The Best Soul & R&B Albums of the 2020s
Our pick of the essential soul & r&b records released in the 2020s, ranked.
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1After HoursThe Weeknd
After Hours
A neon, synth-soaked plunge into excess and regret, home to the inescapable 'Blinding Lights'. Cohesive and cinematic. His most complete pop statement.
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2SOSSZA
SOS
A sprawling, genre-blending blockbuster of candid modern R&B. Bold and huge. A commercial and critical peak.
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3Untitled (Black Is)Sault
Untitled (Black Is)
A powerful, anonymous protest-soul landmark. Bold and acclaimed. A modern high point.
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4Dawn FMThe Weeknd
Dawn FM
A sleek, 80s-tinged concept album of synth-pop-soul. Polished and acclaimed. A creative high.
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5NineSault
Nine
A sharp, soulful protest record released for a limited window. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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6Gemini RightsSteve Lacy
Gemini Rights
A breezy, funky bedroom-R&B peak, home to 'Bad Habit'. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakout.
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7It Is What It IsThundercat
It Is What It Is
A jazzy, melancholic blend of funk, soul and virtuoso bass. Singular and warm. A modern favourite.
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8graeMoses Sumney
grae
An ambitious, genre-spanning art-soul double album. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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9LahaiSampha
Lahai
A warm, rhythmic follow-up of soulful electronics. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.
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10Collapsed in SunbeamsArlo Parks
Collapsed in Sunbeams
A gentle, literate bedroom-soul debut. Warm and Mercury-winning. A breakthrough.