Ranking the 50 Best R&B Albums of the 1990s

“Why haven’t you ranked 90s R&B albums yet?”

A ton of y’all have asked me that for years now and there’s an easy answer:

Do you realize how many INCREDIBLE R&B albums reside in this era? That’s a massive task! There’s a reason why it’s constantly cited as R&B’s last stand – the year R&B went mainstream, broke records and many artists became household names … before we lost steam in the mid 00s.

But let’s focus on the good times and the embarrassment of R&B riches the 90s provided. I spent weeks pouring through albums I hadn’t heard in decades (including some I hadn’t heard at all until researching this post) to craft this list. I could have easily dropped a 100-album list but, let’s be real, y’all ain’t doing that much scrolling. So instead, we’ll stick with the 50 best.

Of course, that means I had to leave many, MANY incredible albums off the final list. No shade if your fave didn’t survive – that’s just proof of the quality this decade provided.

A few additional notes. READ BEFORE YOU START TYPING DEATH THREATS:

• Obviously I couldn’t listen to EVERY SINGLE ALBUM released during that decade, though lord knows I did my best. So if I missed Lady Magpie’s 1991 indy R&B hit from New Zealand, my bad. Shout her out in the comments.

• This isn’t necessarily a list of my FAVORITE albums (though Soul In Stereo old heads will spot a few that I’ve celebrated over the years). I tried to be as unbiased as possible, giving shine to legendary releases and underrated gems too. Plus if these were just my favorites Nicole Wray would be top 5 easily.

• Oh, and this one is important – this list is weighed by what I determine, in my oh so humble opinion, to be quality, not necessarily a reflection of their legacy. There are several major releases on the back half of this list that have gone on to influence decades of artists and future releases. BUTTTT, the albums themselves just aren’t as seamless as the ones above them. Maybe I’ll do a Most Important R&B Albums of the 90s list later (if y’all act right after this list drops).

Aight, it’s time. Let’s celebrate the greatest albums of the greatest decade of my lifetime.

Shout out to these honorable mentions. These LPs are Album of the Year qualities releases by 2022 standards:

Playa, Cheers 2 U

En Vogue, Funky Divas

Tony Toni Tone, Sons of Soul

Usher, My Way

Ginuwine, 100% Ginuwine

Zhane, Pronounced Zah-Nay

Mariah Carey, Music Box

Jodeci, Forever My Lady

Joe, All That I Am

Prince, The Gold Experience

Jagged Edge, JE Heartbreak

Babyface, For the Cool in You

Mariah Carey, Mariah Carey

Intro, Intro

Donell Jones, Where I Wanna Be

R. Kelly, R. Kelly

Anita Baker, Rhythm of Love

Monica, Miss Thang

Kut Klose, Surrender

Brandy, Brandy

50. Babyface, The Day (1996)

I know For the Cool In You might be the popular choice for this spot but I slightly lean toward The Day as Babyface’s best simply because it showcases Face’s versatility. From standing shoulder-to-shoulder with an icon like Stevie Wonder on “How Come How Long” to essentially creating his own hip-hop posse cut on “This is For the Lover In You,” Face’s creativity is boundless. There’s no such thing as a bad Babyface album, but The Day shines just a bit brighter than the rest.

49. New Edition, Home Again (1996)

It’s a little tough to accurately describe how monumental this reunion was. After years of splits, drama, solo projects and side hustles, it seemed a New Edition reunion was totally off the table – and certainly not a reunion of all six members. But miracles do happen and the result was one of the greatest R&B comebacks of all time. To date, it’s the only LP to feature all six members and they were treated to an all-star team of producers, including Puffy, Chucky Thompson, Gerald Levert, Jermaine Dupri and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Expectations were high and they were easily met with this great release.

48. R. Kelly, 12 Play (1993)

My well-documented thoughts about the artist aside, unquestionably, this is one of the most influential R&B albums of all time. 12 Play is more than just R&B’s favorite sex manual, it figuratively wrote the book on R&B’s sexual explosion in the early 90s. Lyrically and sonically, it set the genre on a new course, one that was both creatively and financially lucrative. And it birthed a lot of babies too.

47. Aaliyah, One in a Million (1996)

Picture it, Virginia, 1996 *Sophia Petrillo voice.* I’m riding with one of my best friends and his girl as he drives us to the mall. Aaliyah’s new single “One in a Million” comes on the radio. We are absolutely STUNNED into silence. The sparse, haunting production. The weird background effects – like locusts chirping on the track. Aaliyah’s subtle rap-sung delivery. We have never heard a song – R&B or otherwise – that sounded like this. EVER. Y’all talk about “cultural resets” and “classic moments” when your faves drop a single that trends for four ours today? One in a Million, the song and album, gave listeners something absolutely brand new – a true reset. Though it boasts several career highlights for Aaliyah, One in a Million does have its share of lesser tracks, some of which don’t quite fit the vibe of the album. It’s not perfect but still one of the most important LPs of its era.

46. Jodeci, Diary of a Mad Band (1993)

If Forever My Lady was a turning point for 90s R&B, Diary of a Mad Band is when the pedal hit the metal. Jodeci cut ties with New Jack Swing entirely and forged ahead with their brand of hip-hop soul, making them THE bad boys of R&B. Embracing soul, sexuality and street swag, Diary of a Mad Band became the blueprint for every male R&B group in its wake. It still stands as one of the most influential albums in R&B history.

45. Janet Jackson, Janet (1993)

Easily one of Janet’s most beloved albums, janet is home to some of Ms. Jackson’s biggest records. As a collection of hits, it’s peerless. As an overall album, though, the number of tracks and the almost oppressive number of interludes (one after almost every song!) make for a really exhaustive listen, hence it coming in slightly lower on this list than you’d probably expect. But that doesn’t stop janet from being one of the most important albums of the decade – and her career.

44. Tony Toni Tone, The Revival (1990)

The Revival is basically a hit factory. Tony Toni Tone truly found themselves on their sophomore release by redefining their formula. It still has the wacky humor and exuberance of its predecessor but with a much more focused approach. The result? Four No. 1 tracks, including some of TTT’s most memorable hits. But what really elevates this one to the top spot is the album’s sequencing, especially that stretch from “It Never Rains” to “Sky’s the Limit.” It’s one of R&B’s best sophomore albums and, yes, Toni Tony Tone’s best too.

43. Brownstone, From the Bottom Up (1995)

Michael Jackson knew what he was doing when he signed Brownstone to his MJJ label. Their debut is a masterclass in vocal excellence. Three women sounding like a 50-person choir is impressive in itself, but infectious writing and production is what will keep you running back for more. We don’t talk about this album enough – it’s one of the forgotten gems of an incredible era.

42. Boyz II Men, Evolution (1997)

Most R&B fans, myself included, have a very bad habit of writing off B2M after the incredible success of their sophomore album. Big mistake, playa, Boyz II Men were still on fire circa 1997. Evolution sounds like a natural progression from II without feeling like a total rehash. “A Song for Mama” might get top billing but it’s just one of many incredible offerings. Evolution comes very close to taking the second spot on this list, it’s that good.

41. Silk, Lose Control (1992)

BAY BAY DON’T STOP! BAY BAY DON’T STOP – when Silk’s debut opens with the piano-backed interpretation of their hit “Freak Me,” you know you’re in for a treat. Lose Control is much more than its hit singles – and trust, there are hits APLENTY on this one. Instead, it’s a forward thinking album that blends a bit of that era’s New Jack Swing with the evolving soul sound of the early 90s. This set doesn’t get enough credit for helping to chart a new path for R&B. Unquestionably one of the forgotten standouts of 90s R&B.

40. Luther Vandross, Power of Love (1991)

Lutha started off the 90s with an absolute bang. There’s just an intangible energy that resonates from this record. From the power of his ballads to the cadence of the uptempo cuts, Lutha sounds like he’s having the time of his life. The 90s would be an uncertain time for 80s hitmakers – Lutha included, as time would tell – but he started the decade as strong as ever, producing one of his best records.

39. Jon B., Cool Relax (1997)

Wanna know why we old heads praise the 90s so much? We were blessed with incredible, game-changing albums on an almost weekly basis. Sure, Cool Relax is widely recognized as Jon B’s greatest and most celebrated work but due to the fiercely competitive landscape of the era, I don’t think we celebrate this one ENOUGH. It’s every bit as good as the heavy hitters of the time. Unforgettable singles stand shoulder-to-shoulder with impressive album cuts that are expertly sequenced and masterfully sung. You probably already knew that Cool Relax is Jon B’s best album but it’s more than that – it’s one of the best albums of an incredible era for R&B.

38. TLC, Fanmail (1999)

 One of TLC’s greatest strengths was their ability to evolve their sound with each release. You’d think the album’s Y2K-era digital effects and stilted android voices would sound dated today, but that’s not the case at all.  FanMail features a completely different sound from previous efforts but still boasts the same infectious cuts and poignant messages that defined a decade of TLC hits. Arguably, the album cuts are stronger than the group’s two previous releases, making this one more than just a collection of singles. I’ve spent more time with this album than any of their others due to that depth. It’s a pretty underrated release in the long run.

37. Blackstreet, Another Level (1996)

The most fun thing about creating this list was going back and reconnecting with so many releases I hadn’t heard in years. If you were outside in 1996/97, you know that nearly half the tracks on this album were played INCESSANTLY – I had no desire to hear them again. But a fresh listen proved what we already knew – this. album. is. crazy. Sure, the singles grab all the attention, but it’s the album cuts (especially those on the first half) that truly drive this one. It’s a defining release in a defining era, and it’s probably even better than you remember.

36. Destiny’s Child, The Writings on the Wall (1999)

Since Destiny’s Child’s sophomore effort landed at the tail end of the 90s, its legacy would be its influence over 2000s R&B. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, because The Writings on the Wall was a force right out of the gate and we felt those aftershocks before we switched millenniums. An all-star array of producers and writers crafted some of the most memorable songs of the era, and the ladies truly began to come into their own as performers. There isn’t a weak song in the bunch. R&B groups would quickly go the way of the dinosaurs and Ecto-Cooler as the 2000s rolled on but DC kept the group thing strong as we closed the decade.

35. Silk, Tonight (1999)

After label woes and a sophomore album that disappointed commercially, Silk refocused, built a new team and jumped back into the unpredictable late 90s landscape with Tonight. The result? Their best work yet. The guys proved they hadn’t lost a step, delivering captivating singles and a dazzling array of album cuts that would become signature Silk tracks. Considering that Silk were a decade into their career at that point and were already written off by critics, some would call the success of Tonight a minor miracle. I’d just call it major talent.

34. SWV, It’s About Time (1992)

 SWV’s debut album is home to some of the most memorable tracks of the 90s – the New Jack Swing fueled “I’m So Into You,” “Right Here” and its iconic remix, “Downtown” (which was scandalous long before every R&B artist was singing about eatin’ booty like groceries) and, of course, the middle-school talent show staple “Weak.” SWV’s album became more than a promising debut, it was a showcase of ’90s R&B at its zenith.

33. Whitney Houston, Your Love Is My Love (1998)

Whitney spent most of the mid-90s collaborating on a trio of memorable soundtracks (The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher’s Wife, if you’re keeping score) but her return to the world of solo LPs in 1998 proved to be one of her best outings EVER. As great as her previous albums were, there was often an air of inconsistency about them. Not here. My Love Is Your Love is as air-tight as it gets, blending radio-friendly fare with daring production and hearty ballads. If there was any concern that personal problems would take a toll on her career, this album crushed those doubts.

32. Maxwell, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (1996)

I remember exactly where I was when I first saw the claustrophobic video for Maxwell’s debut single, featuring the homie rolling around on the floor like he’s looking for a lost contact lens. I had no idea I was witnessing the blossoming of the neo-soul movement before my eyes. Maxwell’s debut is a vital component of that foundation, joining D’Angleo before him and Erykah Badu shortly after to pave the way for countless artists in the following decade. The amazing live instrumentation feels as fresh as it did 24 years ago – the gorgeous intro to “The Suite Theme” is an all-timer for me. And Maxwell’s voice is an instrument itself. It’s still Maxwell’s defining work, though one album edges it out for the top spot.

31. Dru Hill, Enter the Dru (1998)

For many fans, this is THE definitive Dru Hill release and it’s pretty hard to argue against that. But arguing is what I do best! All four original members wrote and produced several of the songs here, making it an extremely personal and cohesive release. Filled with hit singles, incredible album cuts and great sequencing, this one JUST misses out on the coveted 5 star ranking due to a bit of slowdown about halfway through. But that’s just nitpicking on my part – Enter the Dru is still one of the most cherished albums of its era.

30. Maxwell, Embrya (1998)

Urban Hang Suite is the more beloved LP, due to it being such a strong introduction and it housing some of Maxwell’s best singles. But when it comes to quality and consistency across the board, Embrya reigns supreme. Like Now, Embrya is a pretty divisive release but it excels not only at mood-setting, but storytelling as well. Love, matrimony and spirituality are woven into what feels like one long song. Embrya seems downright extraterrestrial at times (down to the insane song titles that would make even Musiq Soulchild run to spellcheck) but it’s that elite level of artistry that makes it Maxwell’s best work to date.

29. Brandy, Never Say Never (1998)

Nah, no sophomore slump here. Fans have long debated Never Say Never vs Full Moon when discussing Brandy’s greatest achievement. While Full Moon is strong, several of the songs feel a little too similar midway through the LP. That’s not the case for Never Say Never, an album stuffed with distinctive tracks, radio hits, signature ballads and incredible album cuts. Seriously, the weakest songs on this album are probably the ones that resided on radio for months on end; the brightest gems never saw mainstream spotlight. I’ve said many times before that 1998 was the year that kept on giving – in fact, it gave us the greatest album of Brandy’s career.

28. Mariah Carey, Daydream (1995)

Daydream is a phenomenal album, y’all don’t need me to explain that. But what often goes unsaid is how important this album is to Mariah’s evolution as an artist and its impact on hip-hop. This was the album that began MC’s flirtation with hip-hop elements in her music, resulting in unexpected collaborations with spectacular results (teaming Mariah and ODB in 1995 for the “Fantasy” remix would be like Tamela Mann and 21 Savage on a track today – well, if 21 Savage wasn’t embarrassingly awful.) Mariah discovered a new sound, hip-hop gained new commercial credibility and we all were treated to unforgettable hits.

27. Toni Braxton, Secrets (1996)

In a couple of weeks we mark the 26-year anniversary of Toni’s landmark sophomore album. 15 million sales later, I think its legacy is intact. Toni floats from flirtatious hip-hop (“You’re Makin’ Me High”) to heart-wrenching pop masterpieces (“Un-Break My Heart”) effortlessly. Pain never sounded more beautiful. Unquestionably, Secrets stands as Toni’s most successful release to date.

26. Boyz II Men, Cooleyhighharmony (1991)

You couldn’t have asked for a better coming out party. Four stars were born in 1991, quickly becoming the best-selling R&B male group OF ALL TIME. And it began right here, with a “doo-wop hip-hop” sound that pried R&B from the grip of New Jack Swing and and ushered in a new era of vocal mastery that has still yet to be matched. No one sounded like these guys in 1991, and this album became their calling card.

25. Michael Jackson, Dangerous (1991)

Arguably the most underrated adult-era MJ album. Dangerous might be the first time Michael followed trends instead of setting them but this is no mere cookie-cutter release. MJ’s partnership with Teddy Riley showed that there was more than enough room for him to carve his own niche in the crowded New Jack Swing scene. And he did it effortlessly. Yes, the King of Pop released one of the greatest New Jack Swing albums of all time, crafting an album that blends several musical genres while simultaneously bearing his soul with poignant lyrics. Keep that in mind the next time you get annoyed when a pop singer drops a great R&B album.

24. Tevin Campbell, I’m Ready (1993)

How do you follow up on an industry shaking debut? If you ask Tevin, the answer is “go even harder.” I’m Ready is arguably his most defining release, loaded with some of the best singles of its era, accentuated by tracks like “Uncle Sam” and “Paris1798430” that sprinkled a bit of social commentary into the proceedings. Also, um, Prince had 16-year-old Tevin singing about some freaky stuff, huh? No wonder we’re all degenerates now. Tight production and expert sequencing make I’m Ready his most sonically consistent release and though I wouldn’t personally call it his BEST, it’s easy to see why it’s such a fan favorite.

23. TLC, CrazySexyCool (1994)

TLC’s impressive first album established them as young women who unabashedly embraced their sexuality. Their second album was a portrait of their maturation — in both themes and sounds. It’s a coming-of-age project that would inspire strength and feminism in scores of young listeners. And, of course, the album is home to some of the most memorable songs of the 1990s. “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” “Red Light Special,” “Diggin on You” – they’re all here on this ONE album. Sure, some of the album cuts don’t always land, but this album’s lineup and legacy make it one of the greatest LPs in R&B history. A true classic.

22. Sade, Love Deluxe (1992)

“Cherish the Day.” “No Ordinary Love.” “Kiss of Life.” “Feel No Pain.” With a roster of unforgettable songs like those, it’s no wonder why Love Deluxe is such a beloved record. It’s ambient mood music at its jazzy best, not only distinguishing Sade as a unique force in music but also creating a template that would become the building blocks for the neo-soul movement years later. It’s not a perfect album but it’s a classic album in every sense of the word.

21. Mary J. Blige, What’s the 411 (1992)

The one that started it all. MJB’s mix of hip-hop and R&B was a game changer for the industry. Her songs were rugged and gritty – fellas weren’t afraid to rock to them – yet the lyrics and themes spoke to a generation of girls. It was the start of a legendary career.

20. Janet Jackson, The Velvet Rope (1997)

In my mind, there are three definitive Janet eras – the Rhythm Nation Era, the janet Era, and this, the Velvet Rope Era. All the themes that Janet brought to the table in previous releases – sexuality, feminism, social justice – reached their apex with this album. Janet’s boldness and willingness to sing through her pain made The Velvet Rope a classic release.

19. Mariah Carey, Butterfly (1997)

Deciding between Butterfly and Daydream for the best Mariah album almost came down to a coin flip – both albums are near flawless in their execution. But Butterfly gets the slight nod simply because of its enduring legacy. “Honey,” “My All,” “The Roof,” “Breakdown,” the remake of Prince’s “The Beautiful Ones” – nearly every one of the album’s 12 tracks are game-changers on their own. That’s why Butterfly almost feels like a greatest hits album – wall to wall hits in a literal golden package. It’s Mariah at her best.

18. Sisqo, Unleash the Dragon (1999)

I remember EXACTLY where I was the first time I saw Dru Hill’s debut video, “Tell Me.” I was sitting at the kitchen table watching it on one of those grainy video shows (probably the Box, or something similar) and I said to myself “I wonder how long it takes for the hyperactive blonde dude to go solo?” We’d get our answer with Unleash the Dragon, Sisqo’s coming-out party that proved he had undeniable starpower. Not only was he a force on the dance floor, his vocal prowess was top-notch. From the absurdity of “Thong Song” to the overpowering emotion of “Incomplete” this was the album that had Sisqo being mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jackson. Things didn’t quite work out that way but, whew, 1999 was a magical time indeed.

17. 112 (1996)

112’s debut is just as refreshing today as it was when it landed way back in 1996. Sure, it’s a bit ballad-heavy for some tastes but when the ballads are THIS good, it’s easy to overlook that nitpick. Many of the songs here went on to define 112’s career and cemented Bad Boy’s foothold in the realm of R&B. From front to back, this one set the standard for R&B for the next five years.

16. Tamia (1998)

When you make a first impression this good, it’s hard to top it. I still remember Tamia being touted as Quincy Jones’ next big megastar back in the mid 90s. And while a lot of that hype had died down by the time we got our hands on Tamia’s debut in 1998, we quickly saw – and heard – what got Q so hyped in the first place. Tamia’s debut featured absolutely incomparable ballads and midtempo tracks – they were the perfect fit for her matchless vocals. 1998 was a year filled with incredible debuts and Tamia’s stand among the best.

15. 112, Room 112 (1998)

A surprise ranking for sure, but I’ll defend it to my death. From soul-bearing slow jams to cocky bedroom burners, Room 112 is the quintessential 112 album. While the group’s debut was heavy on ballads, their sophomore set is a much more diverse offering, highlighting their vocals while still embracing uptempo hip-hop. It’s 112 at their best and one of Bad Boy’s most memorable collections.

14. Kelly Price, Soul of a Woman (1998)

Kelly Price’s debut album, in my humble opinion, is one of the most pure, passionate and powerful R&B releases in the modern era. Yes, the “Friend of Mine Remix” is what gets all the attention all these years later, but that’s just a morsel. Soul of a Woman boasts a flawless collection of album cuts that flow seamlessly from beginning to end with no pitfalls. The production is top-notch and vocally, Kelly is absolutely unmatched. Y’all can call me biased – Soul of a Woman is my favorite R&B album of all time – but the facts speak for themselves. It’s unquestionably Kelly’s greatest work.

13. Mary J. Blige, Share My World (1997)

While it’s not her flagship release, I contend that Share My World is MJB’s most diverse work. From top to bottom, it’s an air-tight collection of R&B. Mary was truly in her prime here, crafting ballads that were just as strong as radio-friendly singles. It might not have the legendary legacy of its predecessor but it’s an unforgettable effort nonetheless.

12. Tevin Campbell, TEVIN (1991)

If the goal of your debut album is to set the stage for your entire career, Tevin Campbell should have been the biggest male solo star of the 90s. And, well, back in 1991, we were sure that was the case. Tevin’s solo debut is an intoxicating blend of sultry slow jams and infectious upbeat cuts with some of the best vocals you’ll ever hear. Reminder: This guy was FOURTEEN YEARS OLD at the time. Top-tier writers and producers like Quincy Jones, Prince and Al B Sure made this is an all-star affair that doesn’t get enough credit for continuing New Jack Swing’s momentum. It’s one of the most complete R&B debuts of all time, and Tevin’s best work.

11. Dru Hill, Dru Hill (1996)

In the mid-90s, with the impending departure of heavyweights like Jodeci, R&B began transitioning into its next phase, leaving a new generation of stars to take the reins. Dru’s debut album helped lead that journey into the next decade. “Tell Me.” “Five Steps.” “In My Bed.” “Never Make a Promise.” How many albums can you name that boast that level of quality singles all confined to one place? Dru’s debut deftly combined the impeccable soul of Boyz II Men with the edge of Jodeci, and this album became their magnum opus. They really don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

10. Keith Sweat (1996)

KEEEEEEEEEEF! Playa. This is the end-all-be-all of 90s R&B. This is the album Zeus listens to on Mount Olympus when he’s trying to get Hera in the mood. I bet King T’Challa had all 12 tracks saved on his phone. From front to back, this release is as undeniable today as it was way back in 1996. It’s home to not one but two of the biggest songs of the 90s, filled with album cuts that are still cherished today and even the infamous “Show Me the Way” interlude still gets more love than many of the songs in Keith’s seemingly eternal career. An interlude! There is a reason why Keith is sitting on a throne – the king is here.

9. Faith Evans, Faith (1995)

Faith’s debut album isn’t just Bad Boy’s best R&B release – it’s one of the best R&B albums in the history of the genre. You read that right — it stands up to the greats of every era. Faith’s vocals ache with emotion on every track, clearly forged from the fires of gospel and soul. And it’s that very emotion that drives every single track here. There’s no filler on this album, it’s tight, concise and as close to perfect as you can get.

8. Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack (1995)

There hasn’t been a better showcase for female R&B artists before or since the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack. Babyface’s pen and the greatest collection of talent of that era made magic, crafting classic songs that detailed love gained, love lost and the bonds of sisterhood. In an era of stellar soundtracks that often threatened to overshadow the films they promoted, Waiting to Exhale sit sits in rarified air.

7. D’Angelo, Brown Sugar (1995)

The Brown Sugar vs Voodoo debate probably will rage until the end of time. But for my money, there’s no betting against Brown Sugar, the album that many credit (including me) with launching the neo-soul movement of the late 90s/early 00s. D’Angelo stepped in the footprints of legends – Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke and more – bringing their sound to a new generation. Brown Sugar created the blueprint that scores of artists still follow today.

6. Erykah Badu, Baduizm (1997)

I still remember hearing Badu’s “On and On” for the first time – it was so rich, so soulful, so different, that I though it was a commercial for one of those chitlin circuit plays that would come to town every few months. Seriously. I caught the video on BET soon after and I was immediately hooked. Baduizm is an album that linked two generations, one that borrowed from the blueprint set by legends like Billie Holiday and infused it with late 90s hip-hop sensibilities. Jazz, ’70s soul and rap were blended to create an album that directly spoke to its young audience by using a voice dripping with the wisdom of their forefathers. Baduizm still stands as one of the greatest R&B albums of the past 20 years.

5. Boomerang Soundtrack (1993)

Is this the best soundtrack of the 90s? Depends which day you catch me on, but as of today, I’d have to say YES. Shining as a showcase of LaFace records and the matchless trio of Babyface, L.A. Reid and Daryl Simmons, this soundtrack has it all. Playful banter, memorable love songs and a dash of hip-hop to keep the party started. Looking back, it’s an all-star affair filled with legends who would go on to shape the decade’s music scene. Thirty years later, it’s still undefeated.

4. Toni Braxton (1993)

Toni had the weight of the world on her shoulders following her head-turning appearances on the 1992 Boomerang soundtrack. The bar had been raised impossibly high — and Toni hurdled it with ease. I’ve always waved off declarations of “flawless albums” — even history’s most beloved albums have holes if you look long enough. But it’s hard for even me to find flaws in Toni’s 1993 debut, an album so air-tight that nearly every track was featured on radio at some point.  It’s not only Toni’s greatest personal accomplishment, it’s one of the best debut albums in R&B history.

3. Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

The tricky thing about this album is that one side swears it’s a hip-hop album, while another is determined to call it an R&B album. Why can’t it be both? Regardless, it’s too good – and too important – to leave off this list. Obviously Lauryn Hill was far from a rookie in 1998 – she’d been in the public eye nearly a half decade prior to her breakout debut album. We all knew she’d spread her wings and go solo eventually – what we didn’t expect was for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to become such a landmark release, one that majestically  blended hip-hop and soul into a profound statement of black womanhood.

2. Mary J. Blige, My Life (1994)

My Life is one of the most iconic albums in R&B history, THE signature album of Mary J’s career and a blueprint for womanhood in the 90s. A generation of women felt Mary’s pain and lived vicariously through her vocals. Nearly 30 years later, few have come close to having this type of connection with their fanbase.

1. Boyz II Men, II (1994)

If Cooleyhighharmony made Boyz II Men stars, II made them legends. The singles were anchored to the top of the Billboard charts seemingly for eternity; the album cuts themselves were masterful. Nearly every song on this set is synonymous with 90s R&B because they were such a big part of its story. If you’re still wondering just how R&B became such a huge mainstream force in the 1990s, look no further than II, one of the greatest R&B albums ever recorded. This is the album that defined a decade.

I KNOW y’all have opinions on this one. Let your fury loose in the comments!