10 Underrated R&B Albums of the Last 10 Years

Almost every year in music, there comes an album that massively overtakes the industry. It is praised, awarded, and received greatly not only by fans but critics as well. Yet, many times this leaves many other artists -- who release work during that year -- struggling to gain recognition for the blood, sweat, and tears that they put into an album. This article celebrates ten underrated albums, among many, of the past ten years that may have been overlooked due to either lack of promotion, being blindsided by the competition, or simply just being the underdog. Kelis- Tasty (2003)

With a set of seductive, sensual, and love filled tunes and production provided by the Neptunes, Kelis created a sound that was her own. With her husky alto flowing over staccato rhythmic break beats, it’s hard to understand why the “Milkshake" singer's album didn’t garner the same success of its lead single. Standout Tracks: "Milkshake," "Protect My Heart," "Millionaire," "Sugar Honey Iced Tea" Lyfe Jennings- Lyfe 268-192 ( 2004)

After winning five consecutive talent-showcases in 2003 -- at the Apollo Theater -- R&B/soul singer Lyfe Jennings released his debut album Lyfe 268-192 a year later. Lyfe 268-192 was recorded in a story-like format that lead listeners on a journey through love, lost, and redemption. Lyfe's honesty through lyrical conception was reminiscent of other great R&B albums from artists like Mary J. Blige ( My Life) , Lauryn Hill ( The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill ), and Marvin Gaye ( What's Going On ) . Even Lyfe’s voice was a refreshing sound to music during this time. It was raspy yet beautiful, muddled yet pure. This combination of lyrical and vocal honesty gave way to an astonishing set of songs that took one on a journey. Standout Tracks: "Must Be Nice," "Hypnotically," "Cry," "Made Up My Mind" Floetry- Flo ‘Ology (2005)

In 2002, during the height of neo-soul, Floetry was one of the groups to emerge. Composed of a singer and a poet, Floetry created a sound that has yet to be duplicated. With their sophomore album -- and final release -- Flo ‘Ology, they continued to merge the sounds of Hip-Hop, R&B, spoken word, and Soul music together as they continued to stay true to the core of their sound. Standout Tracks: "My Apology," "Lay Down," "Feelings," "Sometimes U Make Me Smile" Monica- The Makings of Me (2006)

When Mary J. Blige released Breakthrough in 2005, it seemed that she left a musical void for the everyday woman scorned; that is until a year later when Monica released The Makings of Me . With this album Monica gave us the unadulterated Atlanta girl that we fell in love with on her debut album Miss Thang . Her approach to each song was raw and unplugged. Whether it was about being in love, partying, or setting a guy straight, she made you feel each lyric. Although this album wasn’t a commercial success -- compared to her earlier releases -- it's one of those albums that any true R&B lover would adore. Standout Tracks: "Sideline Ho," "Why Her?," "Hell No (Leave Home)," "Raw" Kelly Rowland- Ms. Kelly (2007)

In 2007, Kelly Rowland declared that she was “gonna bump like this” and that she did. Ms. Kelly served as the Destiny's Child singer's sophomore album. Straying away from the pop-friendly sound that dominated her solo debut, Kelly brought out an edgier and more sensual sound that fit magically with her voice . Ms. Kelly is Kelly Rowland’s most urban album to date. Standout Tracks: "Like This," "Still In Love with My Ex," "Better Without You," "This Is Love" Solange Knowles - Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008)

“Get me get me out of this box. I feel so claustrophobic in here,” is the soul-freeing phrase Solange Knowles declared on her sophomore release, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams . The set of 60’s and 70’s inspired tunes was unlike anything else that was released around its time. Solange commanded the album with light, airy, yet powerful vocals with songs that dealt with situations such as love, one night stands, dysfunctional relationships, and even the state of our society. This album was a declaration of freedom for Solange who many compared to her superstar sister Beyoncé an emancipation that stands as one of the best albums of the past ten years. Standout Tracks: "T.O.N.Y.," "I Decided pt. 1," "Valentine’s Day," "Cosmic Journey" LeToya Luckett- Lady Love (2009)

LeToya Luckett is truly the child of destiny. Her rise to fame as an original member of group Destiny's Child was just the beginning of her success. In 2006, LeToya released her debut album, which skyrocketed to No.1, making her the second member of Destiny's Child make that accomplishment. However, it was her sophomore album, Lady Love , that truly showed her artistic and vocal capabilities. Lady Love was an exceptional album, which infused Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop. On Lady Love, LeToya appears confident, powerful, and skillful. She showcases all the great qualities of her voice and knows when to power through and when to restrain. Even though Lady Love was not as successful as its predecessor, it will always be seen as her breakthrough record. Standout Tracks: "She Ain’t Got…" "Good to Me," "Regret," "Take Away Love" Keke Wyatt- Who Knew? (2010)

Before she was deemed an “R&B Diva” by TV ONE, Keke Wyatt was known as the protégé of Avant in 2001. Nine years later after a public court battle and two shelved albums, she emerges with Who Knew? This album is truly an R&B gem that takes listeners on a journey of a new-found love. Keke’s voice is the focal point throughout the album. She commands each song with ease, as if there is no note that she cannot hit. With Who Knew? Keke affirms that she is indeed entitled to walk in the footsteps of the R&B divas who paved the way for her. Standout Tracks: "Who Knew," "Daydreaming," "Weakest," "Never Give Up" Kelly Price- Kelly (2011)

In amidst of Beyonce’s 4 , Adele’s 21 , and Mary J. Blige’s My Life II , Kelly Price released her fifth album, Kelly. The album, which was nominated for three Grammy awards, took its listeners on a journey of a love, lost, and self reevaluation. It's not just Kelly’s amazing vocal ability that captivates listeners, but it’s the immaculate lyrical delivery that takes you to a place of truth, pain, and happiness. Kelly displays everything that we love about Kelly Price: her voice, her honesty, and her soul. Standout Tracks: "Tired," "The Rain," "Speechless," "Get Right or Get Left" SWV - I Missed Us (2012)

SWV was one of the emerging 90's R&B groups who helped usher groundbreaking sound of New Jack Swing. With hits like “Weak," “Right Here/Human Nature," and “Use Your Hear,t” they became one of the most beloved female groups of the 90’s. After disbanding in 1998, they reunited 14 years later in the new world of R&B. On their latest album, I Missed Us, SWV gave many of us the sound that we have missed in modern R&B. They conjoined the classic sound of 90’s R&B with a modern-day edge bringing a refreshing sound to a mundane music scene. Standout Tracks: "Co-Sign," "I Missed Us," "Time to Go," "If Only You Knew"

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