12 best r b albums

R&B, which stands for Rhythm and Blues, is a genre of music known for its soulful and emotive style. R&B albums are collections of songs by R&B artists, often released on CDs or vinyl records. R&B has a rich history, with many iconic albums that have made significant contributions to the music world. Here are some key points about R&B albums:

  1. Genre Roots: R&B has its roots in African American musical traditions and emerged in the United States in the late 1940s.It combines elements of jazz, gospel, blues, and pop music.

  2. Evolution of R&B: Over the years, R&B has evolved into various subgenres, including contemporary R&B, soul, neo-soul, funk, and more. Each subgenre has its unique characteristics and artists.

  3. Iconic R&B Albums: There are numerous iconic R&B albums that have had a profound impact on music and culture. Some examples include:

    • "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye: This 1971 album is a classic in the soul genre, addressing social and political issues of the time.
    • "Purple Rain" by Prince and The Revolution: Released in 1984, this album is a landmark in the R&B and pop world, with hits like "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry."
    • "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse: This modern classic from 2006 blends R&B, soul, and jazz elements, earning critical acclaim.
  4. Influence on Pop Music: R&B has had a significant influence on the broader pop music landscape. Many pop artists incorporate R&B elements into their music, creating a fusion of styles.

  5. Prominent R&B Artists: R&B has produced legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Usher, among many others. These artists have released numerous successful R&B albums that have topped the charts.

  6. Vinyl Records and CDs: R&B albums have been released on various formats over the years, including vinyl records and CDs. Vinyl records, in particular, have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years among collectors and audiophiles.

  7. Grammy Awards: R&B albums are often recognized at the Grammy Awards in categories like Best R&B Album and Best Urban Contemporary Album.

  8. Contemporary R&B: Contemporary R&B artists continue to push the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and more into their albums.

R&B albums are known for their emotional depth, powerful vocals, and intricate musical arrangements. They continue to be an important part of the music industry, both in terms of artistic innovation and commercial success.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best r b albums on the market
  

The Best of Earth Wind & Fire Vol. 1

Legacy

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Product description

The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 is a 1978 compilation album collecting the charting singles of Earth, Wind & Fire. In addition to collecting previously charting songs, the album also included three new tracks for the band: a cover of The Beatles' song "Got to Get You Into My Life" and the original track "September," both of which also became charting singles, the former also winning a Grammy Award, and "Love Music."

H.E.R.

RCA Records

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100 Hits: Best R&B Album / Various

100 Hits

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Product description

UK five CD set. The market leading 100 Hits label is back with this collection containing the defining tracks of the genre. 100 Hits: The Best R&B Album features the biggest hits from Destiny's Child, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, TLC, P!nk, Rita Ora, John Legend, Chris Brown, Outkast, R. Kelly, Amerie, Aretha Franklin and many others.

Ella Mai [LP]

Interscope

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Product description

Self-titled album, Ella Mai, will be released on vinyl on December 14, 2018 on 10 Summers Records / Interscope Records.Ella Mai's album comes following her hit, "Boo'd Up", soaring up the charts, breaking long held records along with being RIAA Certified Double-Platinum.

Thriller

Legacy

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Product description

The materials used to create picture discs and color vinyl are not the same as traditional vinyl. Picture discs will have an inherent surface noise in playback. This is a novelty item and not intended for a listening experience.

Michael Jackson "Off The Wall" 1st Solo Album LP Record

Epic

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Product description

Off the Wall is the fifth solo studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released on August 10, 1979, by Epic Records. It was Jackson's first album released through Epic Records, the label he recorded under until his death in 2009, and the first produced by Quincy Jones, whom he met while working on the 1978 film The Wiz. Several critics observed that Off the Wall was crafted from disco, pop, funk, R&B, soft rock and Broadway ballads. Its lyrical themes include escapism, liberation, loneliness, hedonism and romance. The album features songwriting contributions from Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Rod Temperton, Tom Bahler, and David Foster, alongside three tracks penned by Jackson himself. Between 1972 and 1975, Jackson released a total of four solo studio albums with Motown as part of The Jackson 5 franchise; Got to Be There (1972), Ben (1972), Music & Me (1973) and Forever, Michael (1975). Before recording his next album, which came to be Off the Wall, Jackson desired to create a record not sounding like a Jacksons record, but rather showcasing creative freedom and individualism. Regarding his re-branded image for the Off the Wall era, Jackson's manager stated, "The tuxedo was the overall plan for the Off the Wall project and package. The tuxedo was our idea, the socks were Michael's".

Bad

Legacy

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Product description

Limited vinyl LP repressing in gatefold jacket. Bad is the seventh solo studio album by Michael Jackson. It was released on August 31, 1987, nearly five years after Jackson's previous studio album, Thriller. Bad was recorded during the first half of 1987. The lyrical themes on the record relate to media bias, paranoia, racial profiling, romance, self-improvement and world peace. The album is widely regarded as having cemented Jackson's status as one of the most successful artists of the 1980s, as well as enhancing his solo career and being one of the best musical projects of his career. Five of the singles hit #1 in the United States, while a sixth charted within the Top Ten, and a seventh charted within the Top Twenty on the Hot 100. Bad peaked at #1 in thirteen countries and charted within the Top Twenty in other territories.

What's Going On [10"]

Motown Records

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Product description

Coming soon, two new versions of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" featured on a four-track, 10-inch vinyl EP. The 10-inch contains a new duet version featuring Marvin Gaye and Motown artist BJ The Chicago Kid as well as an unplugged "Coffeehouse" mix of the original Marvin Gaye version, using bare parts, particularly a formerly buried acoustic guitar, from the original session. The top side of the 10-inch includes the original mono single versions of "What's Going On."

Legends Of R&B / Various

Vinyl Passion

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What's Going On

Mobile Fidelity

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Product description

Named the sixth best album in music history by Rolling Stone, Marvin Gaye's staggeringly influential What's Going On is pure soul genius and an ageless document about urban ills, employment issues, environmental concerns, and social responsibilities that's as relevant today as it was upon release in 1971. At once, the singer both revolutionized Motown's sound and upped the ante for his fellow artists. And now, the song cycle that toes the line between optimism, dismay, healing, futility, and urgency features sonics and packaging that match the groundbreaking arrangements, singing, and lyrical content within. Gaye's definitive statement reaches three-dimensional aural and emotional heights never before attained on Mobile Fidelity's opulent UD1S (UltraDisc One-Step) box set. Strictly limited to 7,500 numbered copies and pressed at RTI on SuperVinyl, this ultra-hifi keepsake brings you closer to music that redefined pop. You'll enjoy deep-black backgrounds, boundless soundstaging, pointillist details, staggering dynamics, and arguably, the most lifelike tonalities and nuances ever committed to vinyl. Experienced via UD1S, What's Going On places Gaye and his savvy instrumentalists in your room with nothing standing in the way between you and the music. This is an unsurpassed edition of a singular record no listener should be without.

100 Hits: Best Soul Album / Various

100 Hits

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Product description

UK five CD set. The market leading 100 Hits label is back with this collection featuring the definitive artists and songs of soul music. 100 Hits: The Best Soul Album features the best hits from Sly & The Family Stone, Billy Ocean, McFadden & Whitehead, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Labelle, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, The O'Jays and many others.

The Last Word

S-Curve Records

Based on 231 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Last Word is the final album from the legendary group The O'Jays

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