For my second instalment of my favourite albums released this year, I’ll delve into some R&B and/or soul albums that comforted me through a chaotic few months!
It Is What It Is by Thundercat
Spotify Wrapped revealed Thundercat was my most listened to artist of this year, which makes sense as I have most definitely rinsed this album. From the hilarious lyrics on Dragonball Durag to the touching reflection on Fair Chance surrounding his grief following close friend Mac Miller’s passing, this album takes you through a journey of grooviness and light, as well as enchanting darkness.
Lianne La Havas (self-titled)
I actually remember having a couple of Lianne La Havas’ songs downloaded on my Blackberry back in about 2012! Since then she has only released two albums including this wonderful self-titled project. In my opinion she has one of the best voices in the game at the moment: with one watch of her COLORS performance you’ll know what I mean! Choosing to name her third album after herself represents her finally coming into her own as an artist, making something she is truly proud of without worrying about her label’s expectations. A gorgeous, heartfelt album.
Untitled (Black Is) & Untitled (Rise) by SAULT
Released just 13 weeks apart, these albums are by SAULT, a collective of artists whose specific identities have never been confirmed or denied. They don’t care for media promotion or climbing the charts, their music is about their message: a powerful protest about the on-going injustice and discrimination faced by black people, and an empowering call to keep fighting, and hoping, for genuine change.
More than any other artist, Sault have, across two albums, conveyed an intelligent and powerful message that will inevitably raise consciousness amongst those who are prepared to listen.
Gordon Rutherford in his review of the album
Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle
Having previously acted as teens on Disney channel, and opened for Beyonce following their viral YouTube cover, these sisters show their maturity and musical gift in their own right with this stunning R&B album. I love how their voices sound together, and the title track Ungodly Hour, produced by Disclosure, is the perfect sing-out-loud-in-the-car song for me. Their performance of it at the VMAs further reveals the talent of the pair as incredible singers and performers. For a straight-up quality R&B fix, give this one a listen.
Couldn’t Wait To Tell You.. by Liv.e
To be honest, boxing this album into a genre doesn’t do it justice – Liv.e calls into question what ‘R&B’ can encompass with this project, by drawing influence from familiar 90s R&B classics to carve out a unique sound of her own. It is a debut album compiled of diverse snapshots of Liv.e’s mind: as she said “It’s like each song is a different character giving a page out of their diary.” Just from learning that the title of the album is supposed to be read as the first half of all the song titles, it is clear that Liv.e is a creative and original artist who isn’t held back by convention or expectation.
Honey For Wounds by Ego Ella May
This is a beautiful debut album from South Londoner Ego Ella May, filled with her delicate and soulful vocals, honest and authentic lyrics, and gorgeous instrumentals.
“It is music to heal to, I hope the listeners can feel less alone when taking in the album, and also I hope they find it soothing during this very strange time we are all going through.”
Ego Ella May in Atwood Magazine
Stuck On Repeat with Leah 