The Best R&B Albums of 2023
The Best R&B Albums of 2023
Featuring Masego, Leon Thomas, Victoria Monét, and Cleo Sol, here are the twenty best R&B albums of 2023.
A vibrant fabric of R&B music unfolded in 2023, showcasing the dynamic landscape where fresh faces and seasoned artists alike made their mark. In a year brimming with musical creativity, identifying the most impactful R&B albums was no small feat. The team at Shatter the Standards dedicated countless hours to experiencing an extensive array of projects, each offering its unique voice within the genre.
After submerging ourselves in the experience provided by numerous artists, we emerged with a curated selection that reflects the finest offerings of the year. Our discerning process led us to compile a list of twenty R&B albums that stood out for their quality, artistry, and contribution to the ever-evolving fabric of the genre.
This year’s list not only celebrates established musicians who continue to innovate but also casts a spotlight on emerging talents whose work heralds a bright future for R&B. As we look back on the wealth of music released, it is clear that despite any discussions about the state of R&B, the genre thrives with vitality and diversity in 2023. There’s much progress still to be achieved, yet the dedication of artists and aficionados alike ensures that R&B remains a vital and flourishing component of the musical conversation.
Girl in the Half Pearl — Liv.e
Girl in the Half Pearl is an open wound brought to the forefront, allowing Liv.e’s vibrant magic to shine brighter than ever. The album is intensely intimate, occupying the cobwebbed corners of Liv.e’s psyche. Excavating and exorcising these feelings proves both essential to healing and deeply unsettling. With production from Mndsgn and other collaborators, familiarity occasionally surfaces but never settles, undercut by shadowy textures that disrupt serenity. This maze of genres and feelings angles away from easy resolution. Each of the 17 songs rewards deep exploration to find its heart. Yet even in the most explosive moments, the self-love and understanding Liv.e uncovers radiates beauty. — Jamila W.
Raven — Kelela
Whereas her seminal debut Take Me Apart intimately charted the downward slope of a relationship’s demise, Kelela’s evolutionary follow-up Raven finds the avant-soul siren transforming emotional upheaval into meditative insight. While romantic desire continues through the album’s fluctuations, Kelela surveys the ebbs and flows from a more measured third-person view, an observer bearing witness to her quiet metamorphosis.
Departing from the icy deconstructions of her past, Raven’s production favors more diffuse, ambient, and club-ready hybrids that seamlessly react and recede. She has cemented her independence amidst longstanding bonds, no longer defined by the fickle pangs of partners past or present. Raven finds her communicating hard-won lessons through a singular creative vision realized, with their heart firmly on their sleeve but now given space to heal. — Imani Raven
The Rebirth of Marvin Gaye — October London
Hailing from South Bend, Indiana, artist October London is part of a musically inclined lineage, yet never aspired to be a vocalist during childhood. Nonetheless, his natural soulful timbre refused to be suppressed. With his latest album, he delves into the intricacies of human connections and contemporary challenges, honoring the legendary figures of classic R&B, especially Marvin Gaye. This record masterfully revitalizes the essence of Motown’s twilight and soul music’s inception through contemporary perspectives and the intense emotionality of October’s vocals, highlighting his artistic evolution and adeptness at fusing time-honored R&B with current nuances. — Phil
Red Moon In Venus — Kali Uchis
On her transportive third album, Red Moon in Venus, Colombian-American songstress Kali Uchis explores love’s fallout amidst emotional turmoil. Since initially conceiving the project in 2018, her creative vision has crystallized into a gorgeous sonic tapestry blending atmospheric neo-soul textures with gossamer pop flourishes. Expertly attuned to the nuances of human connection, Kali curates a sultry escape centered on romance in all its varied splendors, not solely limited to the romantic sphere. With meticulous detail and unflinching self-examination, Red Moon in Venus provides a healing embodiment of the forlorn inner spirit left bruised but not broken by the fickleness of affection. Kali Uchis proves herself an empathetic and reliable guide through the intricate maze of longing and liberation. — Murffey Zavier
Masego — Masego
With his latest self-titled effort, the prodigious Masego once again affirms his Midas touch by seamlessly fusing genres into his inimitable style. Opting to showcase the full breadth of his gifts alone without any featured guests, Masego eagerly commands center stage to finally bask in his roses. Through layered hooks, radiant harmonies, eclectic instruments, and samples, he infuses the project with boundless creative energy that radiates artistic growth and purpose.
While his past works crafted a signature sound marrying steady bass lines with unpredictable instrumental loops, here, this album approaches sampling with a renewed verve to forge new sonic terrain. He infuses stale tropes in trap and R&B with much-needed inspiration, breathing life into repetitive flows, ubiquitous themes, and generic tracks that too often dilute the genres. If this represents a glimpse of his creative prime, expect his trademark magic to continue ascending to further heights. — Brandon O’Sullivan
Victims & Villains — Musiq Soulchild & Hit-Boy
What started as an informal experiment unexpectedly blossomed into Musiq Soulchild’s first full-length LP in years. After acclaimed beatsmith Hit-Boy passed along a bundle of instrumentals, Soulchild tapped into his creative chemistry with long-time writing partner A-Lex Lloyd and began trial and error jam sessions soon yielded inspiration, compelling the iconic R&B philosopher to craft his profound tenth testimony, Victims & Villains, his first release since the Grammy-nominated Feel the Real. From tentative origins to fully formed fruition, Victims & Villains is that rare gem born of happenstance, resonant proof that Soulchild’s well of wisdom and vulnerability still runs deep. — Nehemiah
Comfortable Enough — Mac Ayres
After a period of reflection, Mac Ayres makes his welcome return with Comfortable Enough. This sonically polished effort propels his artistry forward, retaining the smooth, low-key soul palette that first turned heads. All the familiar ingredients pervade hazy weed references, rum-soaked sentiments, blasting horns, soaring falsettos, silken harmonies, hand claps, changing seasons, and introspective late nights. But amidst these signature trimmings, Ayres confronts deeper insecurities with fearless self-examination, traversing the shadowy corners of his mind to reconcile external perceptions with inner truths.
Across an ambitious 15-track journey, he tunnels into provocative self-discovery—wrestling with expectations while forging his artistic path. It’s a well-trodden thematic territory, but Ayres’ intimate vulnerability grants a fresh perspective. His smooth soundscape may feel familiar, but looks can be deceiving. With relentless introspection and ruthless self-evaluation, Comfortable Enough finds Ayres sounding rejuvenated through raw evolution. — LeMarcus
Wait Til Get Over — Durand Jones
On his intimately revelatory solo debut, Wait Til I Get Over, Durand Jones daringly deviates from the funk-soul strut of his acclaimed Indications ensemble to unveil a more introspective and spiritually influenced sonic alter ego. Liberated from expectations of his signature sound, Jones embraces his adventurous muse, showcasing his remarkable range as curator and frontman over the album’s starkly gorgeous canvas. From smoldering quiet storm confessionals to arresting stylistic pivots, Wait Til I Get Over offers a comprehensive experience of Jones as not just a formidable frontman but a creative auteur fluently speaking new musical languages. From its first unaccompanied notes, this is an artist’s work unbound. — Brandon O’Sullivan
A Kid from Yerevan — Full Crate
As turntablist and producer Full Crate continues ascending in the underground for his artistic partnerships—including work alongside Gaidaa, Kyle Dion, Naomi Sharon, Jayd Ink, and Slum Village’s T3—his powerful solo debut A Kid from Yerevan now traces an introspective coming-of-age journey. As the title implies, Full Crate excavates formative memories of his immigrant upbringing, an experience that profoundly impacted his personal growth and creative development. Across twelve multidimensional tracks, he explores the diverse cultural threads that interwove his path—from Armenia to Moscow, Amsterdam to Los Angeles—while paying tribute to the multilocal richness that still informs his unique voice. — Harry Brown
DIAMONDS & FREAKS — BLK ODYSSY
At the heart of BLK ODYSSY’s latest work, DIAMONDS & FREAKS, lies an intricate narrative that unfolds like chapters in a vividly crafted tale of romance and desire. The album follows on the heels of their 2021 release, BLK VINTAGE, which heralded the beginning of what felt like a cultural uprising. Now, they pivot to explore the nuanced dynamics of intimacy with a project that can be likened to an evocative love story. This concept album is segmented into four distinct parts, each one exploring different facets of affection and passion. It captures moments of intense allure, yet it also portrays the complexities of emotional distance, painting pictures of partners who find themselves metaphorically separated by more than just physical space. — Brandon O’Sullivan
When I Hear Your Name — Maeta
With her sultry debut, When I Hear Your Name, Roc Nation siren Maeta distinguishes herself as a commanding new R&B presence to be reckoned with. Backed by production from luminaries like Pharrell and KAYTRANADA and an impressive supporting cast featuring Lucky Daye, Ty Dolla $ign, and Free Nationals, the Indianapolis native prophetically arrives fully formed. She wastes no time announcing the depth of her powers, opening with the gorgeous James Fauntleroy-assisted ballad “Sexual Love.” When the closing album highlight, “Through the Night,” spotlights her entrancing vocal control, there’s no doubt that talent speaks for itself here. In a crowded landscape saturated with promising upstarts jockeying for position, Maeta’s gifts instantly set her apart. Sultry, confident, vulnerable, and mighty, her pen game and mic mastery converge at the crossroads of passion and quiet storms. — Phil
Grudges — Kiana Ledé
Kiana Ledé’s nuanced sophomore album transcends the simplicity implied by its title. The complexities shine through the album’s narrative arc, from the stirring turmoil of the title track to the hopeful glow of “Closure.” Ledé delivers an affecting performance, weighted by the fallout of a relationship that left her awash in pain and regret, unable to move forward. Through creative arrangements and narrative progression, she transforms pain into growth and heartbreak into resilience. Grudges is much more nuanced than just venting grievances—proof of human relationships’ complexity and inner strength. — Jamila W.
IRL — Mahalia
Despite her openness about the pandemic disrupting creative momentum, Mahalia’s output betrays no such turbulence. In the stretch between 2019’s breakthrough Love and Compromise and her July 2023 magnum opus IRL, accolades continued amassing for the alt-soul wordsmith at a dizzying clip. Two MOBO trophies, a Grammy nod, and multiple Brit nominations coincided with her earning a 3rd silver certification from the latter, ample quantitative proof of her ascendance. Through triumph and tribulation, Mahalia continues weaving personal testimony into universal anthems on her terms in her time. — Imani Raven
Electric Dusk — Leon Thomas
During his rise, Leon Thomas signed a solo deal with Ty Dolla $ign’s Motown-affiliated EZMNY label, where he made his official album debut with Electric Dusk. Unlike Thomas’s previous eclectic solo work, this album offers a focused exploration of hazy, narcotized progressive R&B. Most songs cultivate a spaced, atmospheric quality rather than straightforward musical narration. The distilled musical approach allows Thomas’ complete artistry to shine through. With velvety vocals and deft songcraft, he charts a unique course between the soulful sensibilities of the adventurous aesthetic of Frank Ocean. Shedding his early showbiz associations, Thomas asserts his creative vision through the album’s blurred atmospherics and smoothed-out textures, completing his artistic metamorphosis. — Reginald Marcel
JAGUAR II — Victoria Monét
The debut release from Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II, arrives with the subtlety of a jaguar on the prowl—effortless yet commanding attention. The production is seamless and sophisticated, much like checking into an upscale establishment where every detail has been carefully curated for an immersive experience. This collection of songs showcases Monét’s ability to craft music that feels both timeless and seductive. Monét’s performance throughout the album exemplifies her polished artistry, effortlessly blending fantasy with raw emotion in her lyrics. Even when she ventures into more provocative territory, there’s a layer of elegance reminiscent of a dress that teases the line between revealing and refined. With each track smoothly transitioning into the next, JAGUAR II is designed for continuous play, creating a cohesive auditory journey.
This record stands out as Monét’s most accomplished work to date. It features rich arrangements, complete with live instruments such as trumpets and violins—a luxury not commonly found outside of concert halls. She navigates through these sounds with grace and precision, delivering even the most intricate lines with ease. There’s an undercurrent of empowerment throughout JAGUAR II, offering audiences more than just auditory pleasure—it hints at a deeper aspiration for transcendence and personal greatness. Monét strikes a balance between contemporary pop-soul and something far more profound, touching upon an emotional uplift that suggests we are destined for greater heights. — Phil
Gold — Cleo Sol
Two weeks after dropping her third album, Heaven, Cleo Sol offers her fourth LP, Gold—an unconventional move defying the music industry’s “write-release-tour” model. The rapid release appears driven by artistic impulse rather than external pressure. As part of SAULT, Sol and her partner Inflo released five albums in 2022, flouting expectations. Their output seems guided by serving the music rather than industry demands. Freed from relying on record labels, perhaps Sol and Inflo exist in a bubble where they own their work. Gold acts as a soothing balm, with its peaceful music blending seamlessly with the uplifting lyrics. Building on Heaven’s aesthetic, the arrangements remain understated. Gentle yet evocative combinations allow Sol’s voice to radiate. She offers faith, hope, and the promise of brighter days, scarce comforts nowadays.
This latest work further affirms the creative bond fueling Sol’s output. The musical relationship at her core retains its golden luster. Through measured minimalism and uplifting themes, Gold provides a peaceful sanctuary. Sol’s voice shines with purpose, delivering an enlightened vision. The album flows as a unified offering, a healing respite for the spirit. This musical pairing continues to yield dividends. With clarity and meaning, Sol articulates faith in better times ahead. Gold polishes her vision to a luminous sheen. The duo’s creative chemistry perseveres, its radiance undimmed. By pairing inspired restraint with hopeful themes, the album soothes and restores in tumultuous times. — Brandon O’Sullivan
The R&B You Love — Kenyon Dixon
On his aptly titled time capsule, The R&B You Love, Grammy nominee Kenyon Dixon conjures the heyday vibes of late ’90s/early ’00s soul while staking his claim in the genre’s modern renaissance. From the opening chords of “In Your Head,” Dixon’s 17-track opus instantly transports listeners to a beloved bygone era when slow-burning grooves defined R&B’s quality-over-quantity approach. Like many curators as auteurs, Dixon expertly resurrects that signature texture throughout, bathing songs in nostalgia while inserting his singular artistry into the throwback sounds via dreamlike melodies. Standout tracks like the buoyant “Good Love” and the RL-assisted “2000s R&B” anchor the album with production and songcraft that tampers with a trusted formula only to faithfully spotlight it. Welcoming guests like Cozz and Alex Isley along the ride, Dixon keeps ears hooked with earworm songcraft that blurs lines between past homage and present participation. The R&B You Love finds him simultaneously spotlighting and contributing to the sacred legacy he celebrates. — Nehemiah
For All Time — Mayer Hawthorne
At the forefront of Andrew Cohen’s sixth studio effort under his Mayer Hawthorne persona, For All Time sets the stage with a theme that exudes romance. Throughout this album, listeners are treated to variations of this initial melody, which reappear as interludes—perhaps these serve not only as musical transitions but also as practical moments during live performances for Cohen to change attire or introduce novel stage elements. Hawthorne radiates with an effortless poise and revels in the fullness of romantic bliss. Cohen takes center stage as the principal musician, showcasing versatility by playing, on average, six instruments per track, ranging from fundamental instrumentation to the more esoteric glockenspiel and Mellotron. — Harry Brown
Colours — Goapele
The R&B scene has witnessed the ascent of Goapele, an artist who has carved a distinct niche for herself with her soul-stirring music, returning to the forefront with Colours. This album delves deep into her introspective side. Her music creation process reflects a commitment to authenticity. Each song in this latest work lures one into a realm where Goapele’s voice acts as a guide through emotive soundscapes. It’s a body of work that remains etched in memory long after the final notes fade, demonstrating once again why Goapele continues to be revered in the world of contemporary R&B and soul. — Phil
Exit Simulation — Niecy Blues
Hailing from South Carolina, the aptly dubbed Niecy Blues conjures a haunting brand of ethereal sonics that channel the transcendent qualities of ambient and gospel music. Raised in religious households in Oklahoma, Niecy cites those enveloping church atmospherics as her initial exposure to ambient textures. Now, her transportive Kranky debut, Exit Simulation, pays homage to those formative spiritual sounds while propelling her artistic vision into bold new terrain.
The guitar-driven opener “1111” instantly establishes Niecy’s ethos as siren-like synths rush in to elevate the track’s heavenly allure. “The Nite B4” gets pulled along by hypnotic arpeggios as Niecy’s multi-tracked, delayed vocals cascade like divine transmissions. One of the album’s most tense moments, the sensual, skittering “The Architect,” ultimately resolves in the gorgeous slowcore ballad “Cascade,” a sanctified release. This is a remarkable and powerful introduction to a unique new talent from its first tones. Guided by the ghosts of her spiritual upbringing but firmly focused on the journey ahead, Niecy Blues has manifested a heavenly debut for modern times. — Brandon O’Sullivan