The Best Soul and R and B Albums of the 2020s

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1. 1
   After HoursThe Weeknd

   After Hours

   The Weeknd · 2020 · Soul & R&B

   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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2. 2
   SOSSZA

   SOS

   SZA · 2022 · Soul & R&B

   A sprawling, genre-blending blockbuster of candid modern R&B. Bold and huge. A commercial and critical peak.

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3. 3
   Untitled (Black Is)Sault

   Untitled (Black Is)

   Sault · 2020 · Soul & R&B

   A powerful, anonymous protest-soul landmark. Bold and acclaimed. A modern high point.

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4. 4
   Dawn FMThe Weeknd

   Dawn FM

   The Weeknd · 2022 · Soul & R&B

   A sleek, 80s-tinged concept album of synth-pop-soul. Polished and acclaimed. A creative high.

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5. 5
   NineSault

   Nine

   Sault · 2021 · Soul & R&B

   A sharp, soulful protest record released for a limited window. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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6. 6
   Gemini RightsSteve Lacy

   Gemini Rights

   Steve Lacy · 2022 · Soul & R&B

   A breezy, funky bedroom-R&B peak, home to 'Bad Habit'. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakout.

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7. 7
   It Is What It IsThundercat

   It Is What It Is

   Thundercat · 2020 · Soul & R&B

   A jazzy, melancholic blend of funk, soul and virtuoso bass. Singular and warm. A modern favourite.

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8. 8
   graeMoses Sumney

   grae

   Moses Sumney · 2020 · Soul & R&B

   An ambitious, genre-spanning art-soul double album. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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9. 9
   LahaiSampha

   Lahai

   Sampha · 2023 · Soul & R&B

   A warm, rhythmic follow-up of soulful electronics. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.

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10. 10
    Collapsed in SunbeamsArlo Parks

    Collapsed in Sunbeams

    Arlo Parks · 2021 · Soul & R&B

    A gentle, literate bedroom-soul debut. Warm and Mercury-winning. A breakthrough.

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