positive and proud modern R&B.
The contemporary soul singer's mix of grit and grace is in top form on her sixth album, featuring collaborations with Rex Rideout.
The soul and gospel icon teams with Jeff Tweedy again for an album that addresses troubled times with love and strength.
Stunning collection of bedroom R&B tracks and lo-fi disco jams from the mercurial Toronto singer/songwriter.
Inspired, wide-ranging covers album from the singer, who takes on songs popularized by the likes of Jerry Butler, Atlantic Starr, and...Justin Bieber.
Informed by human rights struggles and global conflict, the singer's fourth album nonetheless contains some of his most upbeat and raunchy material.
Despite its double-album length, a typical Taalib Johnson set for its high percentage of easygoing and heartfelt hip-hop soul.
Spaced-out sonics and soul-searching lyrics from a genre-blurring singer/songwriter who has opened for Maxwell and King.
Stirring first album from a singular do-it-all who has worked with Drake, Beyoncé, Kanye, and Solange.
Sharon Jones / Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
The final album from the retro-soul diva, recorded in the last months of her life, is a rich, life-affirming experience.
The Sacramento-area artist's ambitiously layered mix of soulful, indie-electro R&B and absorbing synth-pop.
Second album from this gifted singer, songwriter, and producer is more organic than his debut, but just as accomplished and soulful.
The Galactic drummer's trio and a host of NOLA luminaries pay a heartfelt, soulful tribute to the late Allen Toussaint's music and genius.
The Internet's most visible member temporarily goes off on her own with a dimly-lit set highlighted by cuts that evoke prime Aaliyah.
The R&B singer's ninth album is a stellar live-in-studio rendering of soul classics produced by her father Syl Johnson.
Solana Rowe's first true LP, less inhibited and more colorful than her previous work, wields distinct power even when it transmits internal conflict.
Terrace Martin / The Pollyseeds
Another set of relaxed soul/jazz/hip-hop hybrids from the Grammy-nominated leader, following triumphs with YG and Kendrick Lamar.
Filled with star appearances, this is nonetheless powered by the headliner's tremulous basslines and aching falsetto.
The multi-platinum singer/rapper's second proper album offers hedonistic slow jams by the bushel.
The artist's third proper album of fearsome funk, soul, and rock, shelved by Blue Note for nine years prior to its liberation.