R&B Albums from the 2000s That Deserve More Appreciation (Part Three)

We are shining a light on R&B's underappreciated albums of the 2000s. Here’s to part three!

The 2000s were a transformative decade for R&B, marked by evolving sounds, emerging artists, and genre-blending experiments. While many albums achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, numerous exceptional works flew under the radar. These underappreciated gems showcase the depth and diversity of R&B during this period, featuring innovative production, powerful vocals, and thoughtful lyricism. From soul-infused debuts to mature works by established artists, these albums represent the richness of R&B in the new millennium and deserve a second chance.

Here’s to part three!

Lewis II — Lewis Taylor

In 1998, Lewis Taylor’s debut album was released, and this new album, serving as its sequel, showcases Taylor’s wilder and more powerful musical style. The album interweaves psychedelic guitar riffs with cool piano melodies, starkly contrasting Taylor’s passionate vocals. Taylor’s reinterpretation of a Buckley song in the album pays homage to Marvin Gaye while making some interesting adaptations to the original. This fusion creates a unique musical style that blends soul and psychedelia, allowing Taylor to stand out from his influences. This album is a worthy sequel that muses new ground and demonstrates Taylor’s bold artistic vision. It may take years to fully appreciate the charm of this album’s innovative sounds and daring expressions.

Speak Your Peace — Terry Callier

After a 20-year hiatus, Terry Callier returned to music in 1998, diving headfirst into recording and touring. However, finding a producer who could capture the nuances of his work proved challenging. Callier’s music effortlessly blends jazz, pop, soul, and poetry, requiring a producer who understands the importance of subtlety. On Speak Your Peace, Callier found the perfect collaborators in Jean-Paul Maunick and Marc Mac (of 4Hero). They recognized that his work conveyed emotions and ideas through suggestions rather than statements. The album’s mix places Callier’s voice and acoustic guitar front and center, showcasing his mastery of nuance and subtlety. The result is an album that ranks alongside his Cadet work regarding vision, articulation, and execution. In the grain of Callier’s voice, one can hear a plea for wholeness that stems from profound heartbreak. This emotional depth is a hallmark of his music, and Speak Your Peace is no exception.

A Little Deeper — Ms. Dynamite

With her solo debut, A Little Deeper, Ms. Dynamite ventured beyond the garage sound that defined her work with So Solid Crew. The album’s British ragga/R&B style evokes comparisons to the music of Ms. Lauryn Hill. Ms. Dynamite’s commanding presence and delivery anchor the record, complemented by solid production. “Krazy Krush” showcases the album’s edgy sound, distinguishing it from its American counterparts. However, this edge is somewhat subdued, making the music more accessible to a broader audience. While this approach may have contributed to the album’s wider appeal, it also results in a slightly muted sound that falls short of its full potential.

Transient — Gaelle

After graduating from college, Gaelle Adisson moved from New Jersey to Atlanta to pursue a music career. She began recording music in the late 1990s, achieving a #1 dance hit in the UK and developing her skills as an engineer. This foundation in music production and business would eventually inform her work on the album Transient, which she started recording around 2000. Transient features songs like “Shape Shifting,” “Transient,” “Moonsglow,” and “Parkway,” which showcase Adisson’s innovative approach to alternative R&B. Despite being released in 2004, these songs remain remarkably forward-thinking, even by today’s standards. However, the album’s release was delayed and under-promoted due to music industry issues, causing it to fly under the radar until its rediscovery by music enthusiasts in the late 2010s.

Naturally — Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

Sharon Jones’ 2005 release builds on the foundation established by her 2002 debut, delivering a session of unapologetic funk that pays tribute to the genre’s heyday. Her commanding vocals are a highlight, conveying a sense of raw emotion and power. The album’s inclusion of “This Land Is Your Land” is a notable surprise, as Jones transforms the classic American folk song into a high-energy explosion of sound. Fans of Jones’ earlier work will appreciate the consistency of her style, while newcomers will find a rich and satisfying listening experience. The album’s deep funk revival sound is sure to appeal to enthusiasts of the genre with its authentic, uncompromising approach.

Let My People Go — Darondo

Darondo’s discography may appear sparse, with only three singles released in the early 1970s. However, this brevity belies the range and depth of his music. Recorded with session musicians like guitarist Eddie Foster and producer Al Tanner in the Bay Area, his songs span from hard funk to smooth soul. The phrase “buried treasure” describes hidden gems, but most quality music eventually surfaces. Darondo’s work is a case in point. Despite his relatively small output, his music has endured, offering a diverse palette that showcases his artistic range.

Director — Avant

Fans who have been loyal to Avant since day one will appreciate the familiar sound of his latest album, Director. With its slick, slow-to-midtempo songs and occasional hints of raunch, this album is classic Avant. His music may not be flashy, but it’s well-crafted and caters to his dedicated fan base. Although his collaborations with various artists and rappers may seem like a desperate attempt to add some edge to his work, they actually blend in seamlessly. Avant’s talent lies in his ability to create smooth, relaxed songs that please his audience. At this point, it’s unlikely he’ll achieve superstar status without a surprise hit single like he did with “4 Minutes.” Nevertheless, Director is another solid addition to Avant’s discography, showcasing his consistent and reliable style.

The Scene of the Crime — Bettye LaVette

Bettye LaVette’s return to Fame Studios, 35 years after her initial visit, marked a significant moment in her career. The Scene of the Crime, co-produced by David Barbe, Patterson Hood, and LaVette, features the Drive-By Truckers and special guests Spooner Oldham, David Hood, Kelvin Holly, John Neff, and Sum Haque. LaVette’s decision to record at Fame again raised the stakes for her follow-up effort to 2005’s I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise, an album that brought her back into the public eye after a 30-year hiatus. The ten tracks on The Scene of the Crime, all but one of which are covers, showcase LaVette’s skill as an interpreter of soul, blues, and gospel-tinged R&B. The album’s gritty, loud, and raw sound is a testament to LaVette’s commitment to the Southern soul tradition. With the help of her collaborators, LaVette has created a record that is both a tribute to her roots and a bold statement of her artistic vision.

A Hustlaz Story — KeAnthony

After serving eight years in prison for aggravated robbery, KeAnthony Dillard signed with Reprise and collaborated with renowned producers known for their iconic hit songs and album tracks. His song “Forever My Homie” tells the story of a deep friendship that ended tragically when his childhood friend betrayed him to the police. This track showcases his sincere lyrical expression. In his debut album, every lyric is imbued with authenticity, reflecting his experiences and emotions, whether addressing the dynamics of relationships, acknowledging his own mistakes, or viewing his past through a realistic lens. The album resonates with genuine narratives drawn from his life, offering a deeply personal and introspective journey through Dillard’s experiences and growth.

Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka — Shafiq Husayn

Shafiq Husayn recently released his first solo album, following a notable vinyl-only beat suite EP for Poo-Bah. This release comes shortly after Sa-Ra’s Nuclear Evolution, with his underrated album Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka. It features a rich sonic landscape where themes of spirituality and ancient Egyptian roots dominate, moving away from the typical Hollywood-centric lyrics often seen in Sa-Ra’s work. While Husayn takes on multiple roles as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, vocalist, and occasional MC, the album also includes contributions from a dozen collaborators, creating an atmosphere akin to an informal and relaxed studio session.