R&B Albums from 2019 That Deserve More Appreciation
We are shining a light on R&B’s underappreciated albums of the 2010s. Here are fifteen albums from 2019 that are often forgotten or overlooked.
Well, we made it. There is no need for another introduction; let’s get to the list.
Nick Waterhouse — Nick Waterhouse
With a keen ear for nostalgic R&B and garage rock, Nick Waterhouse’s self-titled effort is a masterclass in blending the old with the new. His writing is as strong as ever, but his performances elevate this set. Gone is the mannered approach of his earlier work; in its place is a spirited, almost agitated energy that brings out the best in his voice. As expected, the ballads and instrumentals are delicate, but the more upbeat numbers provide the real thrills. Waterhouse’s vocals are raw and unbridled like a wild animal finally unleashed. Supporting him is a talented cast of familiar and new musicians, including backing vocalists Roberta Freeman and Carol Hatchett. Paul Butler, known for his work with Michael Kiwanuka and St. Paul & the Broken Bones, lends a sympathetic ear as co-producer. The result is a cohesive, retro, and modern sound, like a climate-controlled garage where a band and horn section can let loose. Waterhouse’s approach is painstaking, but the end result is well worth the effort. His performances are less polished, more genuine, and altogether more compelling.
The Loop — Shafiq Husayn
As a musician, Shafiq Husayn has collaborated with artists like Krondon and Blu to release albums, earning recognition from Robert Glasper, Om’Mas Keith (of Sa-Ra), Bilal, Chris Dave, and others. His double-disc LP, The Loop, took nine years to complete and continues the creative energy of his earlier work, En’ A-Free-Ka, showcasing a musical explosion. Husayn leads a band of over 60 musicians and singers in this album. He is responsible for all songwriting, production, and keyboard performances, and his deep baritone adds a warm bass line to the album, smoothly transitioning between narrative and background vocals and infusing the work with sustained power. In addition to his performances, the album features guest appearances from artists such as Anderson .Paak, Coultrain, and Nai Palm (of Hiatus Kaiyote). Jimetta Rose and Fatima’s warm, harmonious voices blend perfectly with the album’s overall atmosphere.
Green Balloon — Tank and the Bangas
In the heart of New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage, Tank and the Bangas have been curating a unique sound since 2011. Fronted by the multifaceted Tarriona Ball, a poet, singer, and rapper with a chameleon-like voice, the band’s live shows showcase their energetic performances. With two live EPs and a significantly larger studio recording budget, they have finally arrived with their second offering, Green Balloon. For the band, the album’s title is a multifaceted symbol representing wealth, inexperience, celebration, and even cannabis culture. Ball’s lyrics dance between the joy of materialism and the harsh realities of survival, where money is necessary. Her words also touch on the highs and lows of getting lost in the haze, only to be snapped back to reality by the weight of inertia. She sings of the blissful escape that comes with letting go and the guilt and overstimulation that can follow.
Heroes & Gods — Rahsaan Patterson
Rahsaan Patterson’s latest album arrives at a particularly fitting moment, as 2019 marks his 35th anniversary in the entertainment sector. The release breaks his most prolonged hiatus yet, nearly eight years since his last full album. Throughout this period, he was actively touring and meticulously refining the tracks for Heroes & Gods. Collaborating primarily with Jamey Jaz and Derrick Walker, who have been his collaborators for over two decades, he skillfully blends classic influences from various decades with modern twists, maintaining a foundation in gospel and soul. This unique collection feels both timeless and contemporary. Patterson’s distinctive approach includes a few unexpected stylistic shifts. His unmistakable falsetto and stylish delivery make him uniquely distinguishable despite any similarities to musical legends.
Thina — Seba Kaapstad
This ensemble, consisting of artists from South Africa, Swaziland, and Germany, combines neo-soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B reminiscent of jazz venues across global cities like Johannesburg and New York. Zoe Modiga’s vocals elevate tracks such as “Playground” with intricate melodies and harmonies. Alongside her, vocalist Ndumiso Manana and proficient musicians deliver a cohesive performance. The title song features layered vocals in English and a South African language, creating a memorable piece. “Africa” and Sophhuster’s emotive violin on “Don’t” also provide significant highlights.
Samsara — Los Coast
The debut album from Austin’s Los Coast, Samsara, presents a diverse fusion of pop, soul, R&B, funk, gospel, and psychedelic rock. This 13-track album shows confidence and playfulness in its exploration of these genres. “Greaves,” with its laid-back yet soulful 1980s vibe, nods to Prince’s Dirty Mind era. In contrast, the energetic “(Everything But) The Kitchen Sink” carries a Dirty South influence. The transitions between tracks, like moving from the acid rock of “Masquerades” to the synth-pop of “Cymatic,” can be sudden but are well-executed. The album concludes with “Weekend Lover,” a funky disco track that smoothly leads into the nostalgic country-folk tune “Chesapeake,” creating an engaging finale.
Love, Sex, & Religion — Johntá Austin
Johntá Austin’s long-awaited debut LP, Love, Sex & Religion, is a sumptuous R&B offering. The nine-track collection, crafted with longtime collaborators Bryan-Michael Cox, Jermaine Dupri, and Troy Taylor, showcases Austin’s songwriting dexterity and vocal mastery. Taylor, who mentored Austin and co-executed the album, lent his expertise to the lead single, “Love Angel.” In an Instagram post, Austin expounded on the album’s central themes, asserting that love fosters acceptance and beauty, not division. He described sex as the essence of existence, unrivaled in its potency. Religion, he posited, cautions against emotional vulnerability, but Austin aims to be the listener’s first and foremost connection.
Need You — HMLT
Need You is an ideal album for a neo-soul chill-out that is suitable for the fall season. HMLT’s “Lost,” featuring Kei-Li, gradually increases in volume and intimacy, reminiscent of a timid lover gaining confidence. Toronto brothers Corey and Taylor Wong craft a romantic piece that transforms the college basement band’s soul into a refined sound. The brief track “WIYL” intrigues with its tones, while “Down, Down, Down,” highlighting MIBLUE’s elegantly austere vocals, blends modern and classic elements.
Bloom — Indigo Asaá
Drawing inspiration from artists in the neo-soul tree, Indigo Asaa infuses Bloom with their essence. Her alluringly husky vocals shine on “Signs,” while “Keep it Low” showcases her assured style against a mellow rhythm accented by finger snaps. With a debut like this, Asaa appears poised to reach the stature of her inspirations.
Love’s Last Chance — Taylor McFerrin
After the release of his 2014 debut, Early Riser, Taylor McFerrin joined the collective R+R=Now, a group led by the talented Robert Glasper. This collaboration inspired McFerrin to confront his perfectionist tendencies while working on his second album. The fast-paced recording of the sextet’s Collagically Speaking catalyzed this change. In contrast to the jagged and stammering patterns of Early Riser, Love’s Last Chance presents a smoother, more direct approach. The album combines Pacific grooves, playful synthesizers, and relaxed basslines. It concludes light-heartedly, capturing McFerrin in a carefree, lovestruck state, unconcerned with any disconnect.
Jimmy Lee — Raphael Saadiq
Inspired by his brother’s struggles with addiction, Raphael Saadiq’s Jimmy Lee is his most autobiographical album to date. Saadiq, known for his romantic slow jams and retro R&B, isn’t new to highlighting the lives of tragic, neglected figures. The album’s dense, narcotic funk grooves guide listeners through Saadiq’s experiences from the streets of Oakland to Rikers Island, illustrating the daily battles of addiction and incarceration as seen through his brother’s life. Despite the dark and bleak themes, which may have been overlooked when it was released in 2019, the album remains a powerful piece of social commentary and modern funk. Great songwriters often draw from personal experiences, and Saadiq’s Jimmy Lee presents his truth.
Honeymoon — Emmavie
The debut album from UK-based Emmavie marks Fresh Selects’ venture beyond its usual West Coast and Pacific Northwest focus. This self-produced effort highlights Emmavie’s multifaceted vocalist, producer, and instrumental talents. The album’s neo-soul aesthetic, infused with jazz influences, showcases her ability to craft refined grooves and enticing beats. Emmavie’s vocal performance, characterized by precise control and melodic intuition, complements her production skills. Honeymoon presents a mature perspective on relationships and personal ambitions. While one can argue that the album may lack a clear radio hit, it establishes Emmavie as a promising artist with room for continued development.
Neon Brown — Velvet Negroni
Amid life’s contrasts, Velvet Negroni (Jeremy Nutzman) finds solace in his creative process. Since his 2017 debut, T.C.O.D., Nutzman has confronted personal challenges while nurturing music that exudes emotional depth. This synthesis is evident in his latest release, Neon Brown. Raised in an environment centered around Christian music, Nutzman’s artistic trajectory represents a fascinating exploration of the musical spectrum. Velvet Negroni’s compositions’ layered, nuanced quality gradually reveals itself upon repeated listening. The interplay of percussion in “Wine Green” and the intertwining flute and saxophone lines in “Confetti” exemplify Nutzman’s skill in orchestrating various emotional states. Since T.C.O.D., Nutzman’s gift for creating deeply affecting musical experiences has grown stronger.
So Far — Ego Ella May
Ego Ella May compiles her work cohesively and soothingly. Her vocal style recalls Erykah Badu’s tone and assurance. The song “Tea and Sympathy” showcases her jazz vocal strengths, and “Underwater” examines intense feelings of love. Other tracks, such as “Rush Hour Crush” and “Last Time I Checked,” tackle romance and political issues. May consistently blends her radiant voice with jazz and hip-hop-infused tunes on So Far.
The Love Factor — Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams’ underrated masterpiece, The Love Factor, showcases his skill as a producer by bringing together a talented group of artists from various genres, each contributing their unique sound to create a harmonious whole. One of the standout tracks is “Don’t Give Up,” featuring the soulful voice of Eric Roberson. The song’s smooth, introspective quality makes it a highlight of the album. Another noteworthy contribution comes from Brian McKnight Jr. on “In Love,” which pays homage to early 2000s R&B with its catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The album also includes a nod to Williams’ mentor, Powell, in the form of “You’re Mine.” This track showcases Williams’ ability to blend different styles, resulting in a sound reminiscent of the great Anita Baker at the height of her career. Adding a touch of elegance to the album is an introduction and conclusion by the late, great George Duke. It’s an album that embodies the spirit of love and connection that music can create, making it a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great storytelling through song.
Thank you for supporting this series! We’ll be back with 2020 in the coming months. But one more thing...
11-11-11 — Charlie Bereal
Having honed his craft alongside some of the biggest hip-hop and R&B names, Charlie Bereal now focuses inward. With a career that has flourished across various stages, Bereal recently shifted his sights toward a more personal venture: his solo work. The album 11-11-11 took shape through a series of impromptu jam sessions in Los Angeles. Surrounded by fellow musicians Jairus Mosey and Raphael Saadiq, Charlie transformed casual hangs into a fully-fledged project, capturing the ease and chemistry of the trio. When you see it’s released under Colemine Records, you know what you’re in for a soul record.
Clay (EP) — Ella Harber
Honest and vulnerable portrayals of toxic relationships are presented in Ella Haber’s “Puppet” and “Clay,” showcasing impressive songwriting talent at age 20. On “Old Friends,” her vocal delivery mirrors Amy Winehouse’s, occasionally placing her work in the icon’s shadow. Yet in “Behind Closed Eyes,” where she sings,” I play Amy’s tunes to sing me sweet to sleep,” Haber momentarily distances herself from this influence, highlighting her soulful and beautiful sound. She continues to carve out her unique voice as an artist, and her future prospects are promising.