10 Best R&B Records Every Collection Needs
For the past 100 years, R&B has been the bedrock for popular music in the United States, resulting in the emergence of cultural shifting genres. If you want to know the history of music, then you must listen to the records that have changed the landscape, shifted the paradigm and rewrite the rules. Here is a closer look at the 10 best R&B records every collection needs. These are albums released by great artists who have immensely shaped the sound of R&Bs.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)
With assistance from producer Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson created this fascinating masterpiece that catapulted him from just being an R&B superstar to a record-breaking international phenomenon. From the rock-influenced “Beat it” to the danceable “Billie Jean” and “The Gloved One” which was a ghoulish title track, this album was a great masterpiece.
Prince – Sign “O” the Times (1987)
This fascinating record begins with an insistent sequencers drip-drop and ends with R&B. In between, Prince drops an encyclopedia of grooves, genres, and moods. Widely applauded as a record-breaker back in 1987, the album is the work of a performer at the height of his talent. On tracks like the thunderous “The Cross” and “If I was your girlfriend,” Prince justifies why the hype was deserved.
Prince – Purple Rain (1984)
It was known as Prince’s thriller, and it was a rock and pop jam that catapulted the trendy R&B bad boy into the stratosphere of pop culture. While a music video promoted Michael Jackson’s opus, Prince’s million-record seller was supported by a film that featured none other, but Prince. All singles from this record hit the charts.
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
Released at a time when black music artists were expressing an increased interest with male bravado, materialism and wealth, Lauryn Hill released this phenomenon record. Blending the incredible sounds of jazz, reggae, hip hop, neo-soul and R&B, Miseducation included hits like “Everything and Everything” and “Doo Wop (That Thing).” It was Lauryn’s acoustic approach to hip hop and R&B that helped open doors for neo-soul stars like India. Arie and Alicia Keys.
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange (2012)
Frank took the world by surprise on this mesmerizing record, ushering a deeply thought idea into the arena of neo-soul. On this major debut record, “Channel Orange,” the artist feels trapped in loneliness in a world that only offers an embrace to a soulful crooner. Track after amazing track, frank seems to have lots on his relationships and personal struggle in finding his sexuality. The first time his smooth set of grooves enter your ears, you will remember it forever and ever.
Aaliyah – Aaliyah (2001)
With only seven years in the music scene, Aaliyah crafted her third studio record when she was just 15 years. At an age where most artists are just getting started, Aaliyah had grown from pop to street and unconventional versions of R&B. With amazing tracks such as “I care 4 U” and “Never No More,” she was able to show class and what real R&B looks like. The tracks in this record are slinky, and twisted ballads blend with film sultriness.
Beyoncé – HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM (2019)
Homecoming is Beyoncé’s latest record that has been crafted with careful engineering and mixing that equips all tracks with stunning rationality. The record sounds communal, like it is a revival meeting in a tiny tent that leaves you fortified and lifted. Beyoncé’s historic Homecoming record has been presented as a stunning live record that captures a great artist at her best flexing her fantastic catalog.
The Dream – Love Hate (BEST R&B RECORDS)
This record was Dream’s 2007 debut album. With over 10 years of making great hits and a certified feature in Rihanna’s No.1 single, ‘Umbrella,’ Dream steps from behind with a wakeup call. Catapulted by ‘Shawty is Da Shit’, the great mind behind the Madonna and Britney Spears collabo, ‘Me Against the Music’ redefined R&B. The Dream showcased his quality with his debut.
Frank Ocean – Blonde (BEST R&B RECORDS)
Frank Ocean’s talent has once again been proven with the release of this sophomore studio record that has received massive applause from across the globe. Fellow artists, critics, and fans have all lavished acclaim upon “Blonde.”
Miguel – Wildheart (BEST R&B RECORDS)
This record is different from past albums that have been released by the Grammy award-winning artist. The record has rock blended sounds with Hip Hop/ R&B. With a mixture of these sounds and Miguel’s fantastic voice, there is no doubt that this is one of the 10 best R&B records. Some of the top tracks on the record are Simple Things, gfg, Flesh, what’s normal anyway, Hollywood Dreams, and Coffee.
