10)Lauryn Hill-The Miseducation of Lauryn
Hill: Its no doubt that this album is a classic. U may wonder why it’s so far
back. Well technically it’s not; it made my top ten. Some consider this a rap
album, but its really not. The songs are an incredible mix of mostly singing
and potent rapping.
9)Janelle Monae-The ArchAndroid: Janelle is
an incredibly talented artist. This album is a concept album, and its executed extremely
well. Just about every song is very entertaining. Some of songs really blend
together. She also raps here and there too. The production is also good, with
some super futuristic beats.
8)Frank Ocean-channel Orange : Frank Ocean’s
debut album is a new favorite of mine. The album has incredible cohesion
between the songs. “Thinkin About You” is great, but I really like “Pyramids”
and “Lost”. Ocean paints vivid pictures with his lyrics, and his vocals are no
joke either. It also surprised me that Tyler, the creator, did not show up on
any songs. Perhaps that was a good thing.
7)Keyshia Cole-Just Like You: Keyshia’s 2nd
album is her best, hands down. The album just has that classic yet Contemporary
sound. There’s nothin but quality songs
here like “Let It Go”, “Heaven Sent” and “Shoulda Let You Go”. The guest list
is pretty short as well which includes Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, and even T.I. and
Young Dro.
6)Aaliyah(S.T.)-Aaliyah’s last album is her
best in my opinion. The production from Tiimbaland is terrific and fresh.
Aaliyah does her thing across this album. Concept wise its basic R&B but
her vocal dexterity is very noteworthy. Highlights include “Rock the Boat”, “We
Need a Resolution”, “What If”, and “More Than a Woman”
5)Toni Braxton(S.T.)-This is easily one of
the best R&B albums ever made. Sure its old, but there’s no guest spots and
Toni still does a great job. The song’s themes vary from in love songs to
breakups. “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe
Again” are the best songs, but there’s plenty of great ones here.
4)Ne-Yo- In My Own Words: I remember when I
first got this album. I wasn’t let down at all. This is his best album so far, I
don’t know if he can make another album of this caliber(Even though the others are
good too). “Sexy Love” is one of my favorite R&B song period. There’s a lot
to like on this album, including the production. “Mirror” is another terrific
song.
3)Usher-Confessions(Special Edition): Of
course Usher’s best album would be in the top 5. There are so many quality
songs here from “Burn” “Confessions Parts 1 and 2”, “Yeah” and “Caught Up”. This
special edition also includes “My Boo” with Alicia Keys and personal favorite
of mine, “Red Light”. Ursher baby!
2)Beyonce-B-day: Okay, let me be clear.
This album could have been #1 but well…..there aren’t really any flaws here.
Beyonce is in her prime and on point.
There’s “Ring the Alarm” and the ladies anthem “Irreplaceable” to keep
us fellas in check. Then there’s 2 songs with Jay-z that are both very good( “Déjà
vu” and Upgrade U). Then there’s an extended version of the Swizz Beatz
produced “Get Me Bodied”. Ultimately this could be #1 but it will have to be 2nd
place to me.
1)Amerie-In Love & War: Amerie’s latest
album(which came out about 4 years ago) is excellent. Amerie’s is given
incredible production, which is really evident in the album’s first half. The album slows down in the 2nd
half but every song is great. Guest include: Trey Songz, Fabolous, and Lil
Wayne. “Why R U” is classic, but then again so is the bitter “Dear John”. I’m
very surprised this album seemed to fly under the radar.