The release of new R&B albums has been in abundance this year. We have been graced with projects from Pharrell (“G I R L”), Ruben Studdard (“Unconditional Love”), Aloe Blacc (“Lift Your Spirit “), Ledisi (“The Truth”), Ashanti (“Braveheart”), Kelis (“FOOD”), August Alsina (“Testimony”) and Toni Braxton and Babyface (“Love, Marriage & Divorce”), among others.
While we love each singer’s albums, we’re still hoping to receive even more great R&B from other artists.
In January, we shared a list of five singers whose albums we’re waiting to hear. This month, we asked our readers what albums they’re anticipating for the second half of this year. They’ve voiced their opinions via Facebook and Twitter and here is a list of singer’s that readers can’t wait to hear new music from.
Monica
Georgia-bred artist Monica is a music gem from the 90’s who has been able to expand her discography for almost 20 years.
After coming off the high of her fifth album ,“Still Standing,” the follow-up project, “New Life,” didn’t garner the same response as its previous release. We’re sure it wasn’t any sweat off the back of the “Take A Chance” singer.
Now, two years since her last studio effort, Mo is working nonstop on her seventh studio album. She’s had studio sessions with Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael-Cox and Miguel.
Earlier this year, the “So Gone” songstress teased her fans with lyrics to two songs, “Never Be” and “Destination.” Most recently, she shared a short teaser of an unfinished record titled, “Ocean of Tears.”
Usher
The next runner-up for R. Kelly’s “King of R&B” title, Usher has amazed fans with his musical evolution since his 1994 self-titled debut album.
Six albums later, the handsome father of two has accomplished more than most of his fellow R&B counterparts who started around the same time as he did.
His latest gig as a judge on “The Voice” has kept him in the public eye since the release of his last album, “Looking for Myself.” The album’s title definitely spoke truth as it was more pop-driven than his predecessors.
The RCA President of Urban Music Mark Pitts shared details on Usher’s eighth studio album. “I haven’t felt this way since ‘Confessions,’” told Pitts to Billboard. “I said to him, ‘We’re not going in to try to make a hit. Let’s go in there to try and make great music. This feels like a cohesive body of work. Last album, we started [Usher’s audience] off with ‘Climax.’ Then we smacked them in the face with some dance shit. But this album feels like it’s all from the same guy.”
Usher’s ‘Good Kisser’ Enters Top 20 On Urban Radio
The CEO of RCA Records, Peter Edge back the latter statement by declaring the R&B crooner’s new album is, “one of his best records.” This statement is proving to be true with Usher’s brand new single “Good Kisser,” which dropped last month.
Keyshia Cole
Keyshia Cole consistently releases good music. Since her debut album “The Way It Is,” she has kept it as real as possible on each record. Even with her happier albums “A Different Me,” and “Calling All Hearts,” she still remained transparent.
In 2012, the “Heaven Sent” singer released her fifth album “Woman to Woman,” which was deemed as her comeback album after her previous album “Calling All Hearts.”
The Mishandling of Keyshia Cole’s ‘Woman to Woman’ Album
For unknown reasons, she dropped the promotional ball for her project four months after its release. Now, with unfortunate circumstances fueling her sixth album “Point of No Return,” Cole hopes to reconnect with her core audience again, who adore the man-bashing anthems.
Keyshia Cole Says New Album Will Drop In July
Her new singles “Rick James” and “Next Time (Won’t Give My Heart Away)” haven’t raced up the charts yet. However, we can bet Cole wants this album to be accepted for its honesty more than its accolades.
The “Point of No Return” will mark her last album with longtime label Interscope Records.
Miguel
With only two albums under his belt, urban alternative crooner Miguel remains a hot topic in the R&B universe.
Since the release of his sophomore album “Kaleidoscope Dream,” the Grammy-nominated singer has been busy working his singles. In addition, he has lent his voice and writing skills to other singer’s tracks including Janelle Monáe’s “Primetime,” Mariah Carey’s “#Beautiful” and Beyoncé’s sensual song “Rocket.”
He also found himself on the soundtrack of HBO’s “Girls: Vol. 2″ and remaking Sir Elton John’s “Bennie & the Jets” with Wale.
Miguel Talks Third Studio Album
One could imagine that Miguel is creatively tapped out but he is not. In fact, he is working on his third studio album via RCA Records. He told VIBE earlier this year that his new album will focus on his hometown Los Angeles. He looks to include a classic rock sound into his new project as well.
Tank
Underrated soul crooner Tank truly makes up the essential characteristics of a superb R&B artist — a soulful voice and relatable lyrics.
Although he hasn’t reached the incredible commercial success of some of his R&B male counterparts, it doesn’t mean his artistry isn’t as great. However, that could change with his sixth studio album “Stronger.”
While his previous music collections such as “Force of Nature,” and “Sex, Love & Pain” feature a bulk of sad love songs, his new album focuses more on the upbeat side of love.
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“I’ve been trying to find my groove as a tempo artist for 14 years,” said Tank to The Hot 97’s Morning Show. “Now with this style and musicianship and these live strings and horns…that’s what I do in my sleep. The foundation of [my] music doesn’t have to be so locked in, [it] has to have potential to reach other people. Sad music [has] been my staple so now I’m on the brighter side of things. I’m feeling good about myself.”
Tank’s “Stronger” sounds promising. He even has fellow R&B colleague Joe excited about the new album. “I’m a big fan of Tank. I love his music,” said Joe to Rated RnB. “I would like to see him get more props than he’s getting. But eventually he will because the truth always prevails and I think Tank is the truth. Whatever he does, he’s a guy of perfection. So I know his album will be crazy.”
Sebastian Mikael :(Honorable Mention)
New wave R&B talent Sebastian Mikael has made a lot of noise in the music industry. Songs like “Take Me Higher,” and a cover of Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” got the eyes of critics to glance at him.
However, it wasn’t until the release of 2013’s “Last Night,” featuring Wale that folks paid attention to the incredible artist. He’s now followed up with “Forever,” and an EP titled, “Waiting Game.”
Sebastian Mikael Talks Debut Album, His New Song ‘Forever’ & Musical Inspirations
Earlier this year, Mikael shared the recording process of his debut album “Speechless” with UrbanBridgez.com. “I’ve been putting a lot of work in the project. We’ve been working on it for a minute and I didn’t really want to rush anything, you know what I mean. I want to make sure that when I release it, I feel great about it. That it’s nothing that I’m a little iffy about. I want to feel like I put out exactly what I needed to put out, the way I initially wanted to. So that’s where we’re at right now, we’re in the final stages of wrapping it up. I’m very very happy with it, so I’m excited.”
With Sade Adu, Marvin Gaye and Babyface as music inspirations, we can expect the debut set to be incredible. Mikael’s debut album “Speechless” will arrive on June 24.