The Best R&B Debut Albums: Every Year in the 1980s, Pt. 2

Decoding the decade: A deep dive into the debut R&B albums of the 80s.

The 1980s were a watershed moment in R&B music when new sounds developed, trading live instrumentation for synth-infused drum machine production styles and influencing the genre's course for years. During this period, debut albums were released that caught the essence of the time and established the basis for R&B's future.

These debuts not only gave us a decade of fantastic music but also influenced and defined the direction of R&B, laying the groundwork for the genre's subsequent growth.

1980: Change, The Glow of Love

Notable Debuts: The S.O.S. Band, S.O.S.; Zapp, Zapp; René & Angela, René & Angela; Yarbrough & Peoples, The Two of Us; Michael Wycoff, Come to My World

The story of 1980s R&B can’t begin without acknowledging Change's The Glow of Love. This album introduced a vibrant dance-tinged R&B sound that defined the decade's start. The title track, featuring a young Luther Vandross, set a tone of infectious rhythms and passionate delivery.

1981: Luther Vandross, Never Too Much

Notable Debuts: Imagination, Body Talk; The Time, The Time; Champaign, How ‘Bout Us; Sylvia Striplin, Give Me Your Love; Roger, The Many Facets of Roger

As if to respond to his challenge, Vandross followed up in 1981 with his solo debut, Never Too Much. An elegant mix of lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics marked Vandross as an unstoppable force in the R&B genre. The album title, suggestive of the artist's commitment to pure expression, accurately reflects our response: we can never have too much of Vandross's soulful charm.

1982: Lionel Richie, Lionel Richie

Notable Debuts: Jeffrey Osbourne, Jeffrey Osbourne; Janet Jackson, Janet Jackson; Vanity 6, Vanity 6; George Clinton, Computer Games; Irene Cara, Anyone Can See

Lionel Richie steps into the limelight from the Commodores with his self-titled album. Fresh from the Commodores, Richie showed an ability to create timeless pop-infused R&B tracks that would resonate far beyond their time, as evidenced by the enduring appeal of songs like “Truly.”

*For the record, check out Don Blackman’s self-titled debut. You’re welcome in advance.*

1983: New Edition, Candy Girl

Notable Debuts: Steve Arrington, Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame, Vol. 1; Mary Jane Girls, Mary Jane Girls; Philip Bailey, Continuation; Anita Baker, The Songstress; Kashif, Kashif

New Edition’s Candy Girl marked 1983 with a youthful and energetic essence. The title track blended doo-wop nostalgia and a fresh urban sound. This album announced the arrival of a new generation ready to take R&B into exciting, uncharted territories.

1984: Sade, Diamond Life

Notable Debuts: Loose Ends, A Little Spice; Roxwell, Somebody’s Watching Me; Dennis Edwards, Don’t Look Any Further; Cherrelle, Fragile; Terri Wells, Just Like Dreamin’

In 1984, Sade’s Diamond Life was a dazzling introduction to an artist who would later become synonymous with a sophisticated soul. From the sultry “Smooth Operator” to the introspective “Cherry Pie,” Sade's unique blend of soul, jazz, and pop was revolutionary and irresistibly appealing.

1985: Whitney Houston, Whitney Houston

Notable Debuts: Alexander O’Neal, Alexander O’Neal; Freddie Jackson, Rock Me Tonight; Ready for the World, Ready for the World; Jesse Johnson, Jesse Johnson’s Revue; LeVert, I Get Hot

Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut in 1985 was an impeccable showcase of her unrivaled vocal ability, setting the stage for the era of diva-pop that would follow. With its soulful ballads and powerful pop tracks, the ten-song collection presented a framework that would become a blueprint for aspiring divas in the years to come. Remarkably, the album foreshadowed her stellar career, with each song highlighting a facet of the multifaceted talent that would cement Houston's place as one of the most influential artists.

1986: Club Nouveau, Life, Love & Pain

Notable Debuts: Shirley Murdock, Shirley Murdock!; Meli’sa Morgan, Do Me Baby; Vesta Williams, Vesta; Surface, Surface; Bobby Brown, King of Stage

At the tail end of 1986, Club Nouveau broke into the R&B scene with their debut album Life, Love & Pain, shaking the musical landscape with their unique blend of danceable beats and funky rhythms. Infused with high-energy production, the album became an instant sensation. Through this compelling mix of groovy rhythms, catchy melodies, and engaging lyrics, Club Nouveau made a thunderous entry into the music world, redefining the R&B genre in the process.

1987: Keith Sweat, Make It Last Forever

Notable Debuts: Terence Trent D’Arby, Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby; Pebbles, Pebbles; Jody Watley, Jody Watley; Shanice, Discovery; Sherrick, Sherrick

Keith Sweat’s Make It Last Forever became the soundtrack of 1987. This album popularized New Jack Swing, a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and dance music that dominated the latter half of the decade.

1988: Guy, Guy

Notable Debuts: Al B. Sure!, In Effect Mode; Karyn White, Karyn White; Vanessa Williams, The Right Stuff; Tracie Spencer, Tracie Spencer; Today, Today

In 1988, Guy’s self-titled debut showcased the extraordinary talents of Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling. The album was an explosive blend of soulful ballads, and up-tempo beats, redefining R&B with its innovative new jack swing style.

1989: After 7, After 7

Notable Debuts: Miche’le, Miche’le; Alyson Williams, Raw; Lisa Stansfield, Affection; Christopher Williams, Adventures in Paradise; Chuckii Booker, Chuckii Booker

Closing the decade, the self-titled offering from After 7 in 1989 offered smooth harmonies and a polished production that hinted at the R&B sound of the coming decade. Their expertly crafted vocals on tracks like “Heat of the Moment” wrapped up a decade of phenomenal R&B debuts.