We’re just three months into 2025 and this year has been a LOT. The world of R&B hasn’t been immune to those hard times. It was earlier this month when we received the tragic news that R&B’s own Angie Stone was tragically killed in an auto accident.

It left a massive hole in a genre that she’d help quietly build since the late 80s.

I already shared how Angie’s music shaped my life over the years, but it only felt right to take a deep dive into her full R&B discography and explore her impact.

Angie was success personified. She had the signature hits, the writing credits, TV spots, reality show runs, memorable albums, an infectious personality and maybe most impressively, maintained authenticity in an industry that often shuns it.

The only thing she lacked was the kudos she deserved for changing the game.

I hope she knew how much she was loved, and how her voice, her pen and her realness touched a generation.

10. Love Language (2023)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: We certainly didn’t know this would be Angie’s last album when it dropped two Februarys ago, making this a very bittersweet affair today. The project is kind of by-the-numbers for Angie; there’s not much to distinguish it from what came before it. There’s a couple of gems, a fun duet, and … not much else to remark on. There’s nothing horrendous here, but also not much of note to celebrate. I wish we could have had a grander finale for Angie’s career but, as this list will prove, there’s much more to celebrate. Don’t miss “All I Need,” though.

Forgotten favorites: “All I Need,” “Kiss You”

9. Covered in Soul (2016)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5

Edd said: I swear, whenever I do one of these R&B album rankings, there’s always a forgotten cover album that slips under the radar. I have zero memory of Covered in Soul, a selection of classics covered by Angie herself and I bet this one slid by even the most hard core of fans. Props where they’re due – Angie doesn’t rehash the usual standards we see on these cover projects. Instead, she goes with unexpected cuts from the likes of Phil Collins and Neil Diamond. But sadly, she doesn’t so anything interesting with most of them; in fact, it feels like she’s holding back on a few. She fairs much better on “O-o-h Child,” which is a great fit for her tone. And of course she nails new mixes of previous hits “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” “Brotha” and “Baby.” Wish we got more of that.

Forgotten favorites: “Baby (Soul Sessions),” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You (Soul Sessions),” “O-o-h Child”

8. Full Circle (2019)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Nine albums in and Angie’s still trying to get y’all’s love lives straight. Why are you digging up old stuff like a “Dinosaur?” Oh you’re single now and can’t call back? Angie still has the “Same Number.” Always the matchmaker/therapist/side chick/girlfriend but “Neverbride.” Nobody breaks down life’s hurdles like Angie. Although I love Full Circle’s concepts, many of the songs just don’t hit the heights they deserve. And some like “Grits” lean a little toooooo hard into their metaphors. But this was a pretty fun project regardless.

Forgotten favorites: “Same Number,” “Gonna Have to Be You,” “Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That”

7. Unexpected (2009)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: The title is intentional. Unexpected is a diversion from Angie’s usual neo-soul-drenched roots for a more uptempo sound. For the most part, it works. “I Ain’t Hearin U” was quite the bop and deserves more love than it got. But y’all know Angie, she’s gonna go back to her bread and butter whenever she gets the chance – those midtempo joints that cut straight to the heart of relationships will always be her sweet spot. I appreciate the change of pace but this album works best when Angie sticks to the script. And man, hearing her on the somber “Think Sometimes” really hits differently today. Love your people while you can.

Forgotten favorites: “I Ain’t Hearin U,” “Kiss All Over Your Body,” “Maybe”

6. Rich Girl (2012)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said:  By 2012, R&B’s foundation was starting to get a little shaky, but Angie was undeterred. As R&B was drifting more moody, Angie had no problem continuing the spirit of Unexpected, bringing energy on uptempo cuts and proving that she was much more than a neo-soul songstress . Also, like Unexpected, the are several solid soul numbers, though some aren’t as impactful as you’d expect. Rich Girl is in many ways Unexpected Part 2 – a decent project with some uneven spots that keep it from fulfilling its potential.

Forgotten favorites: “Backup Plan,” “First Time,” “Livin it Up”

5. The Art of Love & War (2007)

Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: The Art of Love & War is Angie’s first release on the legendary Stax Records, and if any artist represents the soul superiority of that label, it’s her. It’s an appropriately soulful affair, but if I have one gripe is that everything feels too … safe. The tracks are well-performed and well-written per usual but there are no unexpected production quirks or features, nothing to distinguish it from the norm. It’s an enjoyable experience for diehard Angie fans but with a bit of direction this could have been more special.

Forgotten favorites: “Sit Down,” “Take Everything In,” “Make It Last”

4. Dream (2015)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: This might feel a bit high on the list for some of y’all but Dream absolutely deserves this spot. Dream didn’t just give Angie the surprise hit “2 Bad Habits,” this one is filled with songs that I can only say are Authentically Angie. We’ve got a duet with Dave Hollister, venom for triflin’ brothers, and the empowering cuts looking to rebuilt from heartbreak. While most of her latter-day projects suffered from inconsistencies, Dream nailed the track sequencing and pacing perfectly. Dream unfortunately was lost in the shuffle of more high profile releases but that’s not a reflection of its quality. I’d call it Angie’s most underrated release.

Forgotten favorites: “Magnet,” “Dollar Bill,” “Begin Again”

3. Black Diamond (1999)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Black Diamond may be Angie’s official solo debut, but in 1999 she was no rookie. She was a already member of the hip-hop trio Sequence, a vocalist in the groups Vertical Hold and Devox, had credits on D’Angelo’s debut, and her track “Everyday” was featured on 1997’s Money Talks soundtrack. There’s no wonder why she already had the poise of a veteran by the time we got Black Diamond. Her rich neo-soul was an obvious throwback to 70s soul, but her writing and delivery provided a needed modern upgrade. Black Diamond shines with great sincerity and truth, setting the tone for an incredible career.

Forgotten favorites: “Love Junkie,” “Coulda Been You,” “Visions”

2. Stone Love (2004)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said:  For album No. 3, Angie brought all the stars out – Anthony Hamilton, Floetry, Snoop, Betty Wright and more. They’re all great but honestly, this album soars when Angie is doin’ it for herself. Stone Love might be the name of the game but it’s far from a rocky experience. In fact, it might be her smoothest offering. She’s in her grove over these mellow soundscapes and her always-reliable lessons on life and love hit the mark. Angie was on a hot streak in the early 2000s, and this kept the ball rolling.

Forgotten favorites: “Lovers’ Ghetto,” “Come Home (Live With Me),” “Remy Red”

1. Mahogany Soul (2001)

Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Obviously, Angie’s celebrated sophomore album is her most recognized LP, but it’s also one of her most meaningful. Following her debut, she wanted more artistic control, which she finally received on this project. That’s why it feels so authentic. From celebrating Black men to uplifting Black women, Angie does both by incorporating the realest real talk you’ll ever hear – motherly advice wrapped in sultry soul. Call me biased if you must – it’s one of my personal favorites of the 2000s, after all – but Mahogany Soul is a landmark neo-soul release and easily Angie’s greatest work. Her presence will be forever missed, but her legacy will always stand tall thanks to this album.

Forgotten favorites: “Snowflakes,” “Pissed Off,” “Time of the Month”

What’s your favorite Angie Stone effort? Share yours below and help us celebrate one of R&B’s best.