Top 10 90's R&B Albums

R&B in the 1990’s, similar to hip-hop, was beginning to flourish. It emerged from the soul music of the 70’s & ’80s, but with more of a pop & hip hop influence. The term Neo-Soul emerged, along with many new artists, including Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige , R. Kelly, and others. Here is my compiled top 10 R&B albums of the 1990’s. Be sure to check out the Top 10 Hip hop Albums of the 90’s as well!

#10 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

Brown Sugar – D’Angelo

D’Angelo made his way from the weight room to the r&b scene in 1995. This smooth brotha had a voice and sound that takes you to a old school jazz room with cats bobbin their heads and smoke in the air. The title track “Brown Sugar” embodies this, and the rest of the album is just as strong with hits “Lady,” and the Smokey Robinson remake of “Crusin.”

#9 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

Faith – Faith Evans

The original first lady of Bad Boy, Faith may be known more for her marriage to Notorious B.I.G. than her music. However, this former song-writer also has great voice, and her debut self-titled album displays it. A strong album from start to finish, this album is for r&b romantics. Her sultry voice mixes well over hit songs “Soon As I Get Home,” “You Used To Love Me,” and “No Other Love.”

#8 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

One In A Million - Aaliyah

Aaliyah makes my list with her sophomore album One In A Million. Babygirl, as she was affectionately called by her friends, was a young talent who, at the time, was just establishing herself in the music business. With production by Timbaland, the album is a mixture of hip dance beats with Aaliyah’s seductive & smooth voice. “One In A Million,” “Hot Like Fire,” and “4 Page Letter” headlined the album. An angel taken from us too soon, we will always miss & love you Aaliyah!

#7 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

Maxwell’s Urban Suite - Maxwell

Another neo soul artist who emerged in the 1990’s is Maxwell. His debut album was unlike anything out at the time, with a fresh and soulful throwback sound. Maxwell takes us to his Urban Suite, a smooth mixture of live music, 70’s soul inspiration, and unique vocals. Hit singles include “Sumthin Sumthin,” “Ascention,” and “Whenever Wherever Whatever.”

#6 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

Baduizm – Erykah Badu

One of the first Neo-Soul artists was Erykah Badu. Her style is a mixture of r&b, hip hop, soul and jazz. Baduizm was unlike any other album out at the time, a return to 70’s soul & funk with a futuristic flava. Covering a range of topics from love and life, to herbal, political and social consciousness. Hit singles “On and On,” and “Next Lifetime” are great examples of this.

#5 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

12 Play – R. Kelly

R. Kelly is one of the most talented musicians of our generation. And he made his solo debut in 1993 with the r&b classic 12 Play. This album oozes sensuality & is probably responsible for more babies in the 90’s than any other. Including the sexual hits “Bump N’ Grind,” “Your Body’s Callin’,” and “Sex Me, Pts.1&2,” noticing a theme here. The album helped to establish him in the r&b world, and the pied-piper continues to churn out hit after hit.

#4 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

CrazySexyCool – TLC

One of the best selling female group of all time, TLC made music that was fun and empowering to women. CrazySexyCool, was their second studio album, becoming their biggest-selling album and earning them a Grammy. On this album, the group went less hip hop & more r&b, producing smooth songs with new jack beats. Check out the hits “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” and “Red Light Special.”

#3 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

Forever My Lady – Jodeci

In case you haven’t heard, Jodeci ruled the early 90’s r&b scene. Mr. Dalvin, Devante, K-Ci and Jo-Jo, had the ladies going crazy with their Karl Kani denim outfits & boots. One of the first r&b/hip hop hybrid groups, the album is a mixture of love songs and hip hop tracks. A must have for any 90’s r&b coinsure, include the hits “Come & Talk to Me,” ”Forever My Lady,” ”I’m still Waiting” and “U&I.”

#2 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

Share My World – Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige made a giant splash onto the r&b scene during the 1990’s. Honestly, any one of her first three albums (the other two are What’s the 411?, and My Life) has an argument for inclusion. One of the greatest story-tellers in r&b, her music has a way of connecting with people unlike any other. This uplifting album include hit singles “I Can Love You,” ”Love is All We Need,” ”Share My World,” and “Not Gon’ Cry.”

#1 - Top 10 90's R&B Albums

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill

This may be the only undisputed #1 R&B Album of the 1990’s. Lauryn first wet our appetite with “Killing Me Softly” when she was a member of the hip hop group The Fugees. With obvious lyrical and vocal skills, people couldn’t wait for her to drop her solo project. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill not only met, but surpassed expectations, selling over 18million copies, and becoming the first woman to win 5 Grammys in one night. Includes hit r&b songs “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Doo Wop,” ”Ex-Factor,” and many, many more!

Top 10 90's R&B Albums - Honorable Mentioned:

Never Say Never – Brandy, Cooleyhighharmony - Boys II Men, Sons of Soul - Tony! Toni! Tone!, R. – R. Kelly, My Life – Mary J. Blige, Diary of a Mad Band – Jodeci, A Jagged Era – Jagged Edge, 112 – 112, LSG – Levert, Sweat, Gill, Daydream – Mariah Carey, Secrets – Toni Braxton, The Writing’s on The Wall – Destiny’s Child

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