5 R&B Albums From 2021 That Are On Repeat
The year is slowly coming to an end but there’s still time to celebrate this year's musical releases--like what we intend to do later this month at the 2021 Soul Train Music Awards, where we honor the best in R&B and soul music. `
Albums that dropped this year came in clutch as things still weren’t back to “normal” due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to artists like H.E.R. and Jazmine Sullivan, at least we had good music to pass the time.
Check out some of the R&B albums from this year we have sprinkled throughout our mood playlists, and are on repeat.
Jazmine Sullivan — Heaux Tales
It’s been a long time coming since Jazmine gave us Reality TV nearly five years ago and basically told us, enjoy love—but it was well worth the wait. The 14-track project brings in different perspectives to the table as it pertains to “hoes.” Whether it’s dealing with tired old cheating boyfriends in “Pick Up Your Feelings” or gold diggers in “Price Tags,” and sloppy nights we can’t remember in “Bodies,” Jazmine has a testimony for just about every experience.
H.E.R. — Back Of My Mind
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, better known as H.E.R. gives listeners just that in her latest effort, Back of My Mind. Although earlier in her career, the singer-songwriter hid behind her sultry sounds, the 24-year is now ready to enjoy the fruits of her labor with tracks like “We Made It”—and as she should. In 21 songs, the California native effortlessly blends the sounds of hip hop and R&B, all while naturing the element of soul as seen in the project’s standout single “Damage.”
Shelley FKA DRAM — Shelley FKA DRAM
When your album features, H.E.R. ,Erykah Badu, and Summer Walker, it’s clear there’s something you’d like to address. For Shelley formerly known as D.R.A.M. that message is, you can forget your perception of him with bubbly songs such as “Cha Cha” and ”Broccoli” and get into these rebrand and enjoy the falsetto notes in songs like “ALL Pride Aside” for assistance.
Honestly, not enough people are talking about this project and we don’t like that.
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Leon Bridges — Gold Diggers Sound
Leon Bridges cleans up nicely for his third studio album. Released in July, Bridges takes his signature sound—a combination of 50s and 60s inspired soul music, with a healthy dose of jazz instrumentals mixed into modern day R&B—and truly owns it.
Bridges teams up with Robert Glasper for the first track titled “Born Again.” Bridges’ lyrics gently pull you in with soft horns and light cords—setting the tone of the rest of the project as early as minute 1.
Nao — And Then Life Was Beautiful
Nao’s self-created “Wonk funk” genre is further explored in this latest project since her 2018 effort Saturn. The British singer-songwriter talks about letting go of toxic love affairs and creating boundaries to a perfectly blended sound of soul with R&B, funk, and electronic elements. The project overall leans into accepting change in every accept. Nao’s life changed beautifully following the birth of her daughter a little over a year before releasing the album.
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
