Jhade’ Norris
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
R&B and soul singers have once again proven that in 2015, R&B still reigns supreme.
With neo-soul artists and a lot of hip-hop flavor, 2015 has been a great year for R&B artists and here is a list of what I think are the Top 5 R&B albums thus far…because fans there is more to come.
Singer Ciara released her album, “Jackie” this year after the birth of her first child and break-up with rapper Future. Many Ciara fans believe that motherhood has brought out the best in Ciara with this innovative and uplifting album.
Ciara does not go too far out of her range with the album but keeps listeners interested especially with the lead single “I Bet”, which is rumored to be about her ex-boyfriend.
Jazmine Sullivan, whose voice always reminds me of the soul singing greats of the past, also sings about heartbreak and touches on social issues in her album “Reality Show”
released in January of 2015.
This album serves as somewhat of a comeback for Sullivan after her semi-retirement from music for five years. “Reality Show” serves as a truthful depiction of women in today’s society and Sullivan’s personal life. According to Soultracks.com, the album is an exciting project from an artist who re-discovered her own excitement in both music and herself again.
“Jazmine Sullivan is better than ever, and her album had me on the edge of my seat the entire time,” said Kadarims Bradley, a freshman mathematics major from Bay Springs, Miss.
On the subject of soul searching and self-awareness, up and coming artist Kehlani also created a buzz for herself when she released her first official album. “You Should Be Here” is very reflective and makes listeners wonder. Though Kehlani is only 19 years old, her sound is classic and her album keeps listeners and social media subscribers pleased.
“I’ve been so pleased with Kehlani’s growth as an artist and I am over all happy with the album, said Jehanne Gipson, a junior chemistry major from Chicago, Ill.
Artist Miguel released an album shortly after Kehlani named “Wildheart”. After winning a Grammy for hit single “Adorn”, listeners didn’t know what to expect from Miguel’s newest album.
Miguel delivered a sort of rock infused R&B album to his fans and strayed away from his normal genre. According to Pitchfork.com , for Miguel, humanity is found between partners and between the sheets. Simply stating that the album is sensual yet portrays a deep message.
The Weeknd released “Beauty Behind the Madness” this year. After his hit debut singles, many were looking forward to see what the artist would follow up with.
The Weeknd brought listeners back to his true nature of music and for newer listeners he takes them to a new world of music to explore and its richer and smarter than ever according to pitchfork.com.
With so much good R&B music already released, it will be interesting to see who closes out 2015 as the best in R&B music.
