The Best Soul & R&B Albums of the 2000s
Our pick of the essential soul & r&b records released in the 2000s, ranked.
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1VoodooD'Angelo
Voodoo
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.
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2Mama's GunErykah Badu
Mama's Gun
Warmer and more expansive than the debut, blending soul, funk and confession. 'Bag Lady' leads it. A neo-soul high point.
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3Songs in A MinorAlicia Keys
Songs in A Minor
A classically informed neo-soul debut that announced a major talent, anchored by 'Fallin''. Soulful and assured. A blockbuster on release.
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4Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Jill Scott
Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1
A warm, poetic neo-soul debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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5ConfessionsUsher
Confessions
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.
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6New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)Erykah Badu
New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)
A dense, political neo-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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7BLACKsummers'nightMaxwell
BLACKsummers'night
A lush, mature neo-soul comeback. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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8The Diary of Alicia KeysAlicia Keys
The Diary of Alicia Keys
A polished, soulful follow-up of confident craft. Smooth and huge. A commercial peak.
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9No More DramaMary J. Blige
No More Drama
A triumphant, empowered peak of hip-hop-soul. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.
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10SurvivorDestiny's Child
Survivor
A confident, hit-stuffed peak, home to its title anthem. Polished and huge. A commercial high.
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11AaliyahAaliyah
Aaliyah
A polished, forward-thinking final album of cool sophistication. Smooth and acclaimed. A poignant peak.
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12St. ElsewhereGnarls Barkley
St. Elsewhere
A quirky, soulful pop-soul record, home to the inescapable 'Crazy'. Inventive and fun. A 2000s landmark.