Now we haven’t been exposed to as much R&B this year as we have been to Hip-Hop, so take these lists with a grain of salt. We’re probably missing a tune or two from some artists that probably should’ve gotten a mention, but damn, we put in some work man! We listened and listened and even though the reviews didn’t come up, we recognized! Fact is, R&B had a strong enough year that it deserved its own section. There was no way we could incorporate these albums/songs in with hip-hop because there would be no hip-hop material cutting the list. So, enter this list to be fair. Nevertheless, 2008 was the year of soul and the following are great examples of some of the best R&B features, songs and albums of the year, as well as some of the criminally slept on and most disappointing.
Top 10 R&B Albums of 2008
10. Solange: Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams
- With production and help from Cee-Lo, Mark Ronson, Q-tip, Bilal and Pharrell, this certainly has a limited chance to fail. It succeeds plenty. Solange shows that the 2008 Knowles of soul isn’t Beyonce.
9. Robin Thicke: Something Else
- The weak songs on this weren’t enough to hold it off of this list. He’s such a throwback and it is hard not to become putty when listening to this album. The lead single, “Magic,” has the potential to make the most stone-person follow the quick drum break.
8. Dwele: Sketches of a Man
- The multi-talented Dwele flew under the radar with this. It certainly warrants a listen as he goes from becoming the standout as a feature to delivering a great solo album. It’s worth a mention that he produces all but 3 tracks on the 20 (yes, 20) track album.
7. Anthony Hamilton: The Point of it All
- This album is at a slight disadvantage as it has had the least time to settle in. Regardless, it still comes in at number 7. Even though the album is a little long, every song delivers in one way or another. Anthony’s voice is tremendously unique and the production gets kicked up a notch here.
6. Erykah Badu: New AmErykah: Part One- Fourth World War
- Littered with heavy political content, tributes, and great production, Erykah had lots to touch on. Nevertheless, she delivered a very good album. “Honey”, produced by 9th Wonder, may be one of the best songs of the year too.
5. Duffy: Rockferry
- This Welsh singer has drawn comparison to Amy Winehouse, minus the crazy and the production of Ronson and Remi. But she’s not minus the soul. This is easily 2008′s Back to Black.
4. Foreign Exchange: Leave It All Behind
- Kev, Thomas and myself feel it’s hard to categorize in general. With LIAB, it is certainly an R&B album with a Hip Hop aura. On this list, it fits perfectly because of Phonte’s vocals and Nic’s steady, soulful, transcending production.
3. Jazmine Sullivan: Fearless
- Easily the biggest surprise of the year in terms of ‘wow’ effect. Hope to hear more from this songstress. Only 21 year’s old and writing songs like “Lions, Tigers and Bears?” Throw on production from Ronson, Remi, Wyclef and Missy and you got one of 2008′s best.
2. Ne-Yo: Year of the Gentleman
- His hot streak continues. Even though this probably wasn’t as great as his debut, it is still one of the catchiest and thorough R&B albums done all year. Try not following the beat of “Miss Independent” or singing along to “Closer” or admiring the songwriting of “Why Does She Stay.” That’s right, you can’t.
1. Raphael Saadiq: The Way I See It
- There’s really no way for this album not to be number one here. It’s probably the LP of the year in any genre. The review says it all; there’s really nothing to hate about it…aside the Jay-Z feature (but, that’s a bonus track).
Honorable Mentions:
- Deborah Cox: The Promise
- Raheem Devaughn: Love Behind the Melody
- Eric Benet: Love & Life
- Al Green: Lay It All Down
- Mint Condition” E-Life
Top 10 R&B Songs of 2008
10. Duffy: “Mercy”
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- To standout the way this track did, it surely must be something special. This song, along with the rest of the album, has so much soul along with a catchy rhythm. The perfect blend for a song that shows no mercy in terms of awesomeness
9. John Legend featuring Andre 3000: “Green Light”
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- Sadly, this was the best track Evolver had to offer. It was also one of about 3 appearances from 3 Stacks (and an unbelievable verse, at that). The song has so much energy and bounce to it that it is hard not to move when it comes on.
8. Jazzanova featuring Phonte: “Look What You’re Doing to Me”
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- Probably the most ‘unknown’ track on this list, but easily one of the most musically fulfilling. The combination of the German band’s instrumentation and Phonte’s soulful vocals turned out to be one of 2008′s most surprising hidden gems.
7. Chris Brown: “Forever”
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- Forget the obvious product placement of Doublemint gum and forget that it was played every second on the radio and music video stations. The song was hot. Chris Breezy has turned into the star we all knew he was going to turn into and this song, produced by Polow Da Don., had everybody singing.
6. Jazmine Sullivan: “Need U Bad”
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- Sure, she might sound like Lauryn Hill slightly, but Miss Sullivan makes her own mark with “Need U Bad.” The song has a reggae feel to it, but Jazmine’s vocal range is enough to dismiss any particular comparison. It’s one of the best tracks on one of the best albums of 2008.
5. Robin Thicke: “Magic”
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- “I got it. You got it. We got the magic…” oh, sorry. I’m still singing this song and, so what, I’m doing the hand motions in coordination with the drum beat. The song has it all: tremendous replay value, great vocals, a great beat, and a great rhythm. It’s another Thicke banger, with more to come
4. Foreign Exchange: “Daykeeper”
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- One of the most compelling songs of the year. The song is lyrically and musically gifted with an unbelievable beat that is driven by Nicolay’s trademark elements. The vocal arrangements are even more impressive and Phonte drops one of his best lyrical performances on LIAB.
3. Erykah Badu: “Honey”
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- It’s not enough that the video is dope as hell, the song as a whole is one of the funkiest joints of 08. 9th Wonder provides Badu with one of his best beats in a long, long time and the New AmErykah fulfills the beat totally. It’s a very enjoyable song and doesn’t try to break any ground lyrically; but, that’s the great thing about it. It’s so great at being so simple.
2. Ne-Yo: “Miss Independent”
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- One of the catchiest tunes of 2008 makes for one of the best songs of 2008. Why? Name repetition, personality mirroring and never breaking off a handshake (The Office fans feel me). So, Ne-Yo sticks to a familiar format and why fix something that isn’t broken; this is updated hotness and you’d think you would’ve gotten sick of this song by now. But you aren’t.
1. Jazmine Sullivan: “Lions, Tigers and Bears”
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- You thought “Need U Bad” was dope? You haven’t heard anything yet. “LT&B” is one of the best written songs of 2008 and easily one of the best executed. The soul and pain in her voice and the fear of love is captured in the moment and the sadness of Jazmine never coming to comprehend it is frightening. She flips the corny Wizard quote into the best R&B joint of 2008 in the most beautiful and perfect way.
Honorable Mentions:
- Raheem Devaughn: “Customer”
- Raphael Saadiq: “Big Easy”
- Al Green featuring John Legend: “Stay With Me”
- Eric Benet: “You’re The Only One”
- Jennifer Hudson: “Spotlight”
- Anthony Hamilton: “Soul’s on Fire”
- Duffy: “Delayed Devotion”
- Ryan Leslie featuring Fabolous and Cassie: “Addiction”
- Solange: “I Decided”
- Gnarls Barkley: “Blind Mary”
Top 5 R&B Disappointments of 2008
5. John Legend: Evolver
- With a boatload of new producers and some specific guest spots, you’d think Evolver could really be a stand out in 2008. It really wasn’t. “Green Light” turned out to be the best song on the album and the set bar was never matched. His voice isn’t even the strong point; it was on the first two albums and John has relegated his writing to poppy hits, as opposed to in depth narrative.
4. Beyonce: I Am… Sasha Fierce
- Overly long, kind of tacky, and still sexy as hell. Even with that last one, this album was extremely weak and far from strong. The single “Single Ladies” is much better for the cool dance and hot video, but even her “If I Were A Boy” single is kind of worn out. Check out her sister’s album for a much better listening experience.
3. Estelle: Shine
- Maybe it was the high expectations, seeing that will.i.am, Wyclef, and Mark Ronson were producers, but Shine never really struck the chord it should’ve. The stand out tracks features the once tacky Sean Paul and Cee-Lo Green, who steals the show. Touring with The Roots could’ve been a great thing for Estelle though; opening up new doors of sound, range, and melody. She’ll get hers.
2. Craid David: Trust Me
- Remember when Craig David just kept on slamming tracks out of the park? His style was very, very unique and fresh. Well, all that is gone. This was as forgettable as albums get and lacked little, if any, replay. It should’ve been a more mature release for CD, but turned out to be a little rushed and heavily under developed.
1. Lyfe Jennings: Lyfe Change
- Sure, call me a hater, but I’ve been following Lyfe and hoping that he’d break out into something significant. Instead, he only really has Akon-type lyrical range and it is very limited. The voice can’t carry an album and the production is a bore. It really was unfortunate because I truly feel that he is due.
Honorable Mentions:
- Janet Jackson: Discipline
- Jon B: Helpless Romantic
- Mariah Carey: E=mc2
- Usher: Here I Am
- Chante Moore: Love The Woman
Top 5 Slept on R&B Albums of 2008
5. Solange: Sol-angel and the Hadley St. Dreams
- Drastically overshadowed by her sister, Solange showed that she easily has more funk than the wannabe funk of “Work it Out.” Getting assistance from some respected names, she broke out with the single, “I Decided,” which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Definitely worth a listen.
4. Karina Pasian: First Love
- When Quincy Jones takes you on, chances are you are pretty good. Apparently, this now 17 year old didn’t write the single “16 @ War,” a great track. Nevertheless, her voice is so full of diversity and life that the transition to “Can’t Find The Words” is seamless. Ne-Yo, The Dream and Tricky Stewart offer their services to the album and although it has sold a good amount, is still slept on by many.
3. Raheem Devaughn: Love Behind The Melody
- People stayed sleeping on Raheem, even when he displayed those powerful vocals on Jazzy Jeff’s The Magnificent. I paid attention and kept listening and he’s found his way on this list. It helps when the lead single, “Customer,” is pretty catchy, silly, and smart all at the same time. Whatever helps get this man some more attention.
2. Al Green: Lay It Down
- One of the best albums of the year to not get a mention is the legendary Al Green’s latest, Lay It Down. Forget the fact that the production is handled entirely by ?uestlove and James Poyser, and let Al’s lyrical prowess and one-of-a-kind voice melt into your soul. The duets with Anthony Hamilton, Corrine Bailey Rae and John Legend are enough to solidify this album somewhere.
1. Eric Benet: Love & Life
- Are you over how stupid this guy could be for cheating on Halle? I don’t think I ever will be. The fact of the matter is that this album delivers in ways that you zone out of any confrontation this man has had and zone into the soul and sultriness of E Benet. He always did have it, he always was a very good singer and songwriter, but more than any of his other albums, Love & Life portrays the pain, sorrow and joy of his present.
Honorable Mentions:
- Algebra: Purpose
- Wayne Brady: A Long Time Coming (Seriously… It’s very good)
- Janelle Monae: Metropolis
- Keith Sweat: Just Me
- Anthony David: Acey Duecy
Top 5 R&B Artists of 2008
5. T-Pain
- No, this isn’t the BET Awards, but it is drastically hard to deny how hard this guy has worked in 2008. Behind the scenes as a producer, on the pen and pad as a writer, and even with his corny voice, the composition of his songs are catchy and addictive. You want a hit? Get T-Pain on your track. He’s revived, unfortunately, the vocoder to a point where people are paying him royalties to use it. Damn! It’s still been a huge year for him, whether you consider him R&B or not, that’s still up for debate. But, he’s without a doubt, a hit maker.
4. Raphael Saadiq
- The Way I See It just might be the best album of the year, but Saadiq didn’t stop there, he appeared on numerous joints and single-handedly stole them from Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, and Focus. Throw on his production and the sound of 60′s and 70′s Motown that he revived with his smooth style, and you got a man possessed. He’s also nominated for a handful of Grammy’s (if that adds any validation).
3. Ne-Yo
- Word has officially gone around that Ne-Yo has written the biggest hits for the industries biggest artists. He parlayed that onto his tremendous album, “Year of the Gentleman,” and proved that he could write just as well for his own tracks. He was a hit maker as a feature, writer, and an entertainer, rarely making a weak track or something unlistenable. With a dope live show in his repertoire, Ne-Yo is slowly becoming this generation’s ‘it-guy.’
2. Chris Brown
- As if things couldn’t get any bigger for this kid. He delivered a fairly strong performance in a rather weak film towards the end of 2007 (that Christmas movie), has been on any and every rapper’s hook, and has built up a name for his ridiculously entertaining live show. Throw on hits like “Forever” and “With You” coming out this year and raping the charts, and Chris Breezy has become the household name for a hit maker. What makes it better? He’s actually got talent.
1. Rihanna
- Even though Rihanna is sooo 2007, she remains a gem in 2008. It’s kind of crazy to think a guy like me, your boy Deez, would put her in at number 1, but it really isn’t. Check out her resume…matter of fact, check out your artist’s favorite artist’s album, and she’s on there. I’m pretty sure she’s been on every single magazine and is on the radio every split second, but does she not deserve it? Are hits like “Disturbia” and “Take A Bow” (ironically, the latter is written by number 3 on this list) not making waves and making you sing along? She carries herself rather well and handles her business. To say she isn’t the top R&B artist of last year or this year would be silly. Give credit where it is due.
Honorable Mentions:
- Phonte
- Jennifer Hudson
- Keyshia Cole
- Chrisette Michele
- The Dream
Top 10 R&B Features (on a Hip Hop Track) of 2008
10. 88 Keys featuring Bilal: “M.I.L.F”
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- This song comes towards the end of The Death of Adam album and without Bilal it would not have the same impact on the concept of the album or the song. The voice Bilal has is so distinctive, but it can also channel a particular mood, emotion, feeling, or vibe. He’s been doing it his whole career and he does it here too.
9. Kidz in the Hall featuring Estelle: “Love Hangover”
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- The climax of the Double O beat goes hand-in-hand with the Estelle hook and helps make this track the extremely enjoyable joint that it is. Estelle is very likable and is a great fit for this song.
8. T.I featuring Rihanna: “Live Your Life”
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- Despite the retarded sample usage, one I really can’t support the use of because it’s stupid, Rihanna makes the most of a terrible situation and makes this song hers. She completely steals the spotlight and makes it listenable. This type of annoyance could only be rejected by a talent like hers.
7. Lil’ Wayne featuring T-Pain: “Got Money”
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- Speaking of annoyance, here’s Lil’ Wayne. But, this isn’t about Lil’ Wayne, this is about T-Pain. Say what you want about him, but the energy and amp he provides to “Got Money” is unparallel on any song heard in 08. And, the hook is catchy as hell.
6. The Game featuring Chrisette Michele: “Let Us Live”
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- The smooth production by Scott Storch was made for this Michele driven track. It’s one of the nicer tracks on LAX, but it is the unique, jazzy voice of Chrisette that takes center stage. Imagine a whole track of her on it? Damn.
5. Q-Tip featuring Raphael Saadiq: “We Fight/Love”
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- The Renaissance was loaded with tremendous R&B guest, including past collaborator Raphael Saadiq. The chorus is tremendous and Saadiq’s voice encourages so much more from Tip on the following verses. His effect, therefore, isn’t only on the chorus; it is evidently all over the cut.
4. Jay-Z featuring Santogold: “Brooklyn (Go Hard)”
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- Kanye was back to his “SLU” tricks with a similar vocal sample, but this time around he used a different artist, Santogold, for much more than a backdrop. It helps that Jay-Z is a beast on this (for the most part) and Santo fits, as well. It’s an all around great track, but Santo adds an element of uniqueness to keep you saying “Brooklyn, we go hard, we go hard.”
3. Common featuring Cee-lo: “Make My Day”
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- While Common isn’t exactly the rapper we all remember him to be, he serves as a sufficient space filler for when Cee-Lo drops in for one of the best singing features of the year. There’s something hypnotizing about his voice, and the fact that he is over the very familiar Mr. DJ production makes him all the more comfortable.
2. The Roots featuring Chrisette Michele and Wale: “Rising Up”
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- Even with the great verses from Black Thought and Wale, Chrisette’s beautifully sung chorus is instantly gripping. Add onto the voice the conceptual story dropped out in the lyrics, and the validity and harmony Chrisette holds in her melody and you got one powerful piece.
1. Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones- “Life Is Better”
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- It took me a while to even realize that Tip was even on this joint. No disrespect, but damn, Norah steals this joint like broke folk in a Best Buy during a riot. You almost don’t want her to stop singing. She provides the perfect climax for the moral of the story and who better to deliver it than one of the most beautiful voices in music today.
Honorable Mentions:
- Elzhi featuring Ayah- “The Leak”
- J Dilla featuring Bilal- “Remember”
- Kanye West featuring Kid Cudi- “Welcome to Heartbreak”
- Kool G Rap featuring Haylie Duff- “On The Rise Again”
- Lil’ Wayne & Robin Thicke- “Tie My Hands”
Top 5 Verses (by a rapper) on an R&B Song
5. David Banner on Anthony Hamilton’s “Cool”
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- I’m not about to include David Banner on any and every ‘top’ something lists, especially as a rapper, but he does come through for Anthony on “Cool.” Hard deny his flow and a few of his lines; it’s a real dope performance.
4. Big Boi on Raheem Devaughn’s “Energy”
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- The typical pimpstylistic flow we all know and love is on full display on “Energy.” Big Boi comes in for a quick 16 and does a great job at further describing sexual energy. Yeah, a little weird, but the verse delivers.
3. Q-Tip on Solange’s “Sandcastle Disco”
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- This sounds like a song that was missing from “The Renaissance.” The songwriting is tremendous on this and Tip kind of just further exemplifies the lyrical beauty of the track. He takes what Solange says and puts his mellow man flow on it, real dope.
2. Phonte on Mint Condition’s “Somethin’”
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- Yes, that Mint Condition. Phonte absolutely rips this. Remember that Phonte article I did (Link), well, this verse almost made the list. The flow is flawless and the content is hilarious in typical Phonte fashion. All around great track.
1. Andre 3000 on John Legend’s “Green Light”
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- Was there ever any real doubt about this though? It’s good enough that Andre 3000 is on this track doing anything because he’s limited himself to no more than 5 appearances a year lately. The fact is this, this verse steals the show (and the album) and is not only one of the best R&B verse features of the year, but we could bring this to the Hip Hop section and it would do just fine. Andre never misses the target, ever.
Honorable Mentions
- Kanye West on Estelle’s “American Boy”
- Ludacris on T-Pain’s “Chopped n Skrewed”
- Fabolous on Ryan Leslie’s “Addiction”
- Game on Duffy’s “Mercy” (remix)
- Jadakiss on Ryan Leslie’s “How It Was Supposed to Be”
Keep an Ear Out For:
5. Musiq‘s onmyradio will pick up some steam
4. Lily Allen will be on hooks and be the 2009 Amy Winehouse
3. Whitney Houston‘s upcoming album with production from some heavy hitters
2. More Duffy and more Jazmine. Not sure when or what, but there will be
1. Keri Hilson will finally drop her fun, sexy, enjoyable, greatly produced album
Related posts:
- Top 10 Most Disappointing Albums of 2008
- Top 10 Slept on Albums of 2008
- 9th Wonder: God’s Stepson & 2008 Release Info
- Top 10 Smaller Releases of 2008
- Top 10 Trends/Phases in 2008
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