R&B Albums from 2016 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 2016 that are often forgotten or overlooked.

What happened in 2016? Beyoncé’s groundbreaking appearance at the Country Music Awards reminded us that R&B continues to pulse at the core of American music, even as the genre confronts its most intriguing times. Anderson .Paak and Dawn Richard ventured into new spheres, exploring sounds earthly and universal. Veterans like Alicia Keys and Blood Orange embraced a movement that refused to stay silent, infusing their music with a renewed sense of purpose. King and Childish Gambino boldly cast their gaze backward, resurrecting the spirit of bygone eras with a fearless twist. In a year fraught with challenges, the formidable Knowles sisters provided not one but two releases to soothe weary souls. Here are 2016’s most underappreciated R&B albums.

Hold On! — The James Hunter Six

Renowned for its soul royalty like Sharon Jones, Daptone Records is now home to James Hunter’s fourth album, Hold On! This ten-track album is a product of Hunter’s imagination, with no cover songs in sight. For his debut on the label, Hunter teamed up with producer Gabriel Roth to record the sessions live in glorious mono, yielding an electric immediacy reminiscent of a live performance. The partnership between Hunter and Roth proved fruitful, with the producer’s technical expertise undoubtedly playing a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound. Yet, Hunter can take classic genres and make them his own, which genuinely elevates Hold On! By combining Roth’s production skills with his creativity, Hunter has managed to create a reverent and revelatory album.

Begin — LION BABE

Like explorers charting new territories, LION BABE spent three years sculpting their unique sound through singles and an EP, culminating in their debut album, Begin. Jillian Hervey’s voice—gentle yet undeniably assertive—navigates stories of self-love and independence, marking a conscious departure from mainstream currents. They’ve carved their island amid a sea of imitators. The true magic ignites when Hervey and Lucas Goodman create without external influences. Together, they craft soundscapes that pulse with authenticity, surpassing traditional labels. Each song serves as a minimalist canvas, inviting the audience to unravel the multifaceted nature of personal freedom at the album’s core. Collaborations with outside producers may have softened this essence, but the soul of Begin resonates strongest when the duo stands alone.

The Suffers — The Suffers

The Suffers’ music is a rich fusion of styles shaped by its ten members’ diverse backgrounds and eclectic tastes. Their original compositions, as showcased in their debut album, bear witness to this unique blend. With a bold brass presence that nods to the foundations of soul revival music, the band’s sound also incorporates jazz, reggae, and Afrobeat elements alongside rhythms inspired by the Latin diaspora. By drawing on their influences, The Suffers have forged a path that is both rooted in tradition and innovative in its approach. Their music is characterized by an expansive, adventurous spirit reminiscent of pioneering musical ensembles. Through their debut album, The Suffers demonstrate a deep understanding of the genres that inspire them while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern music.

Charlene — Tweet

Between 2005 and Charlene Keys’ decision to step back from music, her career trajectory mirrored that of several R&B peers from the same era. Tweet eventually found her footing in the independent sector, where many contemporaries had discovered relative creative stability. This transition was delayed due to personal and professional factors that led her to leave music without the intention of returning. After focusing on her family and undergoing spiritual realignment, Tweet released the understated Simply Tweet EP in 2013. This release was followed by a deal with eOne, which paved the way for her third proper album, Charlene.

This album is characterized by its relaxed, dimly lit atmosphere, replicable in an intimate setting with minimal instrumentation. Tweet’s vocals are complemented by subtle shading from bluesy electric guitar, electric piano, and unobtrusive percussion, which enhance the predominantly light and unhurried rhythms. A decade’s wisdom has only refined Tweet’s vocal ability as she continues to exude euphoria, longing, and irritation with remarkable subtlety. Her reputation as one of the best soft-voiced, low-volume singers remains intact.

SkyBreak — Zo!

Nearly three years after ManMade, SkyBreak arrived, continuing Zo’s collaborative spirit. On this album, he works closely with production and songwriting partner Phonte, who is among the nine featured vocalists. Many of these vocalists have worked with Foreign Exchange and bring their unique perspectives to the album’s themes of love and relationships. Lorenzo Ferguson’s music remains deeply rooted in the sophisticated funk and soul of the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, he and his collaborators bring a modern perspective to these classic genres, infusing them with fresh energy and ideas. With SkyBreak, Zo continues to establish himself as a masterful multi-instrumentalist and producer, capable of crafting nostalgic and forward-thinking music.

Black Terry Cat — Xenia Rubinos

The 2013 debut album Magic Trix introduced Xenia Rubinos’ inventive indie rock to a broader audience. Three years later, she presents Black Terry Cat, a similarly ambitious fusion of rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop, Caribbean rhythms, and electronic elements. This eclectic mix is characteristic of Rubinos’ innovative approach to music. Throughout Black Terry Cat, Rubinos showcases her elegant vocal quality, marked by agility and a jazzy tone. On “Don’t Wanna Be,” her R&B-inflected delivery is relaxed and effortless, while on “Lonely Lover,” her Billie Holiday-inspired vocals stand out. Other tracks also demonstrate her impressive vocal range and expressiveness. With Black Terry Cat, Rubinos has created an album that combines bold innovation and smooth delivery.

My Way Home — Eli “Paperboy” Reed

Breaking free from the confines of major labels, Eli “Paperboy” Reed finds liberation in My Way Home. His return to independence echoes the struggles he’s faced in the industry. Drawing upon gospel traditions—shaped by his work with a Harlem gospel program—he fuses these sacred sounds with the raw energy of pre-Motown R&B and the grit of Memphis soul. This blend yields a sound that’s timeless and brimming with authenticity. Even when the album leans more on vibe than substance, Reed’s knack for crafting lean, tightly executed tunes shines through. My Way Home is a return to his roots, a heartfelt embrace of the styles that have always pulsed through his music.

The Dreaming Room — Laura Mvula

Laura Mvula burst onto the scene in 2013 with her debut album, Sing to the Moon. Her operatic vocals and graceful melodies engrossed audiences, establishing a distinctive musical presence. The lead single “Overcome” from The Dreaming Room features Nile Rodgers, whose contribution introduces an unexpected yet delightful groove to her sound. This new rhythm blends seamlessly with the soothing simplicity of lullabies that characterized her first release. Listening to this album is like witnessing freshly fallen snow—it is exquisite, mysterious, and appears as if conjured from a dream. Mvula crafts melodies meant for dancing under the moonlight and dreaming beyond the windowpane.

Love & Hate — Michael Kiwanuka

Love & Hate marks a decisive step forward for Michael Kiwanuka, whose sophomore effort trades his debut’s intimate, gentle charm for a more expansive, experimental sound. Co-produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, the album’s lead single, “Cold Little Heart,” is a sprawling, ten-minute epic that showcases Kiwanuka’s mastery of lush arrangements and elegant vocal harmonies. He has created a dark, sleek, and affecting artistic statement showcasing his growth as a singer, songwriter, and musician. It may not have its predecessor’s breezy, quietly strummed charm, but it represents a bold step forward for an artist who is clearly pushing himself to new heights.

The Powerful Now — Anthony David

Anthony David Harrington’s return after a four-year hiatus, marked by his debut on the Shanachie label, sees him reunite with Eddie Stokes. Stokes, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, was focal in Harrington’s early career. However, The Powerful Now eschews retracing old steps, venturing instead into invigorated stylistic terrain. Harrington’s rich, slightly raspy baritone remains a constant throughout the album, unperturbed by these sonic shifts. His delivery is consistent, whether narrating the life of a street hustler, expressing the joy of family life, or diving into the depths of a committed relationship. Toward the album’s conclusion, its most refined moments shine through, notably in sophisticated soul duets with Reesa Renee and Carmen Rodgers—one of which first appeared on Rodgers’ 2015 release, Stargazer. Rather than signaling a lack of creativity, the album’s diverse soundscape reaffirms Harrington’s authenticity and originality.

Eric Benét — Eric Benét

Eric Benét’s first proper studio album since 2012’s The One, his self-titled record, arrived in 2016. An indication of his consistency, Eric Benét continues his previous work’s mature, modern, and deeply rooted R&B sound. Thanks to collaborator Demonté Posey, who produced and wrote most of the songs, the album is funkier and friskier than before. While the music may evoke nostalgic references, it holds its ground as a standalone piece. The album’s diverse mix of slow jams, sophisticated funk, and adult contemporary numbers casts the singer in a refreshing light.

Building a Beginning — Jamie Lidell

Known for his eclectic blend of soul, electronic, and pop music, Jamie Lidell has consistently brought new ground in the genre throughout his career. In Building a Beginning, he continues this trend while embracing a more introspective and personal approach to songwriting. The album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Lidell himself, alongside contributions from other musicians. This self-production allowed him to explore new sonic landscapes while maintaining artistic control over the project. The sound of Building a Beginning is denoted by its rich instrumentation, blending organic sounds with electronic elements. Using live instruments alongside digital production techniques creates a dynamic listening experience that reflects Lidell’s diverse musical influences.

Special Night — Lee Fields & The Expressions

His deep affection has marked Lee Fields’ five-decade career for the funky sounds of James Brown and the iconic labels of Stax, Volt, Goldwax, and Hi. Yet, on Special Night, he reveals a different side of himself. Co-producers Leon Michels and Thomas Benneck of the Expressions brought their unique touch to the album, incorporating elements like reverb and psych effects to add depth and dimension to the songs. Recorded in just three weeks using analog tape, Special Night has a distinctively retro feel. Fields’ performances, backed by the Expressions, are remarkable as always. This time, however, he draws inspiration from his inner lover man, narrowing a more nuanced and introspective persona. The album’s compositions, production, and arrangements are more varied and complex than before, making it an underrated addition to Fields’ discography.

Redemption — Dawn Richard

Dawn Richard shines brighter than ever on Redemption, the final and most brilliant piece of her trilogy. Released this year, the album finds her stepping away from the mythical figures she once embodied. No longer channeling Goldenheart’s Joan of Arc or Blackheart’s dance-floor Persephone, she returns to her roots. For Richard, “home” carries dual meanings: sometimes it’s the vibrant streets of Louisiana, other times it’s the distant allure of Venus. Embracing both, she assembles a cosmic ensemble of fellow New Orleans talents like Trombone Shorty and Maroon 5’s keyboardist PJ Morton, inviting them into her unique alternative universe. The album’s soundscape is rich and eclectic. The bold brass of “LA” shatters the dizzying prog-rock atmosphere, marching straight into the pulsating energy of “Renegades.” On “Vines,” Richard travels back in time for a soulful duet with a Hammond organ, while “Hey Nikki” offers a lush homage to Prince. Throughout Redemption, she melds genres and eras with effortless expertise.

Hold up, we’re not done. Let’s see if you remember this one!

Sugar Symphony (EP) — Chlöe x Halle

As teenagers, Chlöe x Halle deliver a sound that transcends their years on their debut EP, Sugar Symphony. Showcasing a musical intuition as distinctive as that of their mentor Beyoncé, they fuse soulful R&B with pop and indie rock to create an experience that tingles the senses. Their single “Drop” draws listeners into haunting harmonies layered over expansive synth-bass backdrops, echoing the innovative work of another talented sister duo, Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. Elsewhere, “Lazy Love” unveils their playful side, embracing bubblegum pop with a freshness that highlights the exceptional creativity these rising artists bring to the scene.