R&B Albums from 2011 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 2011 that are often forgotten or overlooked.

During 2011, countless enthusiasts engaged in lively debates over the true essence of R&B, finding more amusement in the discussions than actually enjoying the music itself, regardless of personal interpretations. However, this excitement proved to be merely deceptive. Below are ten outstanding yet underrated albums that have the potential to ignite conversations and possibly settle them—assuming you haven’t listened to these hidden gems yet.

Dennis Coffey — Dennis Coffey

Dennis Coffey’s self-titled album is a masterclass in tough, psychedelic soul, solidifying his status as a legend in his own right. Co-produced by Al Sutton and Hoegemeyer at Rust Belt Studio, the album showcases Coffey’s expertise after decades of contributing to the music industry. The album features his signature psychedelic guitar sound—characterized by wah-wah and fuzz—placing his instrumental prowess at the forefront across 11 tracks. This multi-generational collaboration unites musicians from Detroit and beyond, highlighting Coffey’s ability to perform alongside younger artists while exploring new dimensions of his artistry. Brimming with inspiration, passion, humor, and grit—all hallmarks of Detroit’s rich musical heritage—the album finally grants Coffey the recognition he deserves.

King of Hearts — Lloyd

Released in July and primarily produced by Polow da Don, King of Hearts is Lloyd’s most cohesive collection of songs. Anticipation for the album began in the summer of 2010 when his single “Lay It Down” hit the airwaves nearly ten months before its release. This radiant blend of smooth-talking swagger and classic sophistication signaled that Lloyd was ready to break free from creative stagnation and achieve greater heights. That promise was fulfilled by the subsequent leaks and singles, which maintained the same high standard. While a couple of the ballads lean toward indulgence, the rest of the tracks enchant with their distinct appeal. The bold “Dedication to My Ex (Miss That)” shines brightly, as do the stealthy allure of “Jigsaw” and the subdued intensity of “Bang!!!!” and “Luv Me Girl.” Aside from 2018’s Tru, King of Hearts represents Lloyd’s strongest work, showcasing a unified vision and a keen sense of musicality.

Bleuphoria — Rahsaan Patterson

Bluephoria begins with a radical reinterpretation of “I Only Have Eyes for You,” transformed into an upbeat track featuring Rahsaan Patterson’s vocals, along with drum programming, synthesized bass, strings, and horns. This energetic opening is followed by remarkable collaborations with esteemed artists such as Jody Watley, Faith Evans, and Shanice Wilson. Patterson’s alliances on the album are diverse and carefully curated, pairing him with gifted vocalists. The gospel piece “Mountain Top” is particularly notable for its grand scale; it starts with Patterson’s voice and gradually incorporates Tata Vega, Andraé Crouch, and the Andraé Crouch Singers, culminating in a joyous communal celebration. Throughout the album, Patterson relishes his creative freedom more than ever, enthusiastically embracing his artistic impulses. One can’t help but wish that such releases occurred more frequently.

Love Has No Recession — Kindred the Family Soul

The genuine connection between Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler, the duo known as Kindred the Family Soul, brings an undeniable authenticity to their music. Their real-life love story imbues their songs with deep emotional resonance, setting them apart from other soul artists who might feign romantic chemistry. On Love Has No Recession, they thoughtfully and upliftingly explore a wide range of topics, from love and family to economic hardships and social justice issues. Despite changing record labels, Kindred the Family Soul remains faithful to their artistic vision, which continues to earn them a dedicated following. While the album includes numerous guest artists, this collaboration wealth does not detract from its quality.

Yesterday’s Machine — Saturn Never Sleeps

Rucyl’s voice, nuanced and occasionally tinged with pain, remains subtle throughout Yesterday’s Machine, never rising above a gentle whisper. This avant R&B offering from Saturn Never Sleeps, a project formed in 2009 by Rucyl and King Britt, features a soft-focus, subdued sound. A diverse range of collaborators has contributed to Saturn Never Sleeps’ substantial output, including Little Dragon, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Kissey Asplund, Sa-Ra, and Sade. King Britt and Rucyl’s project has rapidly become one of the most notable collaborations in their respective careers, driven by a shared passion for improvisational performances dedicated to Sun Ra.

What Were You Hoping For? — Van Hunt

A three-and-a-half-year gap separates Van Hunt’s independent release from his previous release, Popular. The shelving of Popular (which will later be released in 2017), likely due to financial or creative issues, served as a blessing in disguise, allowing Hunt to break free from the confines of Blue Note. This independence is reflected in What Were You Hoping For, where he handles guitar, keyboards, drums, and bass and drum synthesizers but also collaborates with a consistent lineup featuring Ruth Price on drums, Melissa Mattey on percussion, and Peter Dyer on keyboards. Hunt’s signature blend of R&B and rock remains intact but with a newfound intensity. Rather than prioritizing polish, Hunt has opted for a more raw, unbridled approach, which pays off in a big way. 

Break of Dawn — Goapele

Break of Dawn, Goapele’s first release since 2005’s Change It All, is a refinement of her dreamy and trippy sound. The album’s sound is characterized by its low-key electronic elements and Southern-style throwback ballads, with production support from notable collaborators like Bedrock, Malay, and Bobby Ozuna. The Decon label debut features a seductive and slinking quality, with Goapele’s vocals taking center stage. A shift in focus occurs mid-album, as Goapele turns her attention to themes of perseverance and motherhood. Throughout the LP, Goapele’s sound is refined and intensified, which unfortunately gets swept in other big releases.

Bitches — Nicholas Payton

Despite his jazz roots, Nicholas Payton embraces unconventional R&B with remarkable ease. With Bitches, he presents a concept album that chronicles the evolution of a romantic relationship. Drawing from his failed marriage, he infuses the music with personal experiences. The album features guest vocalists such as Esperanza Spalding, N’dambi, Saunders Sermons, Cassandra Wilson, and Chinah Blac. Payton handles all instrumentation and songwriting himself while providing most of the vocals. His performances are on par with those of his distinguished guests, who maintain consistently strong lyrics and melodies throughout. His ability to express the complexities of relationships through music is noteworthy, and his willingness to experiment with new sounds offers a refreshing change.

Escort — Escort

In 2006, Disco act Escort burst onto the scene, founded by producers-turned-musicians Dan Balis and Eugene Cho. Precision was vital to their craft; every element of their songs - from the solid rhythm section to the distinctive ARP synthesizer bursts, poignant violin pulls, and lush layers of female vocals - slotted together seamlessly. Five-and-a-half years on, in November 2011, Escort boasted an impressive discography of six top-notch singles showcasing their affection for reviving various strands of classic club music. Their renditions of purist disco, tropical-inflected sounds à la August Darnell, and European-style electro-disco infused new energy into each genre.

Betty Wright: The Movie — Betty Wright & The Roots

After a decade-long hiatus from releasing her music, Betty Wright returns with Betty Wright: The Movie, an album that showcases her continued relevance in the music industry. The Miami soul legend spent the intervening years lending her talents to other artists as a songwriter, arranger, producer, and background vocalist. Her collaborations on The Movie reflect this experience, with contributions from The Roots crew, Lenny Williams, Joss Stone, and Snoop Dogg. Angelo Morris, Wright’s longtime collaborator, wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on the album, which blends vintage soul with modern sounds. Her backing band provides a versatile foundation, shifting seamlessly from classic soul to contemporary styles.