The AllMusic 2022
Year In Review
From passionate social activism to outright bangers, this year's collection of favorite R&B albums runs the gamut. Get romantic with Lucky Daye and Sly Johnson or get up and rule the world with Beyoncé (pictured) and Robert Glasper.
Ari Lennox
Age/Sex/Location
Working closely again with Elite, the Dreamville affiliate reaffirms her standing as one of the most fascinating artists in progressive R&B.
Beyoncé
Renaissance
A lavish and exhilarating celebration of self and community with a similarly inclusive mix of sounds ranging from disco to dembow.
Blxst
Before You Go
Having struck gold with "Chosen," the L.A.-based rapper/singer returns with his sharp first solo full-length.
Bobby Oroza
Get on the Otherside
The Finnish retro soul artist rings truer on his poignant and more personal second outing.
Brent Faiyaz
Wasteland
Guests Drake, Alicia Keys, and Tyler, The Creator are far from the most appealing factors on the ascendant singer's second album.
Brian Jackson
This Is Brian Jackson
On his first solo album in 20 years, Jackson delivers a funky 21st century record that might have been made in the '70s.
Charlotte Dos Santos
Morfo
A richer, more soul-steeped follow-up to the Brazilian-Norwegian singer/songwriter's promising debut.
Drake
Honestly, Nevermind
After a string of trap-heavy albums, Drake delves into vocal R&B and adds house and Baltimore club music to the much less oppressive mix.
Eli "Paperboy" Reed
Down Every Road
A vibrant, soulful tribute to Merle Haggard, one of the iconic American figures of the 20th century.
Gabriels
Angels & Queens, Pt. 1
More turbulent and cinematic fusions of gospel, soul, and funk from the out-of-time trio, assisted by Kendrick Lamar collaborator Sounwave.
GIVĒON
Give or Take
Exceptionally openhearted first proper album from the 100%-R&B, Grammy-nominated baritone.
Gloria Scott
So Wonderful
A worthy sequel to the under-recorded soul singer's Barry White-produced 1974 debut.
Jimetta Rose / The Voices of Creation
How Good It Is
Uplifting gospel, spiritual jazz, and funk from L.A.'s around-the-way queen and a large group of her new and old friends.
Jimetta Rose
The Gift: Around the Way Queen
One of the key players in L.A.'s underground music community adds her voice to tracks from Street Corner Music's beat tape series.
Joji
Smithereens
Emotionally devastating third LP from the Japanese electronic singer/songwriter is also his most mature and relatable to date.
Kehlani
Blue Water Road
Work on tracks for an intended deluxe edition of the singer's 2020 album developed into their mostly tender third LP, executive produced by Pop Wansel.
Kenyon Dixon
Closer
Low-profile (if Grammy-nominated) singer/songwriter and producer with his most satisfying set of deep contemporary R&B thus far.
Lady Wray
Piece of Me
Still tight with Leon Michels, Nicole Wray augments fine contemporary soul singles dating back to 2019 with fresh material up to the same standard.
Lucky Daye
Candydrip
David Brown's gleaming second album of progressive R&B, chock-full of persuasive slow jams and ballads.
Mary J. Blige
Good Morning Gorgeous
MJB's first album in five years covers familiar ground with subtly stellar results.
Maylee Todd
Maloo
Dreamlike and gentle, the album is a series of lovely science fiction ballads built around sparse and bubbly electronics and Todd's entrancing vocals.
Monophonics
Sage Motel
A concept album from the psychedelic soul band, this nonetheless contains some of their most heartfelt ballads and stirring uptempo numbers.
Nick Hakim
Cometa
Romantic, dizzied third LP from the singer/songwriter, whose modern psychedelia is enhanced by appearances from Arto Lindsay and Helado Negro.
Ravyn Lenae
Hypnos
Matured, refined, and fearlessly creative full-length debut from Ravyn Lenae, arriving four years after her lauded third EP.
Robert Glasper
Black Radio III
Another natural and inviting genre synthesis from the keyboardist and friends, highlighted by a Grammy-winning preview single with H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello.
Sly Johnson
55.4
Soul and funk are emphasized on the romantic and benevolent fourth solo LP from the Parisian singer/rapper, beatboxer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Steve Lacy
Gemini Rights
The Internet guitarist, producer, and singer/songwriter returns in strong form with the breakup-inspired follow-up to his Grammy-nominated debut.
Stimulator Jones
Round Spiritual Ring
Sam Lunsford puts a more personalized spin on Video Soul-era R&B (with some pleasing diversions) on his uplifting third Stones Throw LP.
Sudan Archives
Natural Brown Prom Queen
Diversifying as a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Brittney Parks outdoes herself with her powerful second album.
Syd
Broken Hearts Club
A moving second solo album from the linchpin of the Grammy-nominated R&B band the Internet.
SZA
SOS
Solána Rowe's long-awaited, many-faceted second album has much more to offer than the big hits that preceded it.
Tank and the Bangas
Red Balloon
Strong social commentary, rambunctious frivolity, soul-nourishing ballads, and more are offered by the Grammy-nominated band on their third studio LP.
The Weeknd
Dawn FM
Abel Tesfaye indulges his frantic romantic side with numerous synthesizer-powered '80s flavorings on his follow-up to After Hours.
Tink
Pillow Talk
Trinity Home channels Sylvia, Brandy, and Monica while delivering another high-luster set of ballads and slow jams with Hitmaka.
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
Lifted
More than any of his previous albums, this set most closely resembles the unbridled energy of a Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue gig.
