R&B Albums from 2015 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 2015 that are often forgotten or overlooked.
In 2015, the music scene crackled with transformation and bold moves. The Weeknd embraced pop with open arms, reshaping his sound and soaring to new heights. The Internet amplified its presence, blending soulful melodies into modern music. Janet Jackson rekindled old flames, reuniting with the duo that propelled her meteoric rise in the ‘80s. Leon Bridges and Kali Uchis breathed fresh life into timeless sounds, infusing vintage vibes with contemporary flair. Electronic fusions bent genres, molding them into shapes almost unrecognizable from their origins. The year stood at the crossroads of honoring musical heritage and forging uncharted paths toward the future. When artists rooted in traditions like Nigel Hall and Alabama Shakes share the stage with innovators like DâM-FunK and Rudimental, it’s clear that the past twelve months have been anything but ordinary. It’s been an exhilarating ride—celebrating diversity and creativity in music.
Now, let’s explore the year’s overlooked R&B treasures that deserve a moment in the spotlight.
Universal Togetherness Band — Universal Togetherness Band
The Universal Togetherness Band’s story highlights the unexpected benefits of higher education. This funk/soul/R&B group might have faded into obscurity if not for Columbia College’s audio engineering program in Chicago. Between 1979 and 1982, the band recorded extensive original material without paying studio fees, thanks to a unique opportunity. The band’s leader, Andre Gibson, discovered that an audio production class needed musicians to practice recording. He offered his group’s services, resulting in hours of free studio time. After decades of neglect, the band’s recordings have resurfaced, demonstrating the high quality of work those audio engineering students produced. The Universal Togetherness Band’s output exemplifies the potential for academic projects to yield educational value and artistic merit. For those who’re fans of the P-funk era or Prince, this one’s for you.
Stargazer — Carmen Rodgers
Carmen Rodgers’ career hits a remarkable stride with the release of Stargazer, her third album. This Atlanta-based artist outdoes her previous work by presenting a diverse yet unified musical narrative. Stargazer showcases Rodgers’ musical maturity, surpassing earlier efforts that appealed to a niche audience of contemporary R&B enthusiasts often overlooked by mainstream radio. The album explores a spectrum of emotions, from patient aspiration to unexpected romance, relationship complexities, and joyful affection. This record demonstrates Rodgers’ artistic vision and growth, balancing profound sentiment and consistent warmth while maintaining an optimistic tone. Its unique character and completeness earn it among the best R&B albums of the mid-2010s, highlighting Rodgers’ expertise in her genre.
EarthEE — THEESatisfaction
For their second Sub Pop release, EarthEE, Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White expand their collaborative approach. Unlike AwE NaturalE, which featured only one guest, this album incorporates contributions from several musicians. Seattle native Erik Blood co-produces and adds instrumentation, while Ishmael Butler of Shabazz Palaces and labelmate Porter Ray provide vocal support. The duo abandons sampling in favor of a more expansive and atmospheric sound. This shift results in their most natural-sounding work while firmly rooted in the Afro-futurist tradition. EarthEE blends organic elements like hand drums with synthesizers, creating a sound that evokes earthly and celestial imagery.
Sumthin Like This — Cool Million
Cool Million’s release rekindles disco’s authentic and soulful flame amid the synthetic tides of that era’s music scene. The German-Danish duo, revered for their classic disco guitar riffs and funky basslines, seamlessly intertwines 80’s groove elements reminiscent of Jam & Lewis, crafting tracks that any discotheque would cherish. With stellar contributions from Michael Jeffries, Marc Sadane, and Glenn Jones, the album exudes a depth and richness that engrosses those ardent about 80’s nostalgia. Their unwavering dedication to producing genuine recordings that resonate deeply with soul music aficionados renders this release indispensable for enthusiasts yearning for an affecting soundscape.
Back 2 Love — Maysa
Maysa’s eighth Shanachie release, Back 2 Love, celebrates her two decades as a solo artist at the time. The album showcases her versatility, ranging from house tracks with disco-soul influences to melodic retro-modern pop. Songs like the title track and “Miracle” exemplify the former, while “The Radio Played Our Song” represents the latter. Maysa’s career was thriving at the time of the album’s release. She had received her first Grammy nomination and performed with both Incognito and her band. The album maintains a high standard, offering polished adult contemporary R&B alongside unexpected musical elements. Longtime collaborator Chris “Big Dog” Davis contributes significantly to the project as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. J.R. Hutson, son of Chicago soul legend Leroy Hutson, also lends his talents to several tracks. Their combined efforts resulted in one of Maysa’s strongest solo albums, blending consistent quality with musical diversity.
In Another Life — Bilal
In Another Life marks Bilal’s collaboration with Adrian Younge, known for his retro-modern psychedelic soul and hip-hop production. This partnership results in Bilal’s most daring work and completes Younge’s soul trilogy after Something About April and Adrian Younge Presents the Delfonics. The 28 months between A Love Surreal and In Another Life represent Bilal’s shortest gap between albums. The album’s opening track is haunting, with Fender Rhodes and Mellotron additions from Ali Shaheed Muhammad, referencing an instrumental piece. This atmosphere permeates the record, which is visually enhanced by Angelbert Metoyer’s artwork. Despite echoes of other artists, Bilal’s unique style shines through. His collaboration with Younge produces a distinctive hip-hop soul fusion that distinguishes itself in the musical landscape.
Woman — Jill Scott
The fifth studio album from Jill Scott arrived after a period of focus on her acting career. Woman presents a diverse collection of songs reminiscent of a compilation in its range of styles and quality. Despite its unevenness, the album contains sufficient strong material to maintain Scott’s reputation as a distinctive R&B vocalist. The record’s expansive nature showcases different facets of her artistry, though it may benefit from a more focused approach. Ultimately, Woman reinforces Scott’s position in the R&B landscape while exploring new musical territory. We’re still waiting for a follow-up.
Cognac & Conversation — Teedra Moses
After what felt like an eternity—a ten-year pause that left fans yearning—Teedra Moses returns with Cognac & Conversation, an album that bridges the chasm between soaring expectations and the simple pleasure of reconnecting with an old friend. Ever the candid storyteller, she wastes no time in speaking her truth. On “Get It Right,” she lays bare her heart, detailing her passions and peeves with disarming clarity. The album sways effortlessly between intimate confessionals and breezy rhythms. Danceable gems like “R U Scared” and the hypnotic “Skin Diver,” where she collaborates with Boddhi Satva, draw us into a newfound freedom and playful exploration of sound. While many artists stumble in their second acts, rushing out follow-ups that fail to break new ground, Teedra chooses a different path. She takes her time, grows, and offers a collection that satisfies our longing and charms us with unexpected treasures. As whispers of a third album in 2025 circulate, we’ll be here, ready and willing to embrace whatever path she takes us on next.
Self-Titled — Dornik
At first glance, one might not have pegged Dornik as the next R&B sensation. Initially content behind the drum kit and microphone for Jessie Ware’s band, it took Ware’s subtle persuasion to coax him into the limelight. In 2013, he emerged mysteriously with a trio of singles, each surpassing the last in-depth and allure. We were enthralled when “On My Mind” dropped, earning a spot on our best-of list. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Dornik displays his proficiency in refining the legacy of his influences with meticulous care. “Stand In Your Line” is clear evidence of this finesse. The track launches like a heavenly response to The Mary Jane Girls’ All Night Long, then transforms into an infectious club anthem at its core. Without fanfare, Mr. Leigh delivered 2015’s finest R&B debut.
Tales from the Land of Milk and Honey — The Foreign Exchange
The core duo of Nicolay and Phonte broaden their creative approach here. This fifth full-length album (and their latest) showcases a diverse array of songs and highlights the significant contributions of their extended network of collaborators. Featured prominently on the album cover are Carmen Rodgers and Tamisha Waden, who contribute both lead and background vocals alongside Lorenzo “Zo!” Ferguson. The core group of Foreign Exchange and Zo! share a long history, which is evident in this project where Zo!, much like Nicolay, a studio expert who usually works solo, shares songwriting and production duties on every track. This collaboration might explain the album’s lively atmosphere, reminiscent of the freedom and spontaneity of their live performances.
In All Things — Columbia Nights
With In All Things, Columbia Nights ventures beyond the groundwork of their Dawn | Dusk EP, charting new territories in their evolving sound. Jason Edwards joins John E. Daise and Hayling Price as a steadfast collaborator, and together, they craft deliberate, sophisticated grooves that echo the laid-back yet intellectually rich essence of the Soulquarians and Native Tongues movements. Electronic elements impart a pristine clarity, steering the songs toward intimate, personal reflections rather than conflict. “Glide” and “The Rhythm” gently sway, their mellow rhythms soothing without a hint of strain. Featuring stirring vocals from talents like Vaughan Octavia and Aaron “AB” Abernathy, each piece melds seamlessly into the next, forming a sophisticated sound-based montage where every element underscores the music’s purpose, sustaining a state of serene bliss.
Cool Uncle — Bobby Caldwell & Jack Splash
A chance encounter on Facebook ignited an unexpected collaboration between Jack Splash and Bobby Caldwell, giving birth to their project, Cool Uncle—a fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Splash’s masterful production expertise converges with Caldwell’s timeless vocal charm, reimagining funk, pop, smooth jazz, and yacht rock over a rich retro-R&B backdrop. Though Cool Uncle luxuriates in an adult-contemporary atmosphere, it breathes new life into the genre with some of its most refreshing sounds. “Game Over,” featuring Mayer Hawthorne, and “Breakaway,” with Jessie Ware, infuse the album with dynamic melodies that linger long after the music stops. This alliance underscores the expansive nature of contemporary R&B—a spectrum broad enough to embrace legendary figures and forward-thinking artists. This effort melds echoes of the past with the present pulse, crafting a sound that is a nod to yesteryears and a stride into modern musical adeptness.
Making Time — Jamie Woon
Jamie Woon took the time to craft a second album, revealing in November 2015 that he aimed for his musical return to signify a rebirth. The album, Making Time, maintains the essence of Woon’s earlier work, Mirrorwriting, characterized by its subtle yet intense songs filled with emotional depth. This LP showcases less electronic influence and introduces a live rhythm section that adheres to complex, subtly groovy patterns. Woon has become a more creative lyricist and a confident, soothing vocalist. The entire album flows with such ease and confidence that one might think Woon and his team spontaneously created it in the studio over a few weeks without prior planning.
Code Red — Monica
Monica skillfully blends modern elements and nostalgic influences on her criminally underrated Code Red, showcasing her successful evolution from a ‘90s teen R&B icon. The album features a mix of styles, including slow jams like “Hustler’s Ambition” and “Anchor,” the retro-futuristic funk of “Suga,” and lively hip-hop-infused pop-soul tracks such as “Just Right for Me” and the title track. Notable contributions include a guest appearance by Lil Wayne, a sample from Smokey Robinson, a cameo by Missy Elliott, and some production done by Timbaland. Monica effectively moves between these varied styles, simultaneously looking to the future with her musical ambitions and paying homage to her past musical influences.