The Best R&B Debut Albums: Every Year in the 2010s, Pt. 5
The crew concludes their run with the 2010s.
The 2010s was a transformative era for R&B, marked by the emergence of artists who would shape the genre’s future direction. From the creative brilliance of Janelle Monáe’s 2010 debut, The ArchAndroid, to the raw emotive power of Sampha's 2017 Process, the decade was a creative hotbed. These artists demonstrated their versatility by combining R&B’s historical roots with forward-looking elements, resulting in works that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
Another intriguing aspect of this period is the rise of certain innovative artists who pushed the R&B genre forward. With her 2013 Yours Truly, Ariana Grande showcased her vocal ability that charmed listeners, while FKA twigs, in her 2014 debut LP1, combined the ethereal with the experimental to create a haunting soundscape. Equally notable were Frank Ocean and Dornik, whose unique stylistic approaches in channel ORANGE (2012) and Dornik (2015), respectively, highlighted the genre's ability to adapt and evolve.
Then there were artists like Marsha Ambrosius, Kali Uchis, and Daniel Caesar, fascinated by their distinct voices and eclectic musical styles. Ambrosius’s Late Nights & Early Mornings (2011), Uchis’ Isolation (2018), and Caesar’s Freudian (2017) were not only melodically appealing but also emotionally engaging, with their personal narratives and introspective themes. Each album, in its way, contributed to the richness of R&B in the 2010s, making it a landmark decade for the genre.
2010: Janelle Monaé, The ArchAndroid
Notable Albums: Miguel, All I Want Is You; How to Dress Well, Love Remains; Dondria, Dondria vs. Phatfffat
Emerging in 2010, Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid has stirred the waters of R&B with its innovative sound and thematic depth. The album draws various influences with a carefully-written narrative of futuristic societies and human emotions. Monáe’s dynamic vocal performance complements its compelling conceptual design, adding depth to the underlying storyline. The sophistication of the production is showcased through a delightful blend of funk, soul, and contemporary R&B, painting an absorbing soundscape. Subtly steering away from conventional R&B, Monáe’s approach in this debut album made her an exciting prospect for the future.
2011: Marsha Ambrosius, Late Nights & Early Mornings
Notable Albums: The Internet, Purple Naked Ladies; The Stepkids, The Stepkids; Jamie Woon, Mirrorwriting; Charles Bradley, No Time for Dreaming; Ryan Hemsworth, No Plans
Marsha Ambrosius brought a different flavor to the R&B table the following year with Late Nights & Early Mornings. Its contemplative narratives and emotional expressiveness characterize this album. Ambrosius’ vocal range, showcased throughout, beautifully enhances the lyrics’ reflective nature, and the instrument’s simplicity lends an intimate atmosphere to the album. Her candid approach to love, longing, and loss establishes her as a refreshing voice, undeniably contributing to the shape of R&B in the 2010s.
2012: Frank Ocean, channel ORANGE
Notable Albums: Hiatus Kaiyote, Tawk Tomahawk; Elle Varner, Perfectly Imperfect; BJ the Chicago Kid, Pineapple Now-Latters; JMSN, Priscilla; THEESatisfaction, awE naturalE; Michael Kiwanuka, Home Again; Gary Clark Jr., Blak and Blu; Emile Sandé, Our Version of Events; Lianne La Havas, Is Your Love Big Enough?
In 2012, Frank Ocean’s channel ORANGE took the R&B scene by storm. The album effortlessly delves into the complexity of human relationships with an emotional depth that’s engaging and cathartic. By applying a minimalist production style, Ocean focuses on his nuanced songwriting, which thrives in its rawness. The album’s varied soundscape, pulling from pop, soul, and electronic music, has catalyzed diversifying the sonic textures within R&B.
2013: Ariana Grande, Yours Truly
Notable Albums: The Weeknd, Kiss Land; K. Michelle, Rebellious Soul; PARTYNEXTDOOR, PARTYNEXTDOOR; Mack Wilds, New York: A Love Story; TGT, Three Kings; inc., No World
Ariana Grande’s Yours Truly brought a refreshing take to the R&B genre. This album was marked by Grande’s impressive vocal range and ability to expertly express a wide array of emotions. Its production incorporates classic R&B and soul influences, smoothly blended with pop elements, making the album accessible yet sophisticated. The lyrics, primarily focusing on themes of love and relationships, resonate due to their honesty and Grande’s expressive delivery. The finesse with which Grande handles the various components of the album establishes her as a formidable presence in the R&B genre.
2014: FKA twigs, LP1
Notable Albums: Jhené Aiko, Souled Out; August Alsina, Testimony; Tinashe, Aquarius; Daley, Days & Nights; Teyana Taylor, VII; Luke James, Luke James; Curtis Harding, Soul Power; Anderson .Paak, Venice; Sebastian Mikael, Speechless
In 2014, FKA twigs made a bold entrance with LP1, an album that challenged and expanded the R&B framework. FKA twigs uses the freedom of her experimental soundscape to tackle personal and universal themes, while her whispery vocals bring an ethereal quality to the album. Relying on electronic undertones, the album’s sound is unconventional yet gripping.
2015: Dornik, Dornik
Notable Albums: Stacy Barthe, BEcoming; Andra Day, Cheers to the Fall; SiR, Seven Days; Elijah Blake, Shadows & Diamonds; Tuxedo, Tuxedo; Rico Love, Turn the Lights On; Ty Dolla $ign, Free TC
In 2015, Dornik’s eponymous album introduced a fusion of electronic R&B with pop sensibilities. The album showcases Dornik’s smooth vocals against a backdrop of shimmering synths and tight beats, creating a cohesive soundscape. The album’s lyrical themes of love and loss are timeless, but its delivery feels fresh and innovative. With its blend of digital grooves and heartfelt lyrics, Dornik solidified his presence in the evolving R&B genre.
2016: KING, We Are KING
Notable Albums: Jamila Woods, HEAVN; Nao, For All We Know; 6LACK, Free 6LACK; Gallant, Ology; dvsn, Sept. 5th; Majid Jordan, Majid Jordan; MAJOR., I Am MAJOR.; Ro James, ELDORADO; The Suffers, The Suffers
2016’s We Are KING by KING is a charming exploration of vocal harmonies and electronic production techniques. The trio’s voices gracefully intertwine, often blurring into the album's sonic fabric, creating a diverse listening experience. The album's production elements—a blend of nostalgic and contemporary influences—weave a unique sonic identity. This combination of soulful melodies and inventive production techniques showcases the trio’s ability to push creative limits while maintaining a connection to R&B’s roots.
2017: Sampha, Process
Notable Albums: Daniel Caesar, Freudian; SZA, Ctrl; Kehlani, SweetSexySavage; Syd, Fin; Kelela, Take Me Apart; Brent Faiyaz, Sonder Son; Snoh Aalegra, FEELS; Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Jardin; Moses Sumney, Aromanticism; Mac Ayres, Drive Slow
With Process in 2017, Sampha offered an emotionally charged album grounded in introspection. His unique blend of minimalist electronic elements with traditional R&B creates an atmosphere of intimacy that draws you in. Sampha’s soft, distinctive vocals carry a potent emotional weight, making his deeply personal lyrics all the more impactful. Process is a compelling debut that subtly redefined the possibilities within the R&B genre.
2018: Kali Uchis, Isolation
Notable Albums: Jorja Smith, Lost & Found; Masego, Lady Lady; VanJess, Silk Canvas; Chlöe x Halle, The Kids Are Alright; Jacquees, 4275; Ella Mai, Ella Mai; DIXSON, Young; Stimulator Jones, Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures; Arin Ray, Platinum Fire
Kali Uchis’s 2018 debut, Isolation, displayed a distinct style that stood apart from contemporary R&B offerings. Her blend of soul, R&B, and Latin influences create a rich, diverse soundscape. Uchis’ sultry voice and evocative lyrics add to the album’s unique allure. The fusion of various influences in Isolation creates a novel sonic experience, further expanding the borders of R&B.
2019: Ari Lennox, Shea Butter Baby
Notable Albums: Lucky Daye, Painted; R.LUM.R, Surfacing; Ego Ella May, So Far; Summer Walker, Over It; Mahalia, Love and Compromise; Devin Morrison, Bussin’; Emmavie, Honeymoon; Mariah the Scientist, Master; Raveena, Lucid; Nicole Bus, Kairos; Mereba, The Jungle Is the Only Way Out; Free Nationals, Free Nationals
Closing the decade, Ari Lennox’s Shea Butter Baby in 2019 showcased her unique blend of soulful vocals and neo-soul elements. Lennox’s sultry voice is a prominent companionship throughout the album, illuminating the nuances of Black womanhood, love, and self-empowerment. The instrumentation subtly complements her voice, balancing tradition and modernity. Lennox’s debut highlighted her distinctive voice and left a mark on the constantly evolving R&B genre.