Logo

These Top 10 are the best albums of the R&B/Soul genre from 1999 until now. It took a lot of time and a lot of fighting to compile this list, but I think we finally got it down. You cannot call yourself a true R&B/Soul fan, without at least 6 of these albums! And after reading this post, you need to go out and immediately get familiar with the other 4!

**Disclaimer: The ratings are based on my humble, yet astoundingly great-almost always right (even when I'm wrong) opinion. You can feel different, just know otherwise. AND REMEMBER ITS FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS ONLY!! 1999-Present. (In all seriousness...if you dont agree at least tell me why...there may have been some I forgot about). **


10) Lyfe Jennings-Lyfe 268-192. You are either wondering who Lyfe Jennings is, hating that I added him on this list, or standing up and applauding. The man that was introduced to most via "Showtime at the Apollo", came out with Lyfe 268-192, his debut studio album in the summer of 2004. This album delves deep into the soul of a once troubled man, and the honesty that sings out of every song is truly refreshing. His upcoming album released in September will be his last album with Sony. Listen to: "She's got Kids", "Hypothetically", and "Made Up My Mind".


9) Erykah Badu-New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). Ms. Badu comes to you live, raw, and direct. Hailed as "The First Lady of Neo-Soul" she took the world by storm with the release of her debut album Baduizm (which features "On and On"). Known for her social commentary and "enlightened" views, Badu holds nothing back in New Amerykah Part One. She experiments with several different styles on this album depending on nothing but her talent to weave them together. Too eclectic for the small minded, but cooked just right for those who like a little politics in their Soul music. Look out for New Amerykah Part Two (Return of Ankh) coming out later this year.

8) Amerie-All I Have. Amerie's debut album, All I Have was the brainchild of Amerie & Rich Harrison. Remember when you first heard, "Why Don't We Fall in Love"? or "Talkin'to Me"? The only way I can think to describe this album is to say: It's so '90s! and in reference to R&B that is definitely a compliment! Reminiscent of the old Mary minus the hardcore feel (sound wise not voice wise). She is set to make her comeback after dealing with some label politics, In Love & War is due in stores later this year. Check out the lead single, "Why R U" it is burning its way up the charts!


7) India.Arie-Voyage to India. After releasing an amazing debut album, and losing almost every award to Alicia Keys, Arie returned in 2002 with another masterpiece. This album finds India Arie singing about topics that range from understanding that you cant rush life to losing a loved one in war. No need to touch the fast-forward button, every song on this album deserves at least 3 listens. Listen to: "Slow Down", "The Truth", and "Good Man".




6) Mariah Carey-Emancipation of Mimi. Mariah needed to come out with an album that would help the public forget and forgive her for Glitter..and that whole exhaustion/the reported crazy alcoholic rehab deal. She got an A-team of producers together including Jermaine Dupri, and out came: Emancipation of Mimi. While many of us still wondered who "Mimi" was, it was clear that Carey was back. She is back in the news now for her beef with Eminem, and if you heard his song, "Warning" you will join me in begging Mariah to let this crap die, he is not someone you want to beef with.

5) R.Kelly-TP-2.com. Expectations and doubts were high for the "sequel" to 12 Play, but track after track Kellz reminded you that he is the King of R&B. First, "I Wish", then "Fiesta", and just as you thought it couldnt get any better, he drops "Feelin' On Your Booty". The radio didnt play "other" singles once this album dropped. The modern day crooner of baby-making didnt disappoint with "The Greatest Sex" either, dudes are still trying to live up to some of those promises Kelly makes in the lyrics to this song. Make sure you check out his upcoming album, Untitled. (Special Thanks to Spktruth2Pwr on this one)


4) Usher-Confessions. Who says cheaters never win? On Confessions, Usher laid out his personal life for all to see. From the ending of his relationship with TLC-member, Chili, to the rumored impregnation of a mistress. You may not have liked celebrating his cheating, but you could not deny the songs were hot. Remember when you first heard "Yeah"? That song was meant for the dancefloor, and everyone was hyped about Usher's future collaborations with Lil' Jon and Ludacris. While that collaboration album never came to fruition, Usher is attempting to make a comeback of shorts with his upcoming album, Monster.

3) Alicia Keys-Diary of Alicia Keys. There is so much you can say about the uber-talented Alicia Keys, and really you could choose either of her first 2 albums to go in this list. Her sound is very reminiscent of the good ole days, when R&B reigned supreme, and every song on this album will have you singing your heart out. It has been reported that Alicia will release her fourth studio album later this year, but in case it suffers a setback, still look for her in the upcoming film, Bell, Book, and Candle.



2) D'Angelo-Voodoo. If you are a woman, you're smiling right now. This man has the ability to elicit almost any and all emotions out of your body with his voice alone, not to mention his face, that chest (in the past), those lips...I'm going to try and focus (sorry guys). Respected for his ability to play almost every instrument featured on his albums, D'Angleo went for a vintage feel on Voodoo giving the album an organic and personal feel. The music video to "Untited (How Does It Feel)" is...to avoid getting sidetracked again...simply put...necessary!! Ladies if you have not had the please of viewing this video..do yourself a favor!! D'Angelo is also expected to make his long anticipated return to music, with James River, later this year or early next year.

1) Lauryn Hill-The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Lauryn possess that kind of talent that brings you to a silent awe. This genre-bending album is a compilation of everything right, all things good, and extra drippings of dopeness. She gave us her soul to enjoy, and we thank her it. Our only wish now, is that Lauryn comes back to form, to bless the world once more (maybe twice). Until then her MTV Unplugged album, while hecka depressing, is also worth a listen.



Aight, I tried the best I could. There are people, whose place I couldnt find in the list (because I couldnt bring myself to replace the others), and those who were good, but not great in my opinion. Tell me what you agree or disagree with being on the list, or give me your Top 10.