R&B Albums from 2017 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 2017 that are often forgotten or overlooked.
In 2017, R&B unveiled some of the most moving and daring albums, illuminating the genre’s evolution. Jorja Smith explored garage beats, Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote ventured out alone, and PJ Morton of Maroon 5 reconnected with his New Orleans roots, infusing his music with southern soul. After years of honing their craft online with mixtapes, artists like Kehlani, Kelela, and BOSCO emerged with their debut records, each offering a fresh perspective. Amidst a wealth of outstanding R&B releases and collaborations, specific projects resonated deeply, becoming the soundtrack to an emotional year. A passionate team at Shatter the Standards, proud R&B enthusiasts, gathered to make intrepid selections for the year’s standout works. Without any particular ranking, STS Music’s picks for 2017’s underappreciated R&B albums are here.
Chasing Goosebumps — The PLAYlist featuring Glenn Lewis
Chasing Goosebumps is the culmination of a collaborative effort, bringing together a talented group of creatives who pooled their imaginative powers to craft something unique. By lifting the veil on the creative process and sharing it with the world, the PLAYlist crew has fostered a sense of community among music enthusiasts, who have grown invested in the project and its cast of characters. Throughout the album, Glenn Lewis’ soulful vocals channel the spirit of Stevie Wonder, while the production and arrangements, handled by DJ Jazzy Jeff, pay homage to the legacy of J Dilla. Aesthetically, this LP occupies a sweet spot between hip-hop and soul, its diverse production and arrangements making for a compelling listen.
Hemispheres — Otis Junior & Dr. Dundiff
Louisville’s own Dr. Dundiff and Otis Junior have crafted a musical alliance that fuses the new with the nostalgic, breathing, fresh life into the warmth of classic soul. Since they began collaborating in late 2015, they’ve melded Dundiff’s adept production with Junior’s insightful lyricism, exploring themes of equilibrium in life. Their project, Hemisphere, embodies this fusion, blending live instruments and samples into a rich soundscape. Otis brings a laidback, raspy voice filled with openness and sincerity, delivering lyrics that feel as much whispered from the cosmos as sung. This otherworldly vocal approach weaves seamlessly with Dr. Dundiff’s minimalist rhythms and instrumentation, crafting a haunting atmosphere that draws the audience in. The album unfolds with tracks such as “Hemispheres,” “Bubble,” and “Why Can’t You Just Come For Conversation,” where their combined artistry shines. Further songs like “The Mixture,” “3 Winds”, and “Bye From Space” continue to highlight their dynamic synergy. The journey reaches a new height with “Under My Skin,” featuring a guest appearance by Jim James.
New Venusians — New Venusians
Born from the imaginative domain of jazz guitarist Ben Panucci, New Venusians is a seven-piece R&B collective from Sydney that orbits around music inspired by the cosmos. The band unites skilled session and touring musicians who fluidly collaborate across genres. Voices like Christian Hemara and Meklit Kibret stand at the forefront, their talents sparking compositions crafted to illuminate their artistry. Set against Sydney’s bustling backdrop, their sound threads psychedelic grooves through layered synths and guitars, crafting a unique musical identity. With their self-titled debut album, they bring their music to international audiences, overcoming local legislative hurdles as they seek creative connections worldwide. Tracks like “Get Along” intertwine intricately layered instrumentals with personal stories, exploring the nuances of art and relationships within a challenging environment.
Gumbo — PJ Morton
PJ Morton’s love for New Orleans is evident throughout his music. The city’s influence is particularly strong on his album Gumbo, which shares its name with the city’s famous dish. With a diverse range of topics, from love to persecution and hope, Morton offers a unique perspective on life. One of the album’s strengths is its concise tracklist, which features only nine songs, including one interlude. While some fans may be disappointed by the relatively short length of the album, Gumbo is notable for its lack of filler tracks, with each song offering something distinct and valuable. Morton’s approach to music is refreshing, as he tackles tough subjects with honesty and vulnerability. His ability to balance different themes and emotions on a single album showcases his skill as a songwriter and musician.
I — Niia
Niia’s voice is a remarkable instrument, but the instrumental textures genuinely shine on her debut album, I. Hannibal’s production expertise brings a sleek, modern quality to Niia’s music, which often incorporates elements of jazz. This placid, laid-back affair explores the complexities of new love, with Niia’s voice conveying the thrill and uncertainty of relationships. While the album’s narratives may not be the strongest, the music is undeniably enthralling, evoking the group’s sophisticated, grown-up vibe. Her partnership with Hannibal yields cohesive and engaging work. The album’s sound is characterized by its fusion of different styles, blending elements to create a unique whole.
We Used to Bloom — Denai Moore
Denai Moore shares her personal experiences, confronting mental health, self-improvement, and societal challenges with striking honesty. In tracks like “Trickle” and “Twilight,” she offers intimate glimpses into anxiety and emotional turbulence, her assertive yet sincere lyrics carried by dynamic instrumentals that amplify their impact. Collaborating with Kwabs on “All the Way,” Moore introduces a buoyant energy that binds her reflective narratives. She skillfully merges emotional depth and musical intricacy, melding heartfelt themes with vivid textures. The album’s title echoes her evolution, underscoring her wearability and self-awareness through music. We Used to Bloom is a stirring narrative and a daring reflection on the changes life brings.
Introducing Stokley — Stokley
After more than two decades of anticipation, Stokley Williams has finally released his solo debut, Introducing Stokley. The album eschews the predictable vocal showcase for a diverse musical exhibition forged through years of experience as the frontman of Mint Condition. Since the early ‘90s, Stokley’s inimitable voice has been inseparable from Mint Condition’s hits, yet he has always resisted the temptation to release a solo album—until now. Rather than relying on nostalgia, the album explores new heights, showcasing Stokley’s impressive range and versatility. The album’s unexpected direction is a refreshing surprise, demonstrating that Stokley is a seasoned artist with a wealth of musical knowledge. He proves that he’s more than capable of shining outside the context of his incredible band.
Feel the Real — Musiq Soulchild
Musiq Soulchild’s double-disc effort is a masterclass in consistency, considering its 24-song tracklist and nearly 100 minutes of playtime. Most of the album features midtempo hip-hop soul productions, which provide a fitting backdrop for Musiq’s signature vocal technique—a delicate balance of ease and heart. A closer look at the album’s credits reveals a dozen new production associates, a marked departure from the preceding album, Life On Earth, which was a collaboration with Warryn Campbell. This change in personnel is not the only difference between the two albums; Feel the Real also combines new material with refurbished tracks from the past few years. The album’s sheer size may seem daunting, but fans of Musiq’s gentle grooves and hook-laden songwriting will find the gems hidden within its expansive tracklist.
VGVI — Vivian Green
After her incredible debut album in 2002, Vivian Green’s music has been hit-or-miss over the years. That’s not to say she hasn’t been producing quality music; Vivian is, in fact, one of the most underappreciated voices in R&B. Her talent has always been evident, but with VGVI, she’s finally found the right balance of sound and style to make her music genuinely shine. Kwamé’s production expertise plays a significant role in this newfound success, as the two have developed a seamless creative dynamic that elevates Vivian’s vocals to new heights. The two have collaborated on numerous projects, but this one takes the cake.
Can We Talk — Tone Stith
Produced by Houston-based PRBLM SLVRS, Tone Stith’s Can We Talk breathes new life into the R&B soundscape. Stith, at the time a 21-year-old artist, producer, and songwriter, is familiar with the music scene. He’s already contributed songwriting and production talents to Chris Brown’s Royalty in 2015, lending his skills to tracks like “Liquor” and “Make Love.” His musical influences are drawn from past soul legends, shaping a powerful and soulful voice. But Stith doesn’t limit himself to singing; he’s also an underrated dancer, confidently showcasing his choreography and solidifying his status as an all-around entertainer. Although his second release, this project demonstrates Stith’s growth and artistic vision.
FEELS — Snoh Aalegra
From the cultural crossroads of Stockholm to the sunlit streets of Los Angeles, Snoh Aalegra’s voice carries the weight of emotion and the lightness of a whispered secret. FEELS is an invitation to step away from playlists’ ephemeral nature and embrace an album as a complete thought. It’s a body of work that doesn’t shy away from the complexity of its creation, offering a depth that rewards those who take the time to listen actively. Aalegra’s vocal talent and the album’s nuanced production ensure that each piece contributes to a giant mosaic of sound and story. Through her artistry, she contributes to the current conversation in R&B and sets a standard for future generations to aspire to.
Needle Paw — Nai Palm
Needle Paw finds Nai Palm venturing inward, a solo journey where she unearths facets of her artistry that Hiatus Kaiyote’s expansive arrangements couldn’t fully encompass. This debut, a collection of originals, acoustic reimaginings from her band’s repertoire, and daring covers, presents an unexpected path for a seasoned artist with Grammy nominations under her belt. Saalfield acknowledges the inherent risk in this stripped-down approach, choosing to stand alone at the helm of an album featuring familiar songs. The raw performances differ from Hiatus Kaiyote’s lush music, offering a new perspective on material audiences already know. Her focus shifts to sounds and voices often overlooked, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, which deeply shaped her artistic identity. In this way, Needle Paw becomes a conscious effort to amplify these silenced narratives.
If All I Was Was Black — Mavis Staples
In If All I Was Was Black, Mavis Staples captures the nation’s mood by fusing her commanding voice with Jeff Tweedy’s taut and minimal musical backdrop. Departing somewhat from her earlier gospel roots, the album leans into ‘70s funk-folk vibes, intensified by purposeful instances of distortion and dissonance that underline the conflicts in her lyrics. This collaboration brings tracks grappling with contemporary American issues, channeling perspectives that urge compassion and understanding. Staples’ delivery turns each song into a message from her life journey, layered with the nuanced emotions of anger, hope, and inexhaustible love. Together, Staples and Tweedy craft an affecting musical narrative that speaks to the strength and resilience inherent in viewing the world through another’s eyes.
Bartholomew — Jesse Boykins III
Jesse Boykins III dismantles musical orthodoxies with his groundbreaking album, Bartholomew, marking his debut as LANDR’s inaugural “Artist In Residence.” This pioneering project, initially offered freely through a collaboration with LANDR and WeTransfer prior to its streaming release, underscores Boykins’ dedication to unbounded expression in love and music. Weaving together soul, pop, and funk into a dynamic combination, the album is enriched by the artistry of Willow Smith, Isaiah Rashad, and other luminaries. With Bartholomew, Boykins charts universal human emotions across an unrestricted sonic expanse, venturing into uncharted creative landscapes without constraint.