THREE DIMENSIONS DEEP

Amber Mark released her long awaited debut album. Reflecting on life, love and purpose, Mark floats on a 3 act journey through the album detailing progression from insecurity to self-worth while crafting stellar cosmic imagery.

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. Originally self released in 2019, she wrote and produced the mixtape herself as well as crafting her own artwork and music videos.

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 following a succession of equally stellar mixtapes. Named after Jazz legend John Coltrane, 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. With features from Tinashe, Sevyn Streeter, Vic Mensa and more, Dixson lays out a flawless soundscape that weaves seamlessly through multiple genres.

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. The 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 to critical acclaim. Described as an emotional, sexual and spiritual journey, their most honest and mature project yet.

Standout tracks: Melt, Any Given Sunday, Get Me Started, Everything, Tangerine.

HYPNOS

Ravyn Lenae released her debut LP to the delight of many. Four years since her last project, Lenae has never sounded as dreamy or self assured.

Standout tracks: Xtasy, Light Me Up, Inside Out, Satellites, Venom, Mercury, Deep In The World.

GEMINI RIGHTS

Following one of the best songs of the year in Bad Habit, Steve Lacy's sophomore album builds upon the foundations of his already stellar debut, more focused, more attentively crafted.

Standout tracks: Helmet, Cody Freestyle, Bad Habit, Sunshine, Buttons.

AGE/SEX/LOCATION

R&B front runner Ari Lennox returned with her sophomore effort, dubbing it her "eat pray love journey." Lennox sings through her experience of searching for love and ultimately connecting 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. Laced with a glowing nostalgic feeling, Dixon effortlessly recaptures what lovers of R&B long for.

Standout tracks: Marvin Gaye, Here, Always 203, Get High, Get By.

CANDYDRIP

Lucky Daye returned with his sophomore album further propelling himself to the forefront of R&B. Daye meanders through the highs and lows of love with his soulful and sultry vocals. An instant R&B classic.

Standout tracks: Over, Guess, Deserve, Used To Be, Cherry Forest.

GOOD MORNING GORGEOUS

30 years since her debut, Mary J. Blige released her 14th studio album. Titled after positive affirmations Blige uses, the album provides uplifting songs alongside reflections 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

Siergio delivers a beautifully crafted 13 track LP singing through various 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, born from hands-on therapeutic studio sessions. Honest, vulnerable, and perfectly put to music.

Standout tracks: How, A Mess, Fading Out, Not Another Love Song, Didn't Say, Fallen Angel.

HELLO POISON

Easily one of the best R&B releases of the year. Blending Contemporary Jazz, Neo-soul and Hip-Hop, Arin Ray enlists 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

Dylan Sinclair released his project along with a deluxe version. The up and coming R&B star delivered 12 stellar tracks featuring Jvck James, Destin Conrad and Joyce Wrice. 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 year's release, Larrenwong has returned with a new offering. Just as succinct and trancelike as last year's EP — 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

R&B Legend Babyface released an album with all female collaborators — specifically with the trailblazers of this current generation of R&B music. Each of them co-wrote 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. Over what feels like a grandiose 80s soundtrack, Syd illustrates tales of love, doubt, heartbreak and more.

Standout tracks: CYBAH, Out Loud, BWHWDY, Control.

UNORTHODOX

Shae Universe blessed us with her debut EP. 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

South African artist Nanette released her debut album — an album some may have missed. With 9 tracks running at just under 30 minutes, Nanette paints a very vulnerable and honest picture of her past experiences.

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.

Standout tracks: Under The Moon, Square Zero, 105, Still Wonder, Love Again.