The Best Soul and R and B Albums of the 2000s

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.

1. 1
   VoodooD'Angelo

   Voodoo

   D'Angelo · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   A slow-cooked, deeply musical neo-soul landmark built on loose, behind-the-beat grooves and Questlove's drums. It rewards patient, repeated listening. One of the genre's defining statements.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
2. 2
   Mama's GunErykah Badu

   Mama's Gun

   Erykah Badu · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   Warmer and more expansive than the debut, blending soul, funk and confession. 'Bag Lady' leads it. A neo-soul high point.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
3. 3
   Songs in A MinorAlicia Keys

   Songs in A Minor

   Alicia Keys · 2001 · Soul & R&B

   A classically informed neo-soul debut that announced a major talent, anchored by 'Fallin''. Soulful and assured. A blockbuster on release.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
4. 4
   Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Jill Scott

   Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1

   Jill Scott · 2000 · Soul & R&B

   A warm, poetic neo-soul debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
5. 5
   ConfessionsUsher

   Confessions

   Usher · 2004 · Soul & R&B

   A blockbuster R&B record of slick production and dramatic storytelling, one of the best-sellers of its era. Polished and assured. His commercial peak.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
6. 6
   New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)Erykah Badu

   New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)

   Erykah Badu · 2008 · Soul & R&B

   A dense, political neo-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
7. 7
   BLACKsummers'nightMaxwell

   BLACKsummers'night

   Maxwell · 2009 · Soul & R&B

   A lush, mature neo-soul comeback. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
8. 8
   The Diary of Alicia KeysAlicia Keys

   The Diary of Alicia Keys

   Alicia Keys · 2003 · Soul & R&B

   A polished, soulful follow-up of confident craft. Smooth and huge. A commercial peak.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
9. 9
   No More DramaMary J. Blige

   No More Drama

   Mary J. Blige · 2001 · Soul & R&B

   A triumphant, empowered peak of hip-hop-soul. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
10. 10
    SurvivorDestiny's Child

    Survivor

    Destiny's Child · 2001 · Soul & R&B

    A confident, hit-stuffed peak, home to its title anthem. Polished and huge. A commercial high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
11. 11
    AaliyahAaliyah

    Aaliyah

    Aaliyah · 2001 · Soul & R&B

    A polished, forward-thinking final album of cool sophistication. Smooth and acclaimed. A poignant peak.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
12. 12
    St. ElsewhereGnarls Barkley

    St. Elsewhere

    Gnarls Barkley · 2006 · Soul & R&B

    A quirky, soulful pop-soul record, home to the inescapable 'Crazy'. Inventive and fun. A 2000s landmark.

    Vinyl →CD →More →