Five Great R&B Albums You May Have Missed in 2021

I don’t know about y’all, but while Twitter has spent the past couple of day debating whether or not R&B is dead, I’ve been enjoying one of the stronger runs R&B has experienced in recent years.

Sometimes you’ve gotta look past overhyped Twitter songs and bad radio playlists to find the real gems. That’s what I’m here for.

As always, I’ve spent the the past 11 months reviewing and highlighting the year’s best (and …the most suspect) R&B releases but I couldn’t make time to talk about ALL the heat that dropped.

So today, let’s catch up on five albums we haven’t discussed on the site yet but deserve a place on your playlists.

Let the “Arruh N Bee is Ded” crew continue to argue. They’re missing out.  

After 7, Unfinished Business

After 7 quietly has amassed one of the most underrated discographies of their generation. Their 2016 release Timeless was a magnificent return to form and here, following the passing of founding member Melvin Edmonds and departure of his son Jason, the magic still remains. In an era where R&B is dire need of a heart transplant, After 7 brings tenderness and sensitivity back to a genre riddled with songs that read like bitter text messages. Great songwriting and sincere performances carry this set, making it yet another winning edition of their catalog. After 7 has endured lots of challenges in recent years but Unfinished Business proves they’re still standing.

Cleo Sol, Mother

Songstress Cleo Sol made her name as one of the voices behind the vastly overlooked group Sault, but her second solo effort proves that she’s a force in a tandem or rolling dolo. Mother is exactly what you’d expect from its namesake – a warm, soulful exploration of both motherhood and feminism. The delicate, jazzy production and Cleo’s airy delivery make this one of the most beautifully sung albums you’ll hear all year. No, there are no radio hits, no BANGERZ or club tracks – instead, it’s the type of inviting soul that seeped from your mom’s speakers during those Saturday morning cleanup sessions. This one feels like home.

Durand Jones and The Indications, Private Space

One of my boys in the Soul In Stereo Cypher called the new album from Durand Jones and The Indications “Silk Sonic: The Prelude” and that’s a pretty apt description. The five-member ensemble are as progressive as they are a tribute to an era we still cherish. Their brand of energetic funk and harmonious soul make for a great time, and they wisely dash in elements of hip-hop and pop to keep the party moving. Sure, it might feel a little too retro for some modern tastes but these guys know their audience and they’re more than happy to give the people what they want.

JoJo, Trying Not to Think About It

JoJo’s 2020 release Good to Know was one of the most pleasant surprises of a dire year, so it’s great to see her keep the momentum rolling with this brief but cohesive EP. Though it might not be an official LP, it feels every bit like a full-length album.  JoJo bares her soul on this one, exploring her struggles with depression and anxiety in an intimate, yet honest settling. Despite the heavy topics, the atmosphere never feels overwhelming or preachy. Her vulnerability makes it all the more relatable. It’s probably not the release JoJo fans would expect, but it’s an important one – for both her artistry and her healing.

Anthony Hamilton, Love is the New Black

A few months back I ranked Anthony Hamilton’s entire discography. Had I waited until this album dropped, it would be very high on the list – I’m talking No. 2 or 3. It’s mighty impressive that an artist whose career spans 25 years can surpass some of his greatest hits, but that’s just what Anthony did with Love is the New Black. Although Hamilton delivers the usual heaping helpings of sonic soul food he’s known for, this album truly excels when he takes chances. Whether it’s flexing over trap drums with Lil Jon or belting out a show-stopping duet with Jennifer Hudson, Hamilton continues to keep you guessing all while maintain his trademark cool. It’s one of the best albums of his career, and yes, one of the best R&B offerings of the year.

What are some of your favorite underrated R&B releases? Let us know below.