Rhythm and Blues has entered an age of resurgence as artists release new projects with a 21st-century twist on the genre. Here are some of the recent projects that are ushering in a new era and confirming that R&B isn’t dead.
“Black Rainbows” by Corinne Bailey Rae
British singer Corinne Bailey Rae’s fourth studio album, “Black Rainbows,” has now arrived seven years after her last one.
Popular tracks such as “New York Transit Queen,” “Peach Velvet Sky” and “Red Horse” feature fusions of garage rock and futuristic R&B, worlds away from her typical contemporary sound.
The album is best described as Bailey Rae’s personal renaissance with themes such as racism, resilience and revelation showcasing her ability to transform lived experiences into music.
Bailey Rae hopes listeners can be inspired to embrace change and believe in the human capacity to change for the better.
“Individuals have the ability to wake up one day and change their minds,” said Bailey Rae in an interview with The Sun. “Knowing that people can start again and have a complete change of heart on things is what gives me hope.”
“Jaguar II” by Victoria Monet
“Jaguar II” is Victoria Monet’s debut studio album, but she is no newcomer to the world of music. The Sacramento native has a long history of writing for other artists and a series of EPs under her belt.
“Jaguar II” merely cements her reputation as a multi-dimensional creative. Tracks such as “Smoke,” “Alright” and “On My Mama” feature fun, sensual and confident lyricism, while more passionate ballads such as “How Does It Make You Feel” and “I’m The One” are soulful and appeal to listeners’ inner hopeless romantics.
Only 35 minutes long, the album still manages to depict the highs and lows of womanhood and fame. With her journey of self-discovery being seamlessly encompassed in 11 songs and a sold-out accompanying tour, it seems Monet is embracing stardom and everything that comes with it.
“BB/ANG3L” by Tinashe
Tinashe’s sixth studio album, “BB/ANG3L,” has a personal approach that manages to be emotionally raw and stylish at the same time. The seven-track project has no features and reveals the singer’s preference for quality over quantity.
“I really wanted people to appreciate every single one of those seven songs,” said Tinashe in an interview with PEOPLE.
“BB/ANG3L” possesses a futuristic funk, with Tinashe singing and rapping on the tracks. Tracks such as “Talk To Me Nice,” “Uh Huh” and “Needs” have confident undertones and alluring harmonies that make the listening experience feel as if you’re in conversation with Tinashe herself.
This project’s experimental sound paired with seductive but subtle lyricism suggests a new chapter in the singer’s artistry. You never really know what to expect next from Tinashe, but that’s what ultimately sets her apart.
“Heaven” by Cleo Sol
British songstress Cleo Sol reaches new musical heights with her third studio album, “Heaven.” Announced just days before its release, “Heaven” brings a more introspective sound than its predecessors and reveals how transformative experiences have shaped Cleo Sol’s artistic approach.
As she matures and grows wiser, the singer takes listeners along for the ride by exploring self-love, motherhood and life lessons through tracks such as “Go Baby,” “Old Friends” and “Golden Child (Jealous).”
“Heaven” contains a powerful message about seeking salvation in oneself and understanding that there is strength in vulnerability. Underneath Cleo Sol’s seemingly simple balladry is a lifetime of wins, losses and changes that have made her the artist and person she is today.
“Writing my truth is sometimes difficult, but it’s freeing, and having you support me pushes me to be brave,” said Cleo Sol to her fans in a recent tweet.
