The Best Soul and R and B Albums of the 1990s

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1. 1
   BaduizmErykah Badu

   Baduizm

   Erykah Badu · 1997 · Soul & R&B

   The debut that helped define neo-soul, jazzy and hypnotic with a singular voice. Cool and assured. A genre cornerstone.

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2. 2
   Brown SugarD'Angelo

   Brown Sugar

   D'Angelo · 1995 · Soul & R&B

   A warm, classicist neo-soul debut that helped launch the genre. Smooth and assured. An influential record.

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3. 3
   Maxwell's Urban Hang SuiteMaxwell

   Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite

   Maxwell · 1996 · Soul & R&B

   A smooth, sensual neo-soul concept album that helped define the genre. Warm and cohesive. An influential debut.

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4. 4
   My LifeMary J. Blige

   My Life

   Mary J. Blige · 1994 · Soul & R&B

   A raw, confessional hip-hop-soul landmark of pain and survival. Honest and beloved. Her masterpiece.

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5. 5
   What's the 411?Mary J. Blige

   What's the 411?

   Mary J. Blige · 1992 · Soul & R&B

   A foundational hip-hop-soul debut. Sharp and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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6. 6
   CrazySexyCoolTLC

   CrazySexyCool

   TLC · 1994 · Soul & R&B

   A smooth, hugely successful R&B landmark, home to 'Waterfalls' and 'Creep'. Polished and beloved. A 90s staple.

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7. 7
   The Writing's on the WallDestiny's Child

   The Writing's on the Wall

   Destiny's Child · 1999 · Soul & R&B

   A blockbuster R&B peak, home to 'Say My Name'. Polished and huge. A breakthrough.

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8. 8
   Love DeluxeSade

   Love Deluxe

   Sade · 1992 · Soul & R&B

   Lush, late-night soul of real depth, home to 'No Ordinary Love'. Understated and gorgeous. Their finest record.

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9. 9
   My WayUsher

   My Way

   Usher · 1997 · Soul & R&B

   A slick, hit-laden R&B peak, home to 'Nice & Slow'. Smooth and huge. A breakthrough.

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10. 10
    FanMailTLC

    FanMail

    TLC · 1999 · Soul & R&B

    A futuristic, hit-packed R&B peak, home to 'No Scrubs'. Polished and huge. A commercial high.

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11. 11
    One in a MillionAaliyah

    One in a Million

    Aaliyah · 1996 · Soul & R&B

    A sleek, futuristic R&B landmark with Timbaland's innovative beats. Smooth and influential. Her breakthrough.

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