22 FOR 22
It’s been another amazing year for R&B. There has been a vast variety of albums, EPs, mixtapes and singles released by newcomers in the genre, established artists and the R&B veterans we’ve been raised one. All of them have been continually breathing life into R&B. We want to take a minute to highlight 22 of our favourite albums from 2022.
Three Dimensions Deep
Amber Mark released her long awaited debut album ‘Three Dimensions Deep’. Reflecting on life, love and purpose, Mark floats on a 3 act Journey through the album detailing progression from insecurity to self-worth all while crafting stellar cosmic imagery delivering a perfect Pop/R&B LP.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Most Men,” “Bubbles,” “Event Horizon” & “What It Is”
Um, Hello?
A new star on the rise, Laya dropped her debut EP after securing a record deal with Warner Records. ‘Um, Hello’ was originally self released by the singer in 2019. She wrote and produced the mixtape herself as well as crafting her own artwork and music videos. After being signed, ‘Um, Hello’ received a slight tune up and re-release under the label.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“On Sight,” “Sailor Moon,” “Bitter,” “Too Up” & “Brag”
Lush Life
North West London’s R&B Maverick, Col3trane released his awaited debut LP ‘Lush Life’ this year following a succession of equally stellar mixtapes. Named after Jazz legend John Coltrane, Col3trane is influenced by a variety of genres. His taste level shines through on the considered 12 track album.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Lights Out,” “Riley Freeman,” “Plus Minus,” “Reckless,” “Logan Paul” & “Bag”
004Daisy
Singer, songwriter and producer Dixson put out his second release on Roc Nation this year ‘004DAISY.’ With features from Tinashe, Sevyn Streeter, Vic Mensa and more. Dixson lays out a flawless soundscape that weaves seamlessly through multiple genres, he himself noting that he’s “boxing back” at the box he has been placed in.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Cherry Sorbet,” “Heat,” “Butterfly” & “La Nocturne,”
Before We Go (Deeper)
Back on our end of year list is India Shawn with the album expansion of her 2021 release ‘Before We Go.’ The aptly named album title expresses exactly how submerged into the thoughts and feeling of Shawn you feel as a listener. This album is a deep dive into a world of love and relationships put to sweet melodies.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Same Floor,” “Caught In The Middle,” “Patience,” “When I Call” & “To Change My Mind”
Blue Water Road
Kehlani released their 3rd studio album ’Blue Water Road’ this year to critical acclaim. They described this album as an “emotional journey, a sexual journey, and a spiritual journey” all reflective in what lyrically and sonically feels like their most honest and mature project yet.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Melt,”, “Any Given Sunday,” “Get Me Started,” “Everything” & “Tangerine”
Hypnos
Many artists have been had fans in high anticipation but none more that Ravyn Lenae who released her debut LP ‘Hypnos’ to the delight of many. Four years since her last project Lenae has never sounded as dreamier or self assured as she does on Hypnos. This debut feels like a full snapshot of Ravyn Lenae.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Xtasy,” “Light Me Up,” “Inside Out,” “Satellites,” “Venom,” “Mercury” & “Deep In The World”
Gemini Rights
Having released one of the best songs this year - ‘Bad Habit,’ ‘Gemini Rights’ follows suit. Easily one of the best albums of 2022. The follow up to Apollo XXI, Lacy’s sophomore album builds upon the foundations of his already stellar debut. ‘Gemini Rights’ feels more focused, and crafted attentively from the production to lyrics, and its stronger for it.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Helmet,” “Cody Freestyle,” “Bad Habit,” “Sunshine” & “Buttons”
age/sex/location
R&B Front runner Ari Lennox , returned with her sophomore effort ‘age/sex/location’ which she dubbed her “eat pray love journey” Lennox sings through her experience of searching for love and ultimately ending the journey connect with the love coming from within.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Waste My Time,” “Stop By,” “Pressure” & “Mean Mug”
Closer
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kenyon Dixon delivers top quality r&B music with his album ‘Closer’ this year. It takes no effort to get into the groove of this project from the first track ‘Marvin Gaye’ till the end. Laced with a glowing nostalgic feeling, Dixon effortlessly recaptures what lovers of the R&B Long for and enjoy.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Marvin Gaye,” “Here,” “Always 203,” “Get High” & “Get By”
Candydrip
Lucky Daye returned with his sophomore album ‘Candy Drip’ further propelling himself to the forefront of R&B. Daye meanders through the highs and lows of love with his soulful & Sultry vocals. Candy Drip is an instant R&B classic.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Over,” “Guess,” “Deserve,” “Used To Be” & “Cherry Forest”
Good Morning Gorgeous
A music industry veteran, 30 years since her debut in 1992, Mary J. Blige released her 14th studio album ‘Good Morning Gorgeous’ this year. Titled after positive affirmations blige uses, the album follows suit in providing upbeat, uplifting songs as well as tracks that feel like a reflection on the melancholy moments of love.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Love Without The Heartbreak,” “Falling In Love,” “Tough Love,” “Love Will Never” & “Here With Me”
Before Its Too Late
Returning with his third album ‘Before Its Too Late,’ R&B star Siergio delivers a beautifully crafted 13 track LP. Singing through varies emotions and states of love.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Complicated,” “Take You Out,”“XTC,” “Clothes On” & “Closer”
Heart On My Sleeve
Ella Mai made her return with her sophomore album ‘Heart On My Sleeve’. born from hands on, therapeutic studio sessions, Mai crafted a more than worthy follow up to her hit debut which at its base is full of honest and vulnerable moments put perfectly to music.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“How,” “A Mess,” “Fading Out,” “Not Another Love song,” “Didn’t Say” & “Fallen Angel”
Hello Poison
The Follow up to 2018’s ‘Platinum Fire,’ ‘Hello Poison’ was easily one of the best R&B Releases of the year. Blending sounds of Contemporary Jazz, Neo-soul and Hip-Hop. We see Arin Ray enlist perfect collaborations from Blxst, Ari Lennox, Brandy, VanJess, Terrace Martin and more.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Serious,” “Hideout,” “What It Is,” “This Is Nice,” “Storm” & “Lovely”
No Longer In The Suburbs
Writing and recording since age 15, Dylan Sinclair released his project ‘No longer in the suburbs’ - along with a deluxe version - this year. The up and coming R&B Star delivered 12 stellar tracks featuring peers Jvck James, DEstin Conrad and Joyce Wrice who assists on the stand out duet ‘Never’. Sinclair’s Deluxe EP is a no skip listen that feels like a coming of age moment.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Open,” “Suppress,” “Unhappy” & “Never”
Songs I Hate To Sing
Following last years release ‘It’ll Make Sense Soon’ - which also made our 2021 list, Larrenwong has returned with a new offering. ‘Songs I Hate To Sing’ is just as succinct and trancelike as last Years EP. Larrenwong effortlessly creates an ethereal groove that’s so easy and fun to get lost in.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Deacon,” “Say Less,” “Secrets Safe” & “Dead Wrong”
Girls Night Out
A Name that needs no introduction. R&B Legend Babyface released an album with all female collaborators, specifically with the trailblazers of this current generation of R&B music. Following the motif of the albums name ‘Girls Night Out’ takes us on an adventure with the ladies featured, each of them co-writing with babyface in person.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Liquor,” “Simple,” “Say Less,” “Whatever,” “Don’t Even Think About It” & “The Recipe”
Broken Hearts Club
Syd released her second studio album ‘Broken Hearts Club.’ Over what feels like a grandiose 80s Soundtrack, Syd illustrates tales of love, doubt, heartbreak and more. Her slinky vocals weave together velvety production and heartfelt lyrics for a triumphant final product.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“CYBAH,” “Out Loud,” “BWHWDY” & “Control”
Unorthodox
Shae Universe blessed us with her Debut EP ‘Unorthodox.’ Shae emerged on the music scene in 2017 and has cultivated an army that have been eagerly waiting for this moment and its simply sweet. Pioneering a “R&DRill” sound like no other, Shae jumps effortlessly between singing and rapping.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Pushin,” “You Lose,” “Wicked Ways” & “Royalty”
Bad Weather
An album some may have missed, This year South African artist Nanette released her debut album ‘Bad Weather.’ With 9 tracks running at just under 30 minutes, Nanette paints a very vulnerable and honest picture of her past experiences. The album Is very concise and showcases
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Vent,” “Fire,” “Mama’s Boy” & “Same Mistakes”
Marigold
Alex Isley, a daughter from musical royalty who stands firmly on her own. Teaming up with Jack Dine, the pair gifted the world with ‘MariGold.’ Dine’s warm and Lush production meshes perfectly with Isley’s tranquil vocals. The pair created a body of work that they hope like the marigold flower inspire healing.
STANDOUT TRACKS:
“Under The Moon,” “Square Zero,”“105,” “Still Wonder” & “Love Again”