As 2022 nears its end, it's great to reflect and be grateful for what we've received. Last week, we started to look at some of the top R&B albums including Steve Lacy's "Gemini Rights" and Alex Isley's "Marigold." Continuing this, here are the next best R&B projects of the year.
10. “Flora+Fana” by Fana Hues
Fana Hues has slowly been making a name for herself since her feature on Tyler the Creator’s “Call Me If You Get Lost.” Her sophomore project “Flora+Fana” is a display of her warm majestic sound and her brilliant songwriting skills.
With themes of relationships and personal growth, Fana creates beautiful songs such as “Wild Horses,” “Pieces,” and “BAD bad.” Though this project may not have grossed as much attention as the following albums, the quality of “Flora+Fana” sets the bar so high.
9. “Age Sex Location” by Ari Lennox
While R&B was originally a male-dominated genre, their female contemporaries have slowly but surely become the face of the sound. Ari Lennox is one of those leading the charge in this new generation of singers.
Her sound stems from 90s neo-soul, but mixed with some modern production, you get songs like “Pressure,” “Hoodie,” and “POF.”
This album consists of Ari’s powerful vocal range, quality production, and even a duet in “Boy Bye” ft. Lucky Daye. “Age/Sex/Location” is a story of the turmoil and frustrations with love told by Ari’s vintage and flirtatious vocals.
8. “Candydrip” by Lucky Daye
Released back in March, “Candydrip'' was the follow-up to Lucky Daye’s debut project “Painted.” After gaining radio play from his hit single “Over,” Daye released a sensual upbeat album as sweet as candy. Including the deluxe, there are 21 songs with features from Smino, Lil Durk, and Chiiild. With his soul-pop sound, he cultivated an album that could balance fun and imitancy. “Feels Like,” ”NWA,” and “F****n’ Sound” are some of the better tracks on this album.
7.” Caprisongs” by FKA Twigs
All the albums beforehand were spectacular, but here is where the heavy hitters come in.
“Caprisongs” mixtape is not your conventional R&B project as it takes pop and electronic club elements. After it was released, this ambitious EP was called a project of the year contender by fans. High-profile artists like The Weeknd, Daniel Caesar, Jorja Smith, and others help Twigs in her standout performance. Not only amazing production, but Twig's angelic voice is also one to be revered.
6.” Watch the Sun” by PJ Morton
What makes “Watch the Sun” stand out even more than the rest of this list is that PJ Morton has been releasing music for nearly two decades now. Ignoring his work with Maroon 5, Morton has worked with some of the best in the industry.
Thanks to its gospel-inspired sound and soulful melodies, Morton produced an organic sound. It can capture an animated feel similar to Jon Batiste's “We Are.” Featuring Stevie Wonder, Alex Isley, Jill Scott, and more, “Watch the Sun” is full of life.
This year has been one of the most exciting years in music since 2016. As we are nearly done wrapping up this list, it only makes me more excited about what's to come in 2023! Check out next week's article for my top five R&B album's of 2022.
