From sequencing to storytelling to musicianship to vocal performance to genre familiarity, VIBE took all of these arching concepts and combed through the delightful and dynamic offerings that came throughout the year in the grand scheme of R&B. Refining all of that greatness into a ranked list of 20 of the year’s best albums wasn’t easy, but we did it.
Now, you’re going to see names you immediately recognize and others you’re not as privy to, so allow us to school you and plead our case of why these albums were chosen as the top R&B albums of 2023. While you may not agree with the ranking and selections, know that this list strived curate the albums that best represent the essence of R&B at its core and totality. Some no-brainers were left out simply based on our criteria. Our submission cutoff was Nov. 1, so albums like Christmas With Brandy, 11:11, and Gravy will be considered among next year’s contenders.
Yet, we will say our picks fully represent the many ways in which R&B showed up and showed out this year.
‘Larger Than Life’ – Brent Faiyaz
Image Credit: ISO Supremacy
Brent Faiyaz wears his influences on his sleeve with Larger Than Life. Returning to his playboy roots on his latest project the singer musically takes a victory lap after inking a recent $50 million deal and launching his own creative agency. The Maryland singer crafts a project that feels just like a club scene from an early-aughts R&B music video. He taps Virginia legends Timbaland (“Tim’s Intro”) and Missy Elliott (“Last One Left”) to set the mood.
His go-to producer, Dpat, takes the party to Neptune as “Forever Yours” and “Best Time” tip their musical cap to Pharrell and Chad Hugo. DMV rappers and singers Lil Gray, Tommy Richman, and CruddyMurda are invited to the party to share a toast to the good life. But the raw R&B elements prevent the commemoration from turning into a toxic wasteland. “Moment Of Your Life” with Coco Jones is one of the album’s musical high points. Larger Than Life’s layered composition embodies why he is one of the genre’s premier artists. — Marc Antonio “Spidey” Griffin
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‘Since I Have A Lover’ – 6LACK
Image Credit: LVRN/Interscope Records
Five years after his last LP, 6LACK returned inspired with new drama-free music. This time around, he’s inspired by life and his personal growth as a man, father, and lover. In his time away, he’s focused on his healing and mental health, become more reflective and self-aware, and settled in his unabashed love for l-o-v-e. On his third and 19-track studio album, it’s clear that he’s become a man who’s found the one and is willing to fight for their relationship, despite its inevitable ups and downs. 6LACK intentionally switched things up in musicality and production and kept the lo-fi vibes going. The simplistic instrumentation and honest lyrics on bright songs like “Inwood Hill Park” and the album’s title track make for the perfect soundtrack for any warm, relaxing joy ride. There’s an overall deep sense of freedom when you listen to Since I Have a Lover.
“What inspired me to go in a different direction on this project, honestly, was just being tired of hearing the same types of things, whether it’s production-wise or words-wise from the rest of the world,” he said of the album’s inspiration. “I just wanted to feel something fresh and this is my version of making something fresh.” Yes, this album isn’t R&B in the traditional sense, but its openness and vulnerability make it just as palatable. It’s refreshing to witness 6LACK’s musical and personal evolution as an artist and human being simply living life. — Christine Imarenezor
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‘Obsidian’ – Naomi Sharon
Image Credit: OVO Sound
Naomi Sharon’s lovelorn journey molded an unforgettable debut with Obsidian. The first woman signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label encapsulates her progressive R&B roots with house, afrobeats, and ambient acoustics that take listeners on a sonic journey of a heart lost and found again in love.
Breakups are known to spin gold for artists, but Sharon wanted to ensure healing and movement to take center stage for everyone. Songs like “Another Life” and the tragic yet stirring “Myrrh” are as deep as the singer’s rich vibrato. Compared frequently to Sade Adu, Sharon finds her own voice through enchanting tracks like “If This Is Love” and the playful “Push” alongside Omah Lay.
She also learns a thing or two from Drake with the inclusion of “Holding In Place,” an amapiano-inspired track created in lieu of the rapper’s house album, Honestly Nevermind. Sharon doesn’t seem to fall in the shadows of her OVO labelmates. Instead, she takes on the properties of the obsidian stone itself by drawing us in softly, yet deeply in her own special way. — Desire Thompson
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‘Come Around And Love Me’ – Jalen Ngonda
Image Credit: Daptone Records
Chocolate City’s own Jalen Ngonda stood out in 2023 as he delivered one of the year’s most heartful R&B albums in the delightfully charming Come Around And Love Me. From top to bottom, Ngonda’s warm and toasty voice (and Motown era-esque instrumentation) evoke the same feeling of safe, comforting, and divine masculinity that his predecessors Curtis Mayfield and Teddy Pendergrass delivered in the ‘60s. Comparisons aside, he stands tall in his lane by giving us sincere love songs with a familiar, burning soul as Black as his native Washington, DC. The album is a familiar feeling romp of two-stepping bops like “If You Don’t Want My Love,” along with consistent and vulnerable lyricism from “If You Don’t Want My Love” and “What A Difference She Made.” Ngonda’s debut Come Around And Love Me fulfills R&B comfort for the truest of soul lovers who long for the alluring, benevolent vibes that have long been missing in modern male R&B. — Mark Braboy
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‘Southern Delicacy’ – Jai’Len Josey
Image Credit: Hillman Grad Records/Def Jam
After using her songwriting talents to propel others’ careers, Jai’Len Josey returned to centerstage earlier this year with her sophomore EP, Southern Delicacy. As its title notes, the project is a true luxury from the southern belle, complete with 11 tracks that are charming, seductively sweet, and paired with thoughtful albeit jovial bouts of advice and playful hospitality.
From the “Intro,” listeners are drawn into Josey’s caress that feels like the opening sequence to a film in all of its magnetic and familiar glory. She then uses her fun personality to her advantage, bouncing from the authoritative “Pay For My Drink” because it’s simply courteous that if I’m taking you home, you can pay the tab. Then, there’s the nourishing “Good Soup,” where Josey flirts with subtlety while explaining the addictive properties of her “soup.” These songs are two prime examples of how Josey exerts her power, tying together the throughline of how and why she is the prize to be won, the delicacy to be indulged.
Gliding between heartwarming and heart-wrenching, Josey’s Southern Delicacy is as sustaining, hearty, and full of depth as it presumes to be at face value. It’s also a compelling surprise, welcoming listeners with open arms. — Mya Abraham
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‘DIAMONDS & FREAKS’ – BLK ODYSSY
Image Credit: EARTHCHILD / EMPIRE
A sonic trek narrated by the legendary Boosie Collins, BLK ODYSSY’s DIAMONDS & FREAKS is a stylistic nod to ‘70s R&B and funk while remaining cutting edge with modern rap melodies. Their sophomore album, which carries the tradition of concept albums within R&B, manages to masterfully weave the intricate tapestry inspired by the trailblazing sounds of OutKast, Parliament and D’Angelo. This signature fusion forms the backbone of the album’s progressive vibe. The psychedelic undertones on “JUDAS & THE HOLY MOTHER OF STANK” featuring legendary Hip-Hop producer The Alchemist, “HONEYSUCKLE NECKBONE,” and the Memphis singer/songwriter KIRBY-led “YOU GOTTA MAN” provocatively elevate the soulful and nearly ethereal listening experience. BLK ODYSSY skillfully integrates storytelling elements of sensuality, musicality, and evasive lust. DIAMONDS & FREAKS emerges as one of the standout albums of 2023, pushing boundaries and redefining contemporary soul. — Kia Turner
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‘the mornings’ – sahn
Image Credit: sahn
sahn, f.k.a. Simone Ledward Boseman, stepped into the spotlight and into her own with the arrival of her debut album, the mornings. She allowed those who only knew her as Chadwick Boseman’s wife to catch an impassioned, raw glimpse into her world. She turned her mourning into mornings filled with brightness and evolution.
What a beautiful tragedy it is to have loved and lost, but with sahn, her love didn’t die; it transformed. And just like her art, it didn’t wither, but instead blossomed. sahn experimented with her vocal range, sounds of jazz, soul, and even electronic, sat in the depths of her grief, and became the most elevated version of herself. She also made it clear that her music isn’t centered around sadness. sahn’s the mornings is a riveting example of perseverance, overcoming fear, and not losing one’s self in the process of figuring life out. Whether it was through the chilling ballad, “wake up, my love (a lullaby),” the “silent” conversation with God on “chad’s prayer,” or the call to action on “strong friends,” know that sahn took the ultimate risk by stepping into her season as an artist, bet on herself/her heart, and won. — M. A.
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‘I’m The Problem’ – K. Michelle
Image Credit: MNRK Records
“You have to take accountability for the things that you do that might be emotional or might not be right. But even in those things, you can be accepting of who you are,” K. Michelle told VIBE ahead of the release of I’m The Problem, her farewell to R&B.
Her sixth studio album — which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart — is a product of the 41-year-old’s ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth as a woman and artist. On past albums, Michelle consistently delivered raw emotions about love, sex, and drama, but I’m The Problem is a manifestation of doing “the work” of becoming a better version of her unapologetic self. With tracks like “Blame Yourself,” “No Pain,” “Hurt Sh*t,” “Scooch,” and “This Man,” she reflects on the kind of lovers she’s allowed into her life and the lessons learned from those relationships. On “Memphis” and “Gangsta In Me,” she credits her birthplace for making her tough.
The most precious song of them all is undoubtedly “Tennessee,” a full-on country song that serves as an introduction to the new K. Michelle. — Amber Corrine
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‘Grudges’ – Kiana Ledé
Image Credit: Republic Records
Kiana Ledé caught the attention of R&B lovers when she released her 2019 Platinum single, “Ex,” ahead of her anticipated debut album KiKi. Three years later, Ledé delivered Grudges, another R&B masterpiece where she reflects on her love life, self-discovery, and self-reflection. The 17-track LP takes hopeless romantics on a journey and kicks off with “Irresponsible,” a song about falling for someone who never had intentions of catching you.
Ledé also sings about her insecurities on songs like “Jealous” with Ella Mai and “Focus” and a longing to be a priority on tracks like “Deeper” and “Same Type.” The songstress keeps it too real about her trust issues on “Damage” and “Grudges,” while unapologetically wanting someone to receive their dose of karma on “Deserve.” The album is a painful, yet beautiful story that concludes with the realization that it’s “okay” to be alone and accept that closure isn’t always guaranteed. The 26-year-old artist just wants to be loved the way she loves: unconditionally. — A.C.
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‘I Thought It’d Be Different’ – Rory
Image Credit: 2023 Avant Garden
Rory put together something special in I Thought It’d Be Different. His rollout took some time, but the final result was a sign of how great today’s R&B is and will continue to be. “Not Me” featuring RAAHiiM and Shantel May is a fun, melodic back-and-forth between a man and woman discussing their exes and not comparing one another. May especially shines here, providing she is more than just the woman who sang backup for DVSN. Emotional Oranges, THEY., Sinead Harnett, DRAM, and Alex Isley also have their own star-making moments. The beauty of this is it’s as much a compilation album focused simply on good R&B as it is a billboard for upcoming acts. The vocal arrangements, diverse production, and unexpected collaborations make for one of the most pleasing listens of the year. And he even taps Conway The Machine, Reason, and Goldlink to deliver just enough raps for the R&B lovers who enjoy the bars too. — Armon Sadler
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‘Electric Dusk’ – Leon Thomas
Image Credit: UMG/EZMNY
In 2023, Leon Thomas was ready to take anyone’s existing presumptions about him and turn them completely upside down. After producing hits for Drake, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and more, the seasoned multi-hyphenate was prepared to step out from behind the boards and show what he can do. His diverse range of talents was put on full display with his debut album, Electric Dusk.
The 12-song LP was spearheaded by “Breaking Point,” a beautifully painful ballad about absolutely refusing to give up on good things that could have been. His gut-wrenching falsettos and tender lyrics accomplish what true R&B does best: make you feel something.
On the album, Thomas uses traditional R&B elements to hook listeners, then strategically gets them to stick around by showing off his expertise in using alternative rock, smooth jazz, and Hip-Hop components. Benny The Butcher steps in on the cool-toned “X-Rated,” Ty Dolla $ign adds his expertise on “Love Jones,” and Victoria Monét rounds out the offering by joining the remix of “Breaking Point.” Although he has been in the music industry for a decade, Electric Dusk made it clear that Leon is just getting started. — Regina Cho
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‘A Brief Nirvana’ – Khamari
Image Credit: RCA Records
Khamari‘s A Brief Nirvana is a breath of fresh air. “Ain’t these supposed to be my glory days?” the Boston-born singer ponders on the fan-favorite “Doctor, My Eyes.” And it’s this existential question that could be seen as the centerpiece of his debut album. The singer and Trackside handle the LP’s production and create a cohesive journey through the divine. “Cherry Picking” gently weighs a relationship built on good moments while knowingly ignoring the bad times.
Khamari’s gospel influence shines through as he meditates the power of self-reflection on “These Four Walls.” Driven by a soulful guitar arrangement and thumping drums, the singer seeks inward peace as solace. “On My Way” tugs at the idea of nirvana and is the closest point to rebirth Khamari experiences on the album. A Brief Nirvana is a defiant yet blissful epilogue for a singer who will create magic for years to come. — M.A.G.
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‘I Left My Heart In Ladera’ – Terrace Martin, Alex Isley
Image Credit: Sounds of Crenshaw
Alex Isley and Terrace Martin‘s love letter to Los Angeles was honest, unabridged, and bold. Together, the two visionaries challenged the best of one another on I Left My Heart In Ladera, which led to the creation of some of the best work in their respective discographies.
Even though Martin released several albums this year, this one stood out because of its marriage of modern jazz and neo-soul. “Honey” easily could’ve been a greater collaboration with Jill Scott or Glenn Lewis as it feels like the soundtrack to a summertime block party with Isley singing on the appealing hook, “I want that honey, honey, honey/ Drip, drop, so sweet to me/ Gimme that honey, honey, honey, yeah/ Nothing else it could be.”
Their cover of Sade’s “Paradise” was an irresistibly spellbinding opener that paints the picturesque world of Los Angeles through sound, with an added visual element. Yet, there’s the tender vibrancy of “2 Step In The Living Room” and the tranquilizing nature of the album’s title track that disarms those unaware of the beauty of Ladera and L.A.. This makes the album not only mesmerizing, but necessary. The additional ode to Issa Rae on the “Dear Issa,” who continually displays her love for Los Angeles, was simply a bonus. — M. A.
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‘The Age Of Pleasure’ – Janelle Monáe
Image Credit: ℗ 2023 Wondaland Productions LLC under exclusive license to Bad Boy Records LLC
Janelle Monáe welcomed a new era in The Age Of Pleasure, not only for themself but for all who desire free-feeling intimacy. Blending genres and musical styles found across the African, Caribbean, and diaspora including R&B, afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and reggae, the Grammy-nominated album is fluid in sound and message.
“I wanted to create a soundtrack to our lifestyle, expressed Monáe to the Associated Press. “I think this album like all my albums reflects exactly where I am at that time.” With 14 tracks at just over 30 minutes, the album’s songs explore self-love—not only in the metaphorical sense but also in the physical sense—celebrate community, prioritize creative expression, exude glowing confidence, and embrace warm romance. It features Grace Jones, Sister Nancy, Amaarae, Doechii, Nia Long, Ckay, Seun Kuti, and Egypt 80. Standout songs include “Lipstick Lover,” “Water Slide,” and “A Dry Red.” The Age Of Pleasure is a safe space for all who identify as a “free a** motherfu**er.” — DeMicia Inman
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‘Gold’ – Cleo Sol
Image Credit: Forever Living Originals
Just weeks after Cleo Sol released her third studio album, Heaven, the British singer-songwriter released Gold. Without challenging the majesticness of these back-to-back blessings, we feel we need to thank Cleo as she thanked God on this album.
Dear Cleo Sol,
We come to you as humbly as one can. It feels that through you and this reverent offering in the form of ‘Gold,’ we’ve gained greater access to God. If getting to heaven remotely resembles the openness of “There Will Be No Crying,” death becomes more of a conduit to existential greatness than something to fear. If there was a cure for sorrow, ‘Gold’ would be listed as a synonym for healing. This album is an answered prayer, a testament to the sanctity of gospel within R&B.
Coincidentally, in scripture, it’s said that the streets are made of pure gold. So, it’s fitting that listening to this album feels like a leisurely stroll down that path. That aside, we’re reminded of how pure the humane, communal experience can be on “Lost Angel.” What you and producer Inflo have done deserves to be honored, cherished. We thank you for the timeless, unexpected offering that serves as a tangible representation of God’s love and walking in your divine purpose. In the beginning, there was God and we’re sure in a faint sparkle in his eye, there was you. For that, we rejoice. — M. A.
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‘CLEAR 2: THE SOFT LIFE’ – Summer Walker
Image Credit: ℗ 2023 LVRN/Interscope Records
In the musical world of Summer Walker, love is imperfect, men are momentary, and the yearning for serenity is real. On CLEAR 2: SOFT LIKE EP, the 27-year-old singer finds herself prioritizing peace—although it may seem unattainable—and welcoming a new beginning.
“I’m really loving life right now, enjoying this new outlook on life, loving the new me, loving my kids, and not letting life pass me by anymore,” the Atlanta native explained in the official Apple Music description.
Consisting of nine tracks, CLEAR 2 is grounded in neo-soul and the zeal of her predecessors Erykah Badu, Floetry, and Tweet. The project showcases Summer Walker’s distinct take on traditional R&B and features Childish Gambino and J. Cole with production by Jay Versace, Solange, Steve Lacy, and John Kirby. The nine-track, no-skip project’s highlights include “To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug),” “New Type,” “Finding Peace,” and “Agayu’s Revelation.”
CLEAR 2 begins with J. Cole offering space for Summer Walker to feel loved and safe to share the burdens revealed on the next tracks “Hardlife” and “Mind Yo Mouth.” The EP continues to explore the acclaimed songwriter’s approach to romance and womanhood, and leaving drama behind. It ends with “Agayu’s Revelation”—a track inspired by Orisha, the powerful Yoruba deity who rules over volcanoes as the harbinger of change, the master of the frontier, and the pusher of boundaries. Summer Walker is ready for transformation through eruption. — D.I.
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‘The R&B You Love’ – Kenyon Dixon
Image Credit: ℗ 2023 Kenyon Dixon
On The R&B You Love, Kenyon Dixon shines as a modern R&B artist grounded in the genre’s traditional sounds. Although Dixon has worked for years professionally as a solo musician and penned records for the likes of Mary J Blige, Tyrese Ginuwine, and more, his September 2023 release allowed him to reach new heights. “Lucky,” a single from the project, earned Dixon a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, the Los Angeles native’s first for a song he not only wrote and performed, but also recorded independently at his home. As his debut album’s name suggests, his 2023 release arrived to restore nostalgic feelings about vibrant rhythm and blues. And Dixon doesn’t shy away from flexing his range with his strong vocal performance.
“The R&B You Love… is in the title. It’s about the classic R&B that we all love,” he explained to Parle Mag. “What we grew up on and say is missing from R&B, from lyrics to vulnerability to vocal ability. It’s not to try to recreate the era but to show today’s listeners that those feelings can still exist in modern music. This is what The R&B You Love represents – to show that modern artists can still make sustainable music today and that it is not a lost or dying art. We can make the same inspiring music today from the music we love and are inspired by.”
Dixon’s The R&B You Love maintains the genre’s essential and core elements. There are songs to step and groove to, songs for physical intimacy, songs about a complicated romance, and of course, songs of yearning and begging through emotive lyrics. The album features Alex Isley, RL from Next, Cozz, and Tiffany Gouché who contribute to the project’s pristine sequencing and fun interludes. Standout tracks include “Slow Dancing,” the aforementioned “Lucky,” and “2000s R&B.” — D.I.
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‘SOS’ – SZA
Image Credit: Top Dawg Ent./RCA
Propelled by the immense pressure of coming back after a five-year hiatus, SZA’s sophomore offering, SOS, didn’t just meet expectations; it obliterated every single one of them. Her trailblazing 2017 debut album, Ctrl., catapulted her to the forefront, and while there are similarities between the two chapters, the elevated differences were what solidified Solána Imani Rowe as an undeniable R&B titan.
The recurring themes throughout SZA’s music will always be there: insecurity, doubt, glaring self-awareness, and introspection. Only this time, it’s different. On SOS, we meet a more self-assured and unapologetic side of her. The vulnerable girl who was just trying to survive her 20s has really grown up, and she’s bringing us along for the journey.
The New Jersey-raised songbird kicks off SOS with no remorse, rap-singing in the self-titled introduction track about how she’s ready to take what’s hers. Follow-ups like “Forgiveless” featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard, “Conceited,” and “Seek & Destroy” document SZA entering her villain era, with her beloved pen game as viscous and unpredictable as ever. Her boldness is expertly supplemented by delicate love songs like “Notice Me” and “Snooze.” Addictive cuts with punchy lines like “Kill Bill,” “Shirt,” and “I Hate U” became inescapable on social media. The album spent 10 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200. In tandem with outstanding features, successful headlining tour, and nine total nominations for the 2024 GRAMMYs, SOS satisfied every demand.
Through it all, vulnerability reigned as her bread and butter. SZA showed that if she stays true to her journey, flaws and all, her supporters have no choice but to sit back and enjoy the ride while she decides where it goes. — R.C.
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‘victims & villains’ – Musiq Soulchild & Hit-Boy
Image Credit: Varick St/Universal Music Publishing
Musiq Soulchild and Hit-Boy find the sweet spot between nostalgia and modern love with their collaborative project, victims & villains. Musiq’s distinct loving melodies are just as reliant as when he first stepped on the scene in 2000, but these love songs aren’t for the faint at heart. The album’s title track raises the importance of accountability in relationships while “is it love, is it lies” pokes the bear by speaking to the brutal truths around pride. Its music videos directed by Caleb Seales (J. Cole, Layton Greene) also offer a coating of rich storytelling as viewers witness the life and death of love across nine of the ten tracks from the album.
On victims & villains, Musiq and Hit-Boy share a kinship for 2000s R&B flare but don’t fall into a nostalgic rabbit hole. Instead, Musiq showcases his versatility throughout the album on standout tracks “beat of a slow dance” and the sultry “white rice and déjà vu.” Hit-Boy has always demonstrated his ability to tap into an array of sounds in collaborations with other artists, from Beyoncé to Nas. This time around, the producer treks uncharted waters just as smoothly as Musiq’s melodies. One can only wonder what other tricks these two vets have up their sleeves. — D.T.
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‘JAGUAR II’ – Victoria Monét
Image Credit: RCA
Victoria Monét’s debut album is a concrete signifier of her meteoric ascent to superstardom over the past few years. Described by herself as the “older, more developed voluptuous sister” of 2020’s JAGUAR, if the latter was an official introduction, JAGUAR II was a graduation.
In an exuberant display of encapsulating color and warmth into a sonic conviction, Monét and her musical soulmate, D’Mile, took ‘70s funk tossed it with ‘80s swing, whisked in ‘90s swag, and sprinkled in the complexities of classic musicianship— as learned by the likes of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis—to create the dreamy, sexy trance of JAGUAR II.
Monét used the sleek, mysterious, powerful essence of a jaguar to survive the agonizing world of the music industry while using what she learned from her predecessors, Janet Jackson and Donna Summer, to forge her own moment in the spotlight. Her songwriting prowess harmoniously paired with D’Mile’s production made the album seem like one, intertwining song, but without getting stamped with vapid disapproval.
The lead single, “Smoke,” eased into its reprise before the vibe got rejuvenated with the second single, “Party Girls.” The KAYTRANADA-produced “Alright” seamlessly blends in with the foundation D’Mile laid out before diving into the sensuous chorale, “Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem).” Yet, the universal love song, “How Does It Make You Feel” reels listeners back into Monét’s grasp as though she’s whispering sweet anecdotes in our ears like an enticing siren. We can go on and on about the unequivocal anthem that is “On My Mama,” but spoiler alert—we ranked it the No. 1 R&B Song of the Year. What we will note is that the Grammy-nominated banger became Monét’s first No. 1 hit as a front-facing artist and was proof of us bearing witness to her carving out her legendary status in real time.
Then, the closing run of “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt),” “Good Bye” and the co-sign from Earth, Wind, and Fire on “Hollywood” was enough to round out the impact of Monét’s brilliant debut. From start to finish, a complete story was told, an era was fulfilled, and many will use this as the blueprint and guide for artistry, instrumentation, and how one goes from student to teacher. — M.A.
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