R&B Albums from 2010 That Deserve More Appreciation

We are shining a light on R&B’s underappreciated albums of the 2010s. Right now, here are ten albums from 2010 that are often forgotten or overlooked.

2010 was a transformative year for R&B, for better or worse, as the genre continued to evolve and branch out in exciting new directions. Amidst a flurry of mainstream hits and buzzworthy releases, some truly exceptional albums flew under the radar, never quite receiving the acclaim they deserved. These overlooked gems showcase R&B’s incredible depth, creativity, and passion that define R&B, offering a rich spectrum of sounds and emotions that resonate long after the final notes fade away, even though we have one that you might be familiar with.

This article will spotlight several 2010 R&B albums that warrant far more recognition than initially received. Whether eclipsed by higher-profile projects, ahead of the curve in style and substance or lost in the shuffle of a busy release calendar, these works are overdue for a reappraisal. By exploring each album’s unique merits and memorable moments, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for the unsung heroes of 2010’s R&B scene and encourage readers to seek out these hidden treasures for themselves. Get ready to uncover some of the year’s most underrated musical marvels.

The Sea — Corinne Bailey Rae

After a two-year hiatus, Corinne Bailey Rae returned to music with her deeply personal and emotional second album, shaped by the sudden loss of her husband, Jason Rae. The collection of songs explores the intricacies of love, grief, and recovery, offering a robust and relatable portrayal of the healing process. The lyrics on the album are often open to interpretation, allowing listeners to derive their meaning from the emotions and intentions behind the words. For instance, the song “I’d Do It All Again” can be interpreted as either a post-argument reflection or a touching expression of love and loss. Rae’s choice to use the present tense when discussing her love adds further depth and nuance to the album’s emotional landscape. Throughout the record, Rae takes the listener through various stages of mourning, yearning, and reminiscing. By sharing her experiences, she creates a universal connection with her audience, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Kings Ballad — Georgia Anne Muldrow

Georgia Anne Muldrow’s ability to craft songs that convey messages without requiring intense focus is a notable aspect of her work. Kings Ballad’s organic, modern take on psychedelic funk is a fusion of various black music forms, effortlessly blending styles to create a unique sound. Even the more serious tracks can be enjoyed without needing to concentrate deeply. The overall energy of the album remains uniformly positive, making it a cohesive and engaging listen. By releasing Kings Ballad on Ubiquity instead of her and husband Dudley Perkins’ SomeOthaShip, Muldrow has created a slightly more polished and refined work yet still retains her signature spirit.

Blackmagic — José James

The late-night, groove-oriented sound of José James’s Blackmagic is perfectly complemented by his smooth, sultry baritone voice. The album’s intelligent arrangements and carefully crafted sequence allow various musical elements, such as hip-hop, club jazz, and lithe funk, to subtly accentuate James’s vocals without overpowering them. By collaborating with producers like Flying Lotus, James expands his sound by incorporating 21st-century soul and experimental music elements into his jazz roots. This innovative approach offers depth and nuance that rewards repeated listens. Blackmagic is a subtle masterclass, with James’s grainy vocals and the album’s understated production combining to create a sense of quiet confidence and authority.

Quadron — Quadron

The duo Quadron, consisting of multi-instrumentalist Robin Hannibal and vocalist Coco O., creates music that masterfully combines elements of the past and present. Coco O.’s deeply expressive yet delicate voice is a crucial component of their sound, which adds an air of mystery to even the most straightforward lyrics. Hannibal’s arrangements are the ideal foundation for Coco O.’s vocals, characterized by a sparse, gentle quality that contributes to the atmosphere and tension. The incorporation of pregnant pauses and avant-garde R&B elements further enhances the sophistication and nuance of their music, giving the impression that the songs are gradually unfolding over time. While it may take longer for the listener to connect with Quadron’s music, the result is well worth the wait.

The Ballad of Purple Saint James — YahZarah

The Ballad of Purple St. James is a collaborative effort driven by Nicolay and Phonte, with input from members of the extended FE family and the Real Focus. YahZarah’s involvement in the project marks a concentrated burst of creativity following years of sporadic work with the duo. Her performances on the album are nothing short of commanding, particularly in her portrayal of a scorned lover. The singer’s magnetic presence is on full display in tracks like “The Lie” and “Change Your Mind,” which showcase her ability to convey intensity and emotion. Yet, it’s not just the high-energy songs that make an impact—the more sensitive tracks are just as affecting.

Electric Wire Hustle — Electric Wire Hustle

The music of Electric Wire Hustle is a unique blend of throwback soul and synthetic funk, focusing on mood and melody. Their debut album, initially released in New Zealand in 2009, was later picked up by BBE for wider distribution. The band’s sound is characterized by a collision of organic and electronic elements, with songs that are both played and programmed. Unlike many of their contemporaries, Electric Wire Hustle places equal emphasis on beats and tunes. This approach results in a range of songs tied together with finesse, making it easy to overlook their diversity.

The Budos Band III — The Budos Band

The Budos Band’s third album expands their sound while maintaining their dance party appeal. Recorded in just 48 hours, the 11-song set has a darker, more spacious tone, incorporating psychedelic, Middle Eastern, and Latin music elements into their mix. This new direction is evident in “Rite of the Ancients,” “Black Venom,” “Unbroken, Unshaven,” and “Mark of the Unnamed,” which evoke the instrumental interludes of ‘70s blaxploitation films but with fully developed harmonic ideas. This third chapter in the Budos Band’s legacy is a major step forward, with a deeper and broader sound that pays off in a big way. 

Airtight’s Revenge — Bilal

Bilal’s vocals on Airtight’s Revenge are a force to be reckoned with—intense, introspective, and conveying a sense of urgency and desperation. At the same time, he sings with a sense of liberation, unshackled by external expectations. This paradox reflects his career, marked by setbacks, including being dropped by his major label and having his music leaked and shelved. Despite these challenges, Bilal has continued to produce innovative and forward-thinking music. His collaboration with producers Steve McKie, Shafiq Husayn, and Nottz has resulted in a heavy, messy, and dynamic album that is deeply personal and experimentally rich. The full-band approach, featuring many session musicians, adds depth and complexity to the music. Bilal’s determination to create music on his terms is evident throughout the album. His voice is raw and emotive, pouring his emotions with unbridled passion.

Authenticity — The Foreign Exchange

The Foreign Exchange's third studio effort is a musically and emotionally sophisticated album that explores the complexities of relationships. The album’s sound is lush and downcast, focusing on atmospheric instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. This adult contemporary record eschews trendy production and instead opts for a more mature, introspective approach.

The Lady Killer — CeeLo Green

Released in late 2010, CeeLo Green’s third studio album, The Lady Killer, showcases a soulful, hip-hop-infused production that sets it apart from the rest. The lead single, “Forget You,” co-written by Bruno Mars, is a standout hit with its catchy, retro-soul vibe and frank, humorous lyrics. However, the album is more than just a one-hit wonder, as Green’s unique voice, which combines a smooth, soulful tone with an offbeat personality, is on full display throughout the record. The Lady Killer is a cohesive and well-crafted album highlighting Green’s skills as a singer and songwriter. The arrangements are lush and layered, featuring strings, horns, and background vocals that add depth and complexity to the music. Green’s lyrics are equally impressive, tackling themes of love, relationships, and heartbreak with humor and wit, making the album a no-skipper listen from start to finish.