R&B Albums from 2013 That Deserve More Appreciation

We are shining a light on R&B’s underappreciated albums of the 2010s. Right now, here are fourteen albums from 2013 that are often forgotten or overlooked.

In 2013, the R&B genre experienced an unexpected resurgence, marked by a series of unanticipated releases and the long-awaited arrival of overdue projects. Although debates persist among industry analysts regarding the commercial viability of R&B in the contemporary music landscape, the empirical data indicates a continued struggle in sales. From an artistic standpoint, the genre has made notable contributions in terms of quality, substance, and entertainment value, and it maintains a strong presence in live performances.

A substantial portion of the year’s leading urban radio singles were either R&B tracks or heavily influenced by R&B elements. Additionally, several R&B albums achieved the notable distinction of topping the Billboard 200 chart. The difficulty encountered in selecting the year’s best albums underscores the genre’s revitalized strength, arguably the most robust it has been in many years. The diversity of offerings in 2013 ranged from outstanding blue-eyed soul and classic rhythm and blues to deeply personal works from global superstars and critically acclaimed comebacks.

The spectrum extended from quintessential romantic ballads to exuberant anthems, illustrating the genre’s comprehensive impact during the year.

City Pulse — Om’Mas Keith

In 2010, Om’Mas Keith, a versatile producer and musician, quietly released his debut solo material on a twelve-inch EP. However, three years later, City Pulse, a complete and cohesive album, was initially intended for Plug Research, but Keith put the project on hold to work on Frank Ocean’s channel ORANGE. Eventually, he finalized the album and made it available for free, complete with a cappella and instrumental versions. What sets City Pulse apart is its polished production and thoughtful sequencing. Keith incorporates clever segues, using film clips and an interview with Minnie Riperton to enhance the album’s concept. His pop sensibilities shine through in the album’s numerous hooks, all delivered with a warm, mischievous energy. By releasing the album for free, Keith demonstrated his commitment to sharing his music with a broader audience rather than prioritizing commercial success.

Boom Bap & Blues — Jared Evan & Statik Selektah

Featuring a roster of notable artists like Lil Fame of M.O.P., Joey Bada$$, and Action Bronson, Boom Bap & Blues introduces a rich diversity of voices and styles. This highly slept-on collaborative album merges Jared Evan’s soulful singing with Statik Selektah’s masterful production. The 11-track collection blends classic boom-bap rhythms with blues influences, crafting a distinctive sound that honors hip-hop’s roots while embracing modern elements. Tracks such as “Blue” and “Uma Thurman,” featuring Lil Fame, confront life’s darker themes through familiar yet innovative music. The project balances homage to the genre’s origins with fresh perspectives, creating an album that resonates on multiple levels.

On My Mind/In My Heart — Jesse Dee

Jesse Dee’s affection for original R&B and soul is evident in the title track of his first Alligator release, On My Mind/In My Heart. Growing up in the ‘80s, Dee absorbed the sounds of R&B, Motown, doo-wop, and soul through oldies radio. The influences are clear: “Tell Me Before It’s Too Late” channels Sam & Dave, while “The Only Remedy” evokes Smokey Robinson. The title cut nods to Little Bob & the Lollipops, known for their hit “I Got Loaded.” Unlike much of modern R&B, which often suffers from sterile production and overt attempts to appeal to a broader audience, On My Mind/In My Heart feels natural, engaging, and fun, with a focus on groove.

To Dust — Alice Russell

Revered as Britain’s blue-eyed soul queen, Alice Russell, with her discography spanning four albums, garners more recognition for her collaborative efforts than solo work. Far from stuck in the past, Russell’s soul roots run deep, yet her sound pulses with contemporary beats—including hip-hop, hard funk, and jazz—drawing away from traditional Motown homage but holding firm in the genre’s core. Her fifth album, To Dust, crafted alongside trusted guitarist TM Juke, exhibits consistent quality and reinvents her soul-infused music presence. In her fifth album, emotion is fundamental; rather than over-expressive vocals, Russell allows the songs to dictate the emotional journey, resulting in a resonant and organic sound.

Lady — Lady

Veteran R&B singers Terri Walker and Nicole Wray decided to transform their shared love of late-‘60s and early-‘70s soul into a tangible project. Under the name Lady, they collaborated with Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman of the retro-soul label Truth & Soul. Together, they crafted music deeply influenced by legendary records from Stax, Hi, Atlantic, Curtom, and numerous small labels while infusing modern toughness and hip-hop swagger to prevent it from becoming merely nostalgic. Michels and Silverman embrace all the hallmarks of classic soul—real strings, authentic organs, and songs that feel like lost hits from forgotten artists—yet they avoid making the album sound like it was recorded in the ‘60s. The seductive “I’m Ready,” the endearing tribute to their mothers “Sweet Lady,” and the confident “Tell the Truth” all have the vibe of radio hits. The Curtis Mayfield-inspired “Good Lovin’” is incredibly strong, and the two grand ballads, “Karma” and “Habit,” are absolute highlights, with Walker and Wray delivering exceptional performances.

She — Alice Smith

Subsequent to her departure from Epic Records, Alice Smith cultivated a distinctive proficiency in melodic composition and vocal technique, characterized by a remarkable four-octave range. Although in a regrettably short-lived category, this artistic progression was acknowledged through a historic Grammy nomination. Years later, after a hiatus marked by notable personal developments such as motherhood and relocation to Los Angeles, Smith re-emerged in the music scene enriched by these experiences. In collaboration with Citizen Cope’s independent label, she unveiled her 2013 album, She, which showcased her evocative lyricism, melodic dexterity, and exceptional vocal capabilities. The core production team comprised Cope, Jordan, Syience, and James Poyser, who successfully perpetuated the complex song structures and seamless genre and stylistic integrations characteristic of her 2006 debut.

Side Effects of You — Fantasia

A decade following her implacable American Idol win, Fantasia has profoundly refined her craft, marked by deeper contributions in songwriting—seven out of twelve tracks on her fourth release result from her collaborative pen. Going by the Side Effects of You LP, each song unfurls with laser focus and personalization. This distinctive tone charts away from initial offerings Free Yourself, Fantasia, and Back to Me. This shift is no small feat—a transformation catalyzed by Harmony “H-Money” Samuels, an influential songwriter-producer who has contributed to every song. The chemistry resulting from their shared vision sends a standout message of maturity and unity, far from the expectation that Fantasia would be a television footnote or temporary industry splash.

Better — Chrisette Michele

A new chapter unfolds as Chrisette Michele transitions from Def Jam to Motown, coinciding with her personal evolution. This shift manifests in her latest musical offering, Better, which explores themes of self-improvement and healing from past relationships. Unlike her previous work, Let Freedom Reign, where Chuck Harmony was the sole producer, this album features collaborations with multiple producers, broadening Michele’s creative palette. An infectious optimism shines throughout the record, mirroring Chrisette Michele’s magnetic personality: her increased self-assurance and willingness to take risks come to the forefront. “Be in Love” exuberantly encourages the embrace of romance anew, while “Can the Cool Be Loved?” showcases Michele’s personal growth.

Broadway — Myron & E

Myron Glasper’s tenure as a background vocalist intersected with Eric “E da Boss” Cooke’s career as a DJ/producer during their respective tours with Blackalicious. The formation of Myron & E was catalyzed when Cooke requested Glasper’s assistance in crafting lyrics for instrumentals by Helsinki’s Soul Investigators. Between 2008 and 2010, four singles fronted by Myron & E were released under Finland’s Timmion and Nite-Club labels; two gained licensing in America via Stones Throw’s Now-Again imprint. The proper debut album from Myron & E arrives on Stones Throw after these releases. Although Scandinavian musicians provided an uncannily retro soundtrack for Glasper’s vocals alongside Cooke’s production skills—which imparted an authentic feel—their work stands out on its own merits without relying on external influences or comparisons to other artists in their genre or beyond it.

Dirty Word — Dumpstaphunk

Dumpstaphunk’s sophomore studio album, Dirty Word, arrives after years of perfecting their craft through rehearsals and live performances in New Orleans and on the festival circuit. The band’s sound has been infused with a new flavor thanks to drummer Nikki Glaspie, who brings a different rhythmic approach as the only non-native New Orleanian in the group. This self-produced effort captures their live shows’ raw energy and grit, blending musical sophistication with a down-to-earth sensibility. Dirty Word’s lyrics emphasize community, self-sufficiency, and social responsibility while showcasing the band’s fondness for catchy, chorus-like backing vocals—a trait reminiscent of Funkadelic’s album. Although it took some time for Dumpstaphunk to capture their live essence in a studio setting, the result is well worth the wait. With Dirty Word, the band proves their patience and dedication have paid off, yielding an authentic and expertly crafted record.

Feel Good — The Internet

On their sophomore album, Feel Good, the Internet crafts a mature blend of neo-soul that showcases their growth as artists. Syd’s distinctive voice and perspective are vital to the group’s sound, allowing them to tackle complex emotions and everyday concerns equally. Her edgy stance and willingness to confront complex topics set her apart, while her earnestness makes relatable songs like “Sunset,” which frets about something as mundane as what to wear on a sunny day. The Internet’s soulful sound highlights the crew’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. Their music may appeal to fans of hip-hop and R&B and could even inspire fans to explore other artists like Massive Attack, Terry Callier, and Sade, known for their smooth, soulful sounds.

One: In the Chamber — Salaam Remi

Salaam Remi’s influence on rap and R&B is profound, with a career spanning over three decades and numerous hit albums to his credit. Remi’s work on One: In the Chamber is a prime example of his skill as a composer and arranger. The album features grand, sweeping strings on many tracks, including an orchestral dub cover of “Eleanor Rigby” with Stephen Marley and a lush instrumental version of Keni Burke’s 1982 classic “Risin’ to the Top.” The tracks, including “Levi’s Place,” showcase Remi’s ability to craft silky, soulful soundscapes that evoke the classic R&B of the 1970s. Like much of Remi’s work, this album is a powerful counterargument to those who claim that R&B is a dying genre. Instead, it demonstrates the enduring appeal of well-crafted, soulful music. It’s a shame that he’s a retired musician.

New York: A Love Story — Mack Wilds

Mack Wilds introduces himself with New York: A Love Story, an album that deeply resonates with the music of the early to mid-‘90s, especially post-new jack R&B and hip-hop soul. His ability to capture the spirit of that era is evident, even though he was just a child when Enter the Wu-Tang made its impact. Wilds’ smooth and introspective vocals stand out on “My Crib,” “Henny,” and “Own It,” where he adds a harder edge to his sound. Collaborations enrich the album, notably the opening track featuring fellow Staten Island artist Method Man, who proclaims, “The Shaolin is back again.” This partnership, among others, adds a layer of authenticity and homage to their shared roots. By intertwining nostalgic elements with his distinct style, Wilds crafts a compelling debut that honors the past while charting his course.

Pllajë — JMSN

Exhibiting a clear progression from his debut album, JMSN’s second EP, excuse us, his second album (as it crosses over 40 minutes), Pllajë underscores a maturation in his musical craftsmanship. He adopts a more focused and nuanced sonic palette by shedding the superfluous production elements and plaintive themes that previously characterized his work with more orchestra-focused component sounds. This stylistic evolution aligns more closely with a boy band’s reinterpretation of the atmospheric R&B associated with How to Dress Well, thereby distancing himself from earlier comparisons to The Weeknd. While it may not attain the status of a groundbreaking release, it presents a commendable collection of tracks that resonate now, even if they may not have an enduring influence. This confident progression in JMSN’s artistic trajectory reflected his continued refinement within his space.