Kainalu Looks on the Bright Side with “Intuitions / Inhibitions” (premiere)
Kainalu’s warm style of simmering psychedelic yacht-funk powers “Intuitions / Inhibitions” with its nourishing blend of style and substance.
alternative r&b
Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Is a Post-Covid Soiree and Massive PR Campaign
While Renaissance occasionally sports more style than substance, Beyoncé emerges as the re-coronated Queen of Pop and the reigning regent of eclecticism.
‘Aaliyah’: The Legacy of the Perfect R&B/Pop Record
Aaliyah’s patented brand of Black pop, a mélange of hip-hop, electropop, and soul, set the standard by which other urban-pop singers were judged and set the stage for Beyonce and Rihanna.
James Blake Live in Berlin – Fully Grown
British genre-bender James Blake dazzles a rapturous crowd in a heartfelt return to the stage in Berlin.
Shamir Thrills with New Album ‘Heterosexuality’
Pop renaissance man Shamir channels trauma, rage, and feelings of angst, and in response to our troubled times, he’s released an album of uncommon beauty.
Featured: Top of Home Page/Features/Lists/Music/Music Features/PopMatters Picks/The Best Music of 2021
The 15 Best R&B/Soul Albums of 2021
In these challenging times, soul and R&B walked tall and carried a big stick, while also being a much-needed balm and source of warmth in 2021.
Jordan Rakei’s Thrilling ‘What We Call Life’ Is Destined to Be a Classic
Jordan Rakei has a gorgeous voice that’s soulful and thrilling, and his latest album What We Call Life is easily one of the best of the year.
ANISE Calls on “Black Eve” to Save Us (premiere)
ANISE offers a sumptuous and sensuous tribute to what she calls “the Divine Feminine Power” on “Black Eve”, the title single from her forthcoming debut EP.
Brandon Markell Holmes and Rogue Vogue Make a Stunning “Garden” (premiere)
Chicago’s Brandon Markell Holmes and Rogue Vogue create gorgeous, moving, forward-looking electrosoul on “Garden”.
Yola Brilliantly Expands Her Soulful Sound on ‘Stand For Myself’
Yola’s first album found an adoring audience in the Americana world. She’s expanded her repertoire on Stand For Myself as she gets ever more soulful.
Cautious Clay Offers a Sophisticated Take on Love with ‘Deadpan Love’
On Cautious Clay’s Deadpan Love, the music is always infectious and the subliminal message has an erotic aura.
Hiatus Kaiyote’s ‘Mood Valiant’ Is a Rich and Vibrant Return
Following six turbulent years, Australia’s Hiatus Kaiyote return with their third LP of neo-soul virtuosity, Mood Valiant. It’s effortlessly likable and rich with heart and soul.
