The best R&B has gospel roots and every true fan knows this. So, naturally the best R&B soundtrack in decades comes from a film with tag lines such as “Dear God” and “look what God has done.” The Color Purple aside, Omarion has released the sequel to his Full Circle series. Madison Ryann Word is blurring the lines of a loving dedication, Maeta is keeping live albums alive, and Aiyana-Lee is dismantling the bullsh*t of Hollywood—one record at a time.
As this year comes to an end and “let’s circle back in the new year” comes into full effect, here are VIBE’s top new R&B picks to soundtrack your life or the one you’re manifesting.
Various – (Music From And Inspired By) The Color Purple
The Color Purple (2023) is a perfect blend of the Broadway musical and the original film. So, it makes sense for its soundtrack to follow suit. Of course, there are modern renditions of the Broadway songs from the current cast—Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, Phylicia Pearl Mpsai, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., and Taraji P. Henson.
However, the 37-track LP also includes a slew of original music from Jennifer Hudson (who starred in the 2015 version of the Broadway musical), Mary Mary, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Alicia Keys, Usher, Megan Thee Stallion, and Jorja Smith. The merger of contemporary music with the Broadway originals elevates the soundtrack and makes it just as bold and daring as the film it stems from.
The soundtrack is not to be confused with the film’s score, which will be released on Christmas Day in conjunction with the film’s theatrical debut.
Omarion – Full Circle: Sonic Book Two
Omarion is back with the sequel to his last LP from this past May.
Full Circle: Sonic Book Two is described as a “reflective, sonic voyage,” according to the crooner. We’d agree, but it also feels like a different side of Omarion like we’re learning more about Omari, the man behind the music.
The album’s lead single, “The Usual,” is a great introduction of what’s come, but its standouts would be “I Can’t Even Lie,” and “In Search Of.” The latter speaks to someone’s self-awareness about not wanting to hide behind a facade while the former somewhat has underlying familiarity to B2K‘s “Why I Love You,” but in a slower pace. Instead of romantic desire, it’s more about romantic regret.
Overall, this twofer from O has us proud of the B2K frontman’s musical evolution. It feels like he’s fully come into his own.
Madison Ryann Ward – “Calling My Name”
Madison Ryann Ward‘s new single is a love song that also mirrors a hymn. Depending on the mood, you can either be giving reverence to God or your partner. Regardless, the power and depth of the love being sung about remains the same.
Produced by herself and Ty Brasel, “Calling My Name” feels like a psalm as she sings, “What was lost, you found/ You brought me back around/ Love is callin’ out/ Oh, how sweet the sound.” The latter phrase is a nod to the classic musical offering, “Amazing Grace.”
This single is Ward’s first release since the arrival of her debut album, A New Thing.
Maeta – When I Hear Your Name (Live)
Maeta is reminding R&B fans about the importance of live albums with the alternate version of her acclaimed EP, When I Hear Your Name.
On the project recorded in various studio sessions, the Roc Nation songbird gives new life to fan favorites like the soothing and soul-stirring “Through The Night” with Free Nationals and the captivatingly sensual “Sexual Love” featuring James Fauntleroy. Not to mention, there’s the funky slow jam, “Cool Cat” and the dynamic duet, “Control Freak” with labelmate, Ambré.
Maeta shared on Instagram that the live album’s goal was to “bring a bit of the show to everyone who couldn’t make it.” When I Hear Your Name follows her debut performance at the 2023 Soul Train Awards.
Aiyana-Lee – “My Idols Lied To Me”
After a lengthy hiatus, mesmerizing vocalist Aiyana-Lee is back with her newest single, “My Idols Lied To Me.”
The chilling ballad is a reflection of her experience as a London native moving to Hollywood. While in pursuit of her dreams, she’s met with the dark side of the industry that’s typically shielded by the glitz and glamour of the sensationalized industry.
“It turns Hollywood’s bloody/ The famous are ugly/ No Photoshop on their souls/ I wanted the truth/ But now I’m burned and bruised/ I’m facing all these suits,” she sings in a hypnotizing way that almost makes you forget that the song calls out the ugliness of Hollywood. Aiyana-Lee has lots more up her sleeve as she settles back into her pop-R&B pocket, and we can’t wait for all of it.
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