the best r&b albums of 2023
In conversation with a family member who grew up in the ‘90s, the decade blessed with an abundance of remarkable music in the world of R&B, the enthralling topic of the current state of the genre and its trajectory was analyzed in depth. We’re saving that specific general topic for a more comprehensive article later on in early 2024, but wanted to preface this Best of 2023 list by stating that we think our most beloved genre of music is in one of the most beautiful, plentiful, healthy, and positive phases that R&B has ever seen. While that may sound controversial for most R&B lovers, especially those reading this who grew up in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, take a moment to not only uncover the reasons we strongly feel this way but also to discover some incredible albums and artists you may not be familiar with.
The following list contains the Top 10 Best R&B Albums of 2023, my absolute favorite genre of music, from the eyes and ears of an R&B enthusiast, student, and long-time soul music lover (since my birth in 1995). The criteria? Three simplistic pillars: quality, quantity, and longevity. Does the album have incredible songwriting and production? How many really good songs are on the album - versus a couple of popular ones, while the overwhelming majority is - ehh, let’s just say okay, at best. And, most importantly, will I be returning to the project in a month, several months, or even a year from the day it was released?
You’ll see some familiar names and may even recognize some of their songs and albums from the past. However, I’m very confident, and hopeful, that the further down you scroll the more you’ll learn about some of the newer artists who’ve released groundbreaking projects this year. The top 10 list is followed by an honorable mention section since there were numerous projects I constantly revisited all year round, all of whom, may I add, are featured on narrative’s After Hours playlist via Apple Music. It was such a magnificent year for musical consumption in the R&B space, and for that, we send endless gratitude to all artists who continue to push the needle and create phenomenal art, at times when we seemingly need it the most. Cheers to more experimental creativity, timely delivery, and an abundance of triumphs in 2024.
It’s been two years since Ms. Cleo Sol dropped a full-length project, leaving devoted fans yearning for another album filled with love, devotion, and vital life lessons in the same fashion that her stellar project titled Mother, delivered. Her albums Heaven and Gold, released only two weeks apart from each other in September, were both filled with signature angelic vocals and soft melodies that latch exceedingly close to her distinct lane of sensually serene R&B, a path she’s seemingly mastered so early on in her youthful career. The title track for the first album of the two releases instantly became my favorite, especially after the “car test”. Heaven is reminiscent of the primal Rose in the Dark feel that many of us were introduced to back in 2020, the album that initially reeled me in as a Cleo fan. “God sent you here from Heaven,” she sings as she voices intimate praise, giving all glory to God. On Gold, although most of the tracks remain on brand regarding her soft melodic sound, this particular album raises the vocal stakes just a tad bit higher for me, which is why I enjoyed it slightly more than her Heaven project.
In different pockets, flows and cadences, she explores a slightly bolder, more aggressive tone - in the most Cleo Sol way (couldn’t ever picture her being angry). The first three songs embody this, especially Reason, which is my personal favorite song from her this year. The only reason she’s at number 10 on this list is because the other nine albums had a higher quantity of high-quality songs, which we’ll get to shortly. All in all, her two autumn projects were more than satisfactory for me, considering a nearly two-year solo absence. I look forward to hearing the next project from Miss Cleo sooner than later.
If there were a “surprise” award on this list in terms of artists I wasn’t aware of, or a project I didn’t expect to be as incredible as it turned out to be, DESTIN CONRAD snags the trophy without a doubt. SUBMISSIVE, released just a few days before Halloween, brings a masterful sound that’s reminiscent, for me, of Lucky Daye’s Candydrip album released last year in 2022. Experimental from the very beginning with moderately tropical guitars and soulful drums that hone in perfectly on the sharp voice of the artist, MARIPOSA kicks off the project on a tranquil yet defining tone, making sure the target audience feels the dilemma at hand.
The other standouts for me were OFF DAT SHIT (FREESTYLE), a playful and liberating segway off of the album opener, LOW TIDE, and OUTTA CONTROL. My instant favorite, one that I added to Narrative’s After Hours playlist only a few seconds into the track, is LUV N DEVOTION. Just picture yourself in the tropics on an island of your choice, maybe Jamaica, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Aruba, etc, and you’re singing, drinking, and laughing by the beach with your significant other living your best life. This song is guaranteed to fit perfectly in the background of that vision. The album altogether was a spectacular surprise, considering I wasn’t too familiar with DESTIN before it. Make no mistake, after this album, a much larger audience is aware of him now and will be privy to him moving forward.
The man needs no introduction. Decades into one of the most polarizing careers the music industry as a whole has ever seen, it’s no surprise for Chris Brown to make any and every “best of” list whenever he drops a project. The 34-year-old R&B icon rarely releases full-length studio albums in back-to-back years, mainly staying at the top of the charts by way of captivating features and singles year-round. However, after 2022’s Breezy release, he showed up once again in the middle of autumn with a 22-song album that was light on features and heavy on euphonious production and stellar solo performances lyrically and vocally.
11:11 re-introduces the “old” Chris Brown to newer, more modern fans who aren’t familiar with albums like F.A.M.E., and the “newer” Breezy to older fans who’ve long been harping on the old sounds of Brown since the Exclusive days but aren’t too familiar with more recent projects such as Indigo. 11:11 is a happy medium for both sides of the spectrum, delivering traditional and sensual R&B ballads such as “Best Ever” featuring Maeta (who is featured later on at the top of this list), while also continuing to push the evolution of R&B forward with Afro-Centric influenced tracks such as “Sensational” featuring Davido & Lojay, and the first single released from the album “Summer Too Hot”. My favorite song was a tough choice, but I ultimately have to go with “Press Me”, which sits at track #3 on the album. The car test on that one was a fun time, and I may or may not have replayed it over a dozen times. Congrats to Chris on another incredible project.
One of two OVO artists featured on this list, the Majid Jordan duo has been providing the realm of R&B with some magnificent songs and albums that have a probing alternative approach to its sound and overall brand. Good People, which was later re-released with After Hours as a double disc, an old project from years ago that day 1 fans remember very well, shows a different side to the group than that of 2021’s Wildest Dreams. On it, there’s no shortage of mellow vocals and empathic penmanship from singer and songwriter Majid Al Maskati, complimenting some of the most polished moderately soulful beats and instruments from producer, engineer, and songwriter Jordan Ullman. Violet and Hands Tied, the initial singles released before the album, are more rock-reminiscent, with guitar strings that sway you back and forth throughout the songs.
The standout track was listed in my top 5 most played songs of the year, according to my Apple Music yearly wrap-up. That speaks volumes considering the album was a later autumn release. Waiting For You featuring Naomi Sharon, who’s also featured in this list, received numerous plays in just a short time, especially on scenic evening drives. In its entirety, Good People / After Hours had only a few skips, leaving the majority of records I overly enjoyed on repeat from the day it was released till the foreseeable future. Side note - I got to see these guys perform a few weeks ago out in Brooklyn… and the show was absolutely incredible. Highly recommend getting out and experiencing it yourself if you ever have the chance.
When the stunning singer and songwriter from the UK released her single “Little Things” back in May, I assumed that the then-forthcoming project would follow suit of blockbuster acts such as Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, and Drake, in the sense that it would be more of a dance album rather than her contemporary R&B sound. The single was a success, to say the least, though it wasn’t indicative of what was to come from Jorja Smith. Falling or Flying, Smith’s sophomore effort is a timely reassurance that when it comes to articulating the world as you see it through elite penmanship and powerful vocals that reel you in upon pressing play, Jorja ranks amongst the best.
Her return back to the musical spotlight following 2018’s Lost & Found has been wonderful to witness, delivering fans around the world a project filled with first-class production, rhythmic drums, hazy keyboards, and the same celestial voice that many of us fell in love with over half a decade ago. All of this, amidst a whirlwind of unjust public opinions about her life outside of music. While the beginning of the album starts particularly powerfully with songs like “Try Me”, “Little Things'', and “Feelings” featuring fellow UK act J Hus, one of my favorite songs on the album, her lyrical prowess shines the deeper you dive into the album. The second half of the project contains songs such as “Broken is the Man”, a prime example of premium articulation on relationships and tribulations. My favorite song on the album, however, is the title track - Falling or flying. Daring to love, and be loved fearlessly, she pleads “I know you care, but please don’t take it easy on me, babe”. From top to bottom, I really enjoyed this project, especially when I visited London back in June and heard “Little Things” all over the radio the entire week and a half I was out there. It was beautiful to witness and to listen to.
“I know it’s been a while since you heard from me”, 6LACK sings in “Inwood Hill Park”, track number two on his long-awaited and highly anticipated junior album. The difference we see in Since I Have a Lover regarding his alternative R&B sound, a lane he’s displayed an innate talent for from the beginning of his career, is the confidence he now moves with. The sureness in his delivery from different pockets, the hooks he orchestrates, and the creativity in his verses pop out from the speakers in a subtle yet assuring tone, as if to announce he’s officially mastered his sound and aesthetic if anyone was even questioning that.
While most of the album contained soothing guitars in a blend of soulful slow rock, several tracks are reminiscent of the old contemporary R&B sound 6LACK delivered in East Atlanta Love Letter. “Fatal Attraction” “Temporary” featuring Don Toliver, and “preach” provided those familiar feels, adding nostalgia to the project. The standout record built its own momentum over time for me, eventually placing itself in my top 15 most-played songs of the year, according to Apple Music. “Stories In Motion” featuring Wale arrives later in the album, bringing the project around to a more reflective, graceful, and brutally honest ending. Wale delivers a commanding poetic verse full of witty puns, catchphrases, and rhymes that aren’t supposed to rhyme, but sound good in a sentence nonetheless. This project aged like wine over time, and is perfect for a scenic walk or nighttime drive. I also got the chance to see 6LACK perform live in New York City, and the vibe was miraculous. I urge fans to get out and go see him perform whenever the next opportunity arrives.
“I wish the younger me could see me now”, sung on “301 Freestyle” featuring Phil Ade, is something many of us imagine saying at the pinnacle of our goals, careers, and life paths. For the creative, compounding, and mysterious duo that is THEY., exploration across different genres and sounds while creating soulful projects still true to R&B. Nu Moon, the 3rd full-length album by THEY., is one of the more well-put together projects I’ve heard all year. With records that can potentially serve multiple crowds across the diverse spectrum of R&B, there’s guaranteed to be a handful of pleasurable tracks for various audiences to enjoy.
Songs such as “In The Mood” featuring Yung Bleu, and “Moonlight” are perfect for the car ride on your way to a date, or a relaxing night in the crib with your boo as you both laugh while playing spades and sipping some wine. For those who enjoy a nice dose of toxicity every now and then, you’ll want to press play on “Wait On Me” featuring Kacey Musgraves. The chorus sings “I’m cuffed up, when I break free, I’m comin’ for your heart, just wait on me, babe.” Spicy. My favorite song on the album, another tough decision, was the first single to be released from the project. “Blu Moon” speaks to the talent and potential that THEY. bring to the world of contemporary R&B. One of my favorite records of the year, and an absolute vibe on that late night drive, date night, commute home from work, or Sunday cleaning session at the crib. Congrats to Dante Jones and Andrew Neely, the duo that makes up THEY., on an incredible project.
Stepping out from the mysteriously darker phase that was WASTELAND, filled with gloomy themes like toxicity, infidelity, betrayal, egotistical dilemmas, and mischief, the premiere contemporary R&B act of our day has taken a deep dive back into the adventurous playboy lifestyle we’re accustomed to. Right from the beginning in “Tim’s Intro” we hear Brent Faiyaz in a braggadocious Hollywood-like frame of mind, which is more of an authentic reflection considering the fact that he’s indeed more famous than he’s ever been, especially after releasing a #1 debut album last year. Indeed one would feel Larger Than Life, in all aspects, from an album cover that reflects these emotions, to a feature with the legendary Missy Elliott who displayed why she’s a walking monument on “Last One Left”. What impressed me the most about this album was the production and variety of sounds he experimented with, beats that are utterly distinct from the frequent tracks produced by the Sonder camp. It was interesting to listen to him on productions you normally wouldn’t imagine him writing to, and even more interesting to find out how well it worked by the end of the project. I randomly want to take time to highlight an incredible skit titled “Big Mad Skit” performed excellently by Princess Cro & Flee. All my people from the DMV would appreciate that piece, in particular.
With that said, a Brent album wouldn’t be a Brent album without some toxicity. My top 3 favorite songs on the project are as follows: “Wherever I Go”, “Best Time”, and “Pistachios”. Ironically, Pistachios was my 3rd most-played song of the year, according to Apple Music. These tracks display much of the exciting new production I previously mentioned, mixed with the old lyrical wit and playboy storytelling we’re accustomed to hearing from Brent. Features from Coco Jones, Babyface Ray, and the A$AP family altogether tie this fresh, bold, and fulfilling project in a creative knot, catered to R&B lovers far and wide. One of my favorite Brent projects thus far, and I’m looking forward to the next one. Congrats to the whole Sonder team.
The atmosphere that surrounds this album could be described as alluring, vulnerable, organic, and elated. All throughout When I Hear Your Name, dazzling songstress Maeta, whose beauty inside and out is as rare as is the probability of releasing a nearly flawless project, provides sensuous vocals and sincerity, at times confessing to past mistakes and current temptations she faces. This album is utterly amazing in its sequencing alone, starting strong with an amorous duet featuring the great James Faunterloy, staying strong through songs 2 & 3, then landing at Control Freak, the Ambré featured ballad that speaks, in detail, of what it's like dealing with someone who only enjoys being in absolute control. Once we get to “F**k Your Friend” is where the project gets even more creative and pleasurable, as Maeta bravely voices the petty side that lives within her talented and candid pen.
Features from James Fauntleroy, Lucky Daye, Ambré, Ty Dolla $ign, and more add phenomenally talented star power to an already incredible performance just by her solo songs on this album. My favorite song on Maeta’s When I Hear Your Name is again a close and tough choice. But, if I had to decide - it’d be ASMR. The car drives I’ve had while listening to that record felt like I practically teleported to my destination, utterly lost in the music and sound of her voice in front of implausible production. Undoubtedly talented, Maeta’s young career before this year hasn’t reached the eyes and ears of mainstream music and media, yet. After the year she’s had - following an illustrious album and marvelous features on songs with artists who have massive followings, there’s no doubt that everything has changed for her, in the best possible ways. Kudos to her for having a thoroughly gorgeous year.
Not since Summer Walker’s Over It have I been this blown away by a full-length studio debut album. And by blown away, I genuinely mean that after the first listen - I sat in my car in awe over the fact that there was not one song on this project I didn’t like. Not one. Obsidian, released by OVO Sound’s Naomi Sharon, the latest artist signed to Drake’s label, is not only my favorite R&B album of the year, but pound for pound my favorite project of 2023. The first single from the album, Another Life, finally introduced us to a female OVO act, something that many fans have been waiting on for a long time. I liked the song initially and instantly playlisted it, but admittedly wasn’t ecstatic about a full project. The single didn’t necessarily jump out the speakers in a special way, nor did it provide insight into what was to come.
Then October arrived, a month that was filled to the brim with star-studded album releases, announcements, and singles rollouts. This is the primary reason I think many people either completely missed the launch of this album, or didn’t give it proper time and attention to let the miraculously warm, soulful, and spiritual Obsidian settle into their musical palettes. This album sits at numero uno for me not only because I deeply like each and every song on it, but, dare I say, it is extremely reminiscent of my favorite artist of all time, Sade Adu. Before I get called crazy and I’m told that I’ve taken it too far - please listen to “If This Is Love”, “Myrrh”, “Extacy” and “Hills”. Many of the songs on this album could blend in perfectly with classic albums that were released decades ago, such as Love Deluxe and Lovers Rock, all the while staying true to the contemporary alternative sound that Naomi Sharon has seemingly mastered so early in her career. Her echoing vocals that ooze with warmth are a match made perfectly when you hear her navigating between valleys of sharply produced tracks that rush you with a flurry of emotions, feelings of love, loss, reflection, and hope. My favorite song on the album is “Lucid Dreamer”, a song that I’ll frequently be returning to for the foreseeable future. Obsidian is my definition of an album with no skips and tops off my “Best Albums of 2023” list with grace at #1. I encourage all R&B lovers to give it a spin - and let the narrative know your thoughts. Congratulations to Naomi Sharon and the entire OVO Sound team on an extraordinary album.
honorable mentions
Kudos to the following remarkable artists who also released phenomenal projects this year. Please make sure to give them a listen on all streaming platforms:
Coco Jones - What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe)
Summer Walker - Clear 2: Soft Life EP
Chxrry22 - Siren
Avenoir - NOIRE
Che Ecru - I Cant Focus
BJ The Chicago Kid - Gravy
Phabo - Don’t Get Too Crazy
Arin Ray - Phases 3
Kamari - A Brief Nirvana
Leon Thomas - Electric Dusk
