Can you believe, it’s June already? Hard to believe we are already halfway through the year! But then again, we’ve got truck loads of great Soul and R&B music to show for it. No worries if you’re not quite on top of it all. As usual, we’ve happily curated a list of the best 2019 R&B / Soul music albums you shouldn’t miss! Perfect summer vacation listening down below.
5 – SAULT
Sault are a new, uber-mysterious group that seemingly came out of nowhere! Their first appearance was 5, their pretty spectacular 14-track debut album. They are signed to Independent label, Forever Living Originals and are, unquestionably, a talent to watch (and maybe even stalk cause we need more of this good stuff).
Sounds like…
An experimental body of work with infusions of Soul, traditional African music, as well as alternative rock components. Clapping cadences, afro-drums and foreign language excerpts are incorporated with infectious melodies and harmonies. Soulful sounds seep through songs like Masterpiece.
Speaks to…
Authentic individuality and the power of unity through love in different forms.
The Jungle Is The Only Way Out – Mereba
Based in Atlanta and signed to Interscope Records, The Jungle is The Only Way Out is Ethiopian-American, Mereba’s, debut major-label album.
Sounds like…
Leading with Soul, the album has hints of Hip-Hop in tracks like Stay Tru and Sandstorm, reminiscent of a Jhene Aiko vibe. Folk is also fiercely featured in songs like Black Truck and Get Free. Authenticity is consistently displayed throughout, whether Mereba is singing, rapping or spitting spoken word.
Speaks to…
Intentional lyrics motivated by and striving for love, based on Mereba’s own experiences. Confidently, she proclaims that the core message of this album is “The only way out is through”.
LEGACY! LEGACY! – Jamila Woods
A true Chicago girl, 29-year-old multi-talented Jamila Woods is a singer, poet and activist, who defiantly flaunts her black girl magic. She backs it up with rousing fusion Soul music. On her second studio album, LEGACY! LEGACY! she doesn’t disappoint, powerfully upping the game from her 2017 debut.
Sounds like…
A gentle and distinct tone that carries Erykah Badu vibes. The album features smooth soul vibes in tracks like Giovanni. It also bears a rock-inspired edge through songs like Muddy and Sonia. Tracks like Eartha, add further diversity through elements of pop.
Speaks to…
Jamila certainly proudly embraces black womanhood and her deep connection with her roots. She references her ancestors and many pioneering black historical figures throughout the album. Political and socially conscious motifs are laced across this collection, serving for both an educating and engaging listen.
Shea Butter Baby – Ari Lennox
Born in Washington D.C, 28-year-old, Ari Lennox is singed to J-Cole’s record label, Dreamville Records. On the Cole-featured single, Shea Butter Baby, Ari effortlessly oozes sultry passion and the album with the same monicker delivers.
Sounds like…
Perfect neo-soul, with luminous R&B renditions. Without a doubt, Lennox serves ear milk to listeners through her high vocal range and faultless runs. Surely, the album’s title is enough warning that you’ll melt like butter at the sound of her voice.
Speaks to…
Lenox’s personal experience of relationships and how she sails through both the good and bad parts of this. Sensual themes are openly threaded throughout this body of work.
Unholy – Collard
24-years old and London based, Collard, takes a cleverly crafted approach to soul music, with his debut album.
Sounds like…
A falsetto, Prince-like tone, and an effortless mix of funk with soul. Collard’s vocal range is incredibly vast, as he also harbours a light heavenly tone- far from Unholy (pun absolutely intended). He also switches it up to a deep rapper voice in Warrior Cry. Undeniably, there is an ethereal atmospheric feel laced throughout the album.
Speaks to…
Throwback feels of romance and the inner battle of conflict within these situations. It highlights the complexity of relationships.
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