R&B Albums from 2014 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 2014 that are often forgotten or overlooked.
2014 was a transformative year for R&B, brimming with spellbinding debuts and reinventions. The enchanting voices of FKA twigs and Tinashe wrapped in a haze of hushed melodies while Mary J. Blige explored new horizons in London and Prince returned on a cosmic journey to Mars. Seasoned legends like Sharon Jones and Mariah Carey blended seamlessly with a rare Pokémon D’Angelo returning with a phenomenal social commentary piece of art. The revival of concept albums added another layer of depth, with works like Kelis’ Food and Babyface and Toni Braxton and Babyface’s Love, Marriage & Divorce inviting us into abstraction narratives. No matter one’s age or spirit, these 2014’s R&B underappreciated offerings resonated with stories and sounds that touched the soul.
Recovery — Algebra Blessett
Six years separated Algebra Blessett’s debut from her sophomore effort, Recovery. During this period, she lent her voice to various tracks by her peers, keeping her presence felt in the music scene. A label change from Kedar to eOne preceded the album’s release. Blessett also joined forces with producers Kwamé Holland and LTMoe, who each contributed five tracks, as well as Shannon Sanders, Brett Baker, and Bryan-Michael Cox. Recovery’s narrative arc is meticulously crafted, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. Blessett’s attention to detail is evident throughout, from her striking artwork—which features her in an elaborate butterfly dress—to the carefully considered sequence of songs.
Food — Kelis
As of this writing, Food is Kelis’ sixth and last full-length studio offering, released via Ninja Tune, the U.K. imprint. This record is brimming with references to gastronomy, all metaphorizing themes of growing connection and optimistic introspection. A stark contrast exists between the imagery on its jacket and the vivid soundscape that unfurls within; the artwork exhibits a soberness not reflected in the tunes themselves, showcasing an amalgamation of traditional pop elements, modern beats, plenty of perkiness, a dash of funk, and an unexpected sprinkle of country flavor. The harmonious blend of Todd Simon’s strings, horns, and brass complements the grit and spontaneity of Kelis’ vocal timbre, which retains sincerity amidst its playfulness. Despite the initial ties with her long-time partners, the Neptunes, Kelis demonstrates a fresher and equally potent creative chemistry here.
Love Apparatus — Jesse Boykins III
Jesse Boykins III’s collaborations between 2007 and 2013 yielded some of his most notable work. Rather than adhering to traditional album formats, he thrived in one-off partnerships, showcasing his versatility. The tempestuous relationship narratives he portrayed in these partnerships were often intensely personal. Boykins’s range is particularly evident on Love Apparatus, where he adapts his signature breathy, gentle delivery to explore new emotional depths. His partnership with Machinedrum highlights his ability to craft tracks that complement left-of-center R&B artists. The chemistry between Boykins and his collaborators demonstrates that he is more than a dabbler in experimental production.
Yellow Memories — Fatima
Fatima Bramme Sey’s slept-on debut album mixes jazz, soul, and electronic textures. The Swedish vocalist’s optimism and poetic introspection shine through in her lyrics, as in the opening declaration: “Love, peace and tranquility — inhale it, baby, yes!” Yellow Memories nuanced sound is evident in tracks like “Technology,” with its dusty double-bass loop courtesy of Oh No’s production, and “Do Better,” a collaboration with British house minimalist Floating Points that showcases Sey’s warm, intimate vocals. Sey’s quiet beauty and honesty are displayed throughout the album. Her collaborations with other producers, such as Computer Jay on the P-Funk-inspired “Circle,” add depth and variety to the album’s sound.
Amplified Soul — Incognito
After releasing his first solo album, Leap of Faith, in 2013—a stylistically varied set where he stepped into the role of lead vocalist—Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick swiftly returned to crafting new material with Incognito, the group he has led for over three decades. His creativity remained undiminished, as demonstrated by Amplified Soul. Despite not featuring artists like Maysa or high-profile collaborators from Transatlantic R.P.M. such as Chaka Khan, Leon Ware, and Al McKay, Amplified Soul is rich in powerful and uplifting lead vocals. Maunick collaborates with voices familiar to long-time fans and introduces new talents, keeping the sound fresh. The underappreciated Deborah Bond shines on “I See the Sun,” a beautifully flowing track near the album’s close that feels as if it could open the collection. Melonie Crosdale leads “Rapture,” a radiant, laid-back groove that stands among the group’s finest work. The band draws from earlier inspirations for “Hats (Makes Me Wanna Holler),” a strutting piece that is one of their funkier straight R&B songs.
Nothin Is Easy — Ephemerals
In just three days, Ephemerals recorded their debut album live on analog tape, crafting a sound that merges heavy grooves with polished production. Led by Hillman Mondegreen, this London-based soul collective unites an eclectic mix of musicians. With Wolfgang Valbrun’s distinctive vocals at the forefront, the ensemble explores new musical horizons. Their innovative approach and recording process represent a unique moment in music creation. Ephemerals’ bold style ushers in a new paradigm in soul music.
Chicago Winds… The Saga Continues — Dave Hollister
After a decade-long hiatus, Dave Hollister returns to the R&B scene with Chicago Winds, a solid and consistent album that showcases his signature sound. The singer reunites with familiar collaborators Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins, who produce and write most of the tracks. This reunion pays off as Hollister delivers an authentic and relatable performance. Longtime fans may notice a shift in Hollister’s style, as he now focuses on more universal and less street-oriented themes. However, this evolution is a natural step in his artistic growth, and Hollister remains an exceptional vocalist. At least half of the songs on Chicago Winds rival his career highlights, demonstrating that he is still a talent to be reckoned with.
J.E. Heartbreak II — Jagged Edge
Jagged Edge’s eighth album (and sequel to their 1999 best work) marks their return to Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def label and a reunion with songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox. This partnership has yielded some of the group’s biggest hits. With Cox’s involvement, the album takes a nostalgic turn, revisiting the slow jams that have become a hallmark of Jagged Edge’s sound. The album’s narrow focus pays off, with a string of strong tracks that showcase the group’s signature blend of vulnerability and swagger. Tracks four through six form a particularly memorable stretch, with lush ballads highlighting the group’s vocal chemistry. Despite some questionable lyrics, the song’s craftsmanship is undeniable. This careful attention to detail results in one of Jagged Edge’s stronger albums, a welcome return from a group consistently delivering top-notch R&B.
Hunter — Morgan James
Morgan James brings her stage-honed vocals to her sophomore album, 2014’s Hunter. Showcasing a mix of retro-R&B and ‘70s-influenced singer/songwriter soul, this album represents her first collection of all-original material, making it a more personal statement than her previous work. Produced by jazz and bluegrass guitarist Doug Wamble, the album benefits from his wealth of musical skill and cross-genre knowledge. Wamble assembled a backing band featuring heavyweight jazz artists such as acclaimed pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist Ron Blake, and trumpeter Ravi Best. Rather than focusing on jazz standards or jazz-influenced pop songs, Wamble collaborated with James to craft an R&B-infused album that evokes classic artists, and her powerful voice, combined with Wamble’s musical vision, creates a soulful and exuberant atmosphere.
The London Sessions — Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige experienced a notably fruitful period. She released the soundtrack for the film Think Like a Man Too, featuring entirely new material, though it was not marketed as a typical Blige album. Blige also transitioned to Capitol Records and, alongside longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins, ventured to England to work with rising talents such as Sam Smith, Naughty Boy, and Emeli Sandé, in addition to further collaborations with Disclosure. This strategic shift was substantial enough to influence the title of her album and the prominence of her collaborators’ names on the cover. The London Sessions, as a result, showcases Blige’s strongest collection of songs, productions, and performances since her acclaimed 2005 release, The Breakthrough. While the change in environment and collaboration did not necessarily rejuvenate Blige, it did yield an exceptional body of work.