5 Great R&B Albums You May Have Missed This Year

All things considered, 2023 might be turning out to be a decent year for R&B.

Now before you fly into a frenzy, let’s temper expectations a bit. We’re FAR from 1998 – we’re not even pulling 2008 numbers at this point. But with artists like Victoria Monet and SZA raking in Grammy noms, and underrated gems from Cleo Sol, Alex Isley and more getting love online, I’ve seen more positive R&B buzz than I have in years.

We’ve got a long way to go, but maybe we’re moving in the right direction.

Let’s take a moment to shout out five R&B releases that I hadn’t yet discussed here on Soul In Stereo but probably deserve a place on your playlists.

LAYA, Bet That

LAYA isn’t just a breath of fresh air, she’s the swirling storm of creativity ready to shake up the game. Her debut EP Um, Hello was one of the brightest spots of 2022, and that momentum carries over into Bet That. Though the former release was deeply rooted in 90s R&B lore (specifically, Missy Elliott’s brand of sonic mastery), Bet That branches out even further. Tracks like “Need 2 Know” – one of the best R&B records of 2023, period – shine above the competition with slinky production and defiant attitude. Meanwhile, “F’d Up,” is a playful clapback that can burn up the dance floor AND your ex’s DMs. Don’t try to put LAYA in a box, she specializes in breaking out of them. If anyone can break R&B out of its current rut, it’s her.

Leela James, Thought U Knew

There’s not a woman walking the planet with a voice like Leela’s, and that soul-rattling tone have fueled some of the most underrated R&B releases of the past two decade. The game hasn’t changed on album No. 8. Thought U Knew thrives thanks to the work of producers like Rex Rideout, Camper, Amadeus and more – musicians who are able to craft backdrops that compliment Leela’s trademark husky vocals. But as always, Leela’s commanding voice is the album’s standout. Whether she’s embracing love or dismissing it, her voice sells every note of that joy and frustration. Leela rarely gets the recognition she deserves but the real ones know to give this soul sista her due.

Leon Thomas III, Electric Dusk

Is there anything that Leon Thomas III can’t do? From roles on Nickelodeon’s Victorious and Max’s Insecure (among many others), to writing credits and even a Grammy nomination for contributing to artists like Drake, Ariana Grande, Toni Braxton and Rick Ross, the man’s resume runs deep. But his debut album may prove that solo music stardom is next chapter of his story. Electric Dusk is a well-written, often eclectic effort that often challenges R&B boundaries. Sure you get strong soulful duets with Victoria Monet and the typical sensual cuts, but Leon isn’t afraid to experiment with hip-hop and even psychedelic sounds. Thankfully, none of this takes away from the overall experience, proving that Leon’s skillset is as deep as his resume. It’s definitely one of the year’s sleepers.

The Shindellas, Shindo

The best way to describe the Shindella’s sound is as a collage of 60 years of sounds, a walking R&B history lesson. Swinging from spiritually to sensuality with unlimited sass, Tamara Chauniece, Stacy Johnson and Kasi Jones use their second album Shindo as a chance to solidify themselves as the modern-day Supremes. In an era when R&B groups are essentially invisible, their harmonies and chemistry are more than welcome, fueling playful tracks like the single “Juicy” and better-be-a-single-one-day “Somethin’ That I Wanna Say.” The Shindellas are putting the spotlight back on R&B girl groups, and we’re here for it.

Goapele, Colours

Six years feels like an eternity in the supersonic world of music, but for Goapele, timing is everything. And there’s no better time for her R&B reemergence. True to its name, consider Colours as a kaleidoscope of sonic stylings. From gentle acoustics to homages to peak Prince, Colours dares to explore new soundscapes with each track, all wrapped in  Goapele’s alluring, gentle vocals. Colours wraps up in less than a half hour, but Goapele maximizes every second – there’s not one bit of filler to be found here. Goapele’s catalog has always been strong, and Colours keeps that streak alive. It’s proof that absence does make the heart grow fonder. I’m just glad she’s back.

It’s your turn. Share your favorite R&B hidden gems with us below.