Written by Nicole Queen
As we reach the end of June, we began to close out the first two quarters of album releases. This has been a busy 1st half of 2015, with over 200+ albums releasing in just the first six months. If given the opportunity, I would choose a top 30 but I have to narrow it down to a top 10 of the year thus far. Now, let me give this disclaimer: these albums are in NO particular order and are simply my OWN opinion. If you can relate, thank you! If you cannot, I hope that you will dive into these artists and give them a listen. Now, let's hop into it!
To
Pimp A Butterfly was released March 15, 2015 and was probably one of the
highly anticipated albums of the year.
Say what you want but, Kendrick has revived conscious rap and brought it
back into the mainstream. He has simply made it cool again. Kendrick produced a
social statement that pushed the limits of artistry, religion and race, just to
name a few. This entire album also revived the sweet soul feel of FUNK, this
entire album is laced with soul beats and it simply cannot get any better than
that. This generation needed an album to this caliber, a ture soulful album in
Hip-Hop.
Favorite Track: You Ain’t Gotta Lie(MommaSaid)
Allen Stone’s album Radius was released May 26, 2015. The grizzly face white Maxwell
from Chewelaw, Washington is nothing but
SOUL. I was just recently introduced to
him and had the opportunity to see him live, I was automatically sold. His
presence on stage matches his presence of his musical tracks; both pure genius.
This album is conducted with instruments and raw vocals this is the way REAL
R&B/Soul should be.
Favorite Track: The Wire
Released February 17, 2015, the love king
has picked up where he left off. This album has incorporated the listener to be
able to travel back to the future with an uncanny touch of 90s R&B
throughout the album. Tastefully Devaughn delivers passion, lust, soul and love
thru each track; I can honestly say this album has me left wanting more.
Many know Charlie Wilson as the lead singer
of the Gap Band or to the newer generation simply as “Uncle Charlie”. Forever
Charlie released January 27, 2015 is the 7th solo album from
Wilson, keeping in mind that I am a young buck but Uncle Charlie carries
something for everyone on this album. Throughout this album you can catch
nostalgic melodies ring thru this album with some remnants of the Gap Band
hidden in the tracks. Love songs mixed with funk and soul has always been
Wilson’s specialty and he does not fall short of showing this on this album. Forever Charlie is a true statement, I will forever rock with
Charlie as long as he continues to deliver like this.
Favorite Track: Infectious ft. Snoop Dogg
This album was released February 13, 2015
(my actual birthday!) and it came as a surprise to listeners across the
world. In ordinary Drake fashion this
album displayed an equal balance of “Turn up” jams and “Draking & Driving”
(cursing the city with your latest ex on your mind) jams. As stated earlier
there was virtually no promotion but Drake was able to reach over 500,000 the
first week of album sales. Drake has been consistent with songs that can grow
on you right away and I possibly believe this could be his best project thus
far.
Favorite Track: Legend
Choose
Your Weapon was released May 4, 2015 by the four-piece band from down
under. Surprisingly, I got introduced to this band kind of late but late is
better than never. Hiatus Kayote brings an original sound; they are something
I’ve never heard before. Their mixture of R&B, soul and funk is combined so
tastefully on every track throughout this album. Lead singer Nai Palm voice
alone will melt your ears, you can trace her voice almost reminiscent to Bille
Holiday or India Aire. This band is so ahead of their time, hints to why they
made the list.
Favorite Track: Shaolin Monk Motherfunk
Released March 31, 2015, I am deeming this
album my wildcard. The world has not had a Jodeci
album since 1995 but they made a worthy return this year. Let’s first start
with saying modern R&B owes these guys everything. This album is no
surprise to longtime Jodeci fans like
me. This album fights right in with their three previous albums produced by
this collective group.
Favorite Track: Sho Out
Jazmine Sullivan released Reality Show on January 13,2015 and has shown that she still has it after a three year hiatus. This album does indeed match the title, Sullivan takes you on a ride portraying different characters throughout this album. As you already know Sullivan's voice is a power house and with the mix of killer melodies and foundations you will be without a doubt hooked to each song. Many of us have been longing for something from Jazmine for a long time. I'm glad she's back to satisfy that hunger.
Favorite Track: Let It Burn
Tamia’s Love
Life is her 6th studio album and on this album she is dropping
gems. I am not married (yet) but throughout this album she makes marriage sound
sexy! Just as Tamia’s vocals her beats correspond to the sweetness of her
voice. Tamia proudly creates anthems for monogamy and I am completely for sold
off of this album.
Favorite Track: Lipstick
Versatility! How can I emphasize this word
enough? This fusion band displays this ever so easily. Sylva, is the 9th album released by Snarky Puppy and
this band is all about physically taking you on a ride with their melodic
grooves. This album satisfies on a conceptual, visceral, emotional and musical
level.
Favorite Track: Flight
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