Soul On Wax: 20 R&B Albums For Your Vinyl Collection

R&B, short for Rhythm and Blues, isn't just a genre; it's a vibe that's been setting hearts on fire and feet in motion since forever. Born from the soulful roots of gospel, jazz, and blues, R&B has transformed into a mesmerizing genre helmed by stars like Aaliyah, SZA, H.E.R. and more. Here, we bring you a list of 20 acclaimed R&B timeless albums that will make you want to dust off that record player and groove like it's Saturday night at a D'Angelo concert. 

1/ 'One In A Million' by Aaliyah (1996)

Aaliyah's album 'One In A Million' is the R&B equivalent of striking gold in a musical treasure hunt. With a groundbreaking sound that earned her a slew of awards and accolades, including MTV's Video Music Award for Best Female Video, Aaliyah set the bar sky-high. Tracks like "One In A Million" and collaborations with Timbaland turned this album into an R&B gem. So, whether you're looking for some '90s nostalgia or just craving smooth vibes, Aaliyah's 'One In A Million' is the golden ticket to a sonic jackpot!

2/ 'CTRL' by SZA (2017)

SZA's 'CTRL' album dropped like a musical mic drop, making waves in the R&B world and beyond. This game-changing record earned SZA critical acclaim and multiple GRAMMY nominations, proving that she's the captain of her own musical destiny. With hit tracks like "Love Galore", "Garden (Say It Like Dat)" and "The Weekend," and standout collaborators like Travis Scott, 'CTRL' made it clear that SZA wasn't just in control; she was in a league of her own. 

3/ 'CrazySexyCool' by TLC (1994)

TLC's album 'CrazySexyCool' is not just a classic; it's the blueprint for the "cool girl" revolution. With GRAMMY wins and hits like "Waterfalls" and "Creep," this album set the '90s on fire and gave us style inspo for days. Collaborating with the likes of Jermaine Dupri and Babyface, TLC proved they could turn any studio into a hit factory. So, whether you're chasing waterfalls or just in need of some iconic R&B, 'CrazySexyCool' is the OG source of musical magic that still slays today!

4/ 'Voodoo' by D'Angelo (2000)

D'Angelo's 'Voodoo' album is the sonic equivalent of a spellbinding voodoo ritual. This neo-soul masterpiece hit the scene like a musical hurricane and earned D'Angelo a GRAMMY. With tracks like "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" and collaborations with Questlove, this album is sexier than a hot fudge sundae on a summer night. So, whether you're in the mood for a musical séance or just want to summon some soul, 'Voodoo' is your enchanted vinyl ticket to a groove-filled underworld!

5/ 'Heaux Tales' by Jazmine Sullivan (2021)

Jazmine Sullivan's album 'Heaux Tales' is a lyrical sermon on relationships – an anthem for women worldwide. Not only did it snag GRAMMY wins, but it also gave us bangers like "Pick Up Your Feelings" and "Girl Like Me." With collabs featuring Anderson .Paak and H.E.R., this album's like a VIP party where every track is an A-lister. So, if you're looking for a musical journey through the complexities of modern love, 'Heaux Tales' is your golden ticket to a rollercoaster of emotions!

6/ 'NEVER ENOUGH' by Daniel Caesar (2023)

'NEVER ENOUGH' by Daniel Caesar hit the music scene like a smooth, soulful punch to the heart. While it might sound like a soundtrack to a never-ending love story, this album is all about exploring the depths of human connection. From collaborations with Mustafa to serpentwithfeet, get ready to be in your feels.

7/ 'Ivory' by Omar Apollo (2022)

Omar Apollo's debut masterpiece 'Ivory' didn't just tug at heartstrings; it turned them into a soulful symphony. From the viral tearjerker "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me At All)" to securing a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist, Omar proved that he's here to steal the spotlight. No longer just "a kid from Indiana," he's a genre-blurring maestro with ambitions as high as a rocket launch. 

8/ 'blue water road' by Kehlani (2022)

Kehlani's album 'blue water road' made waves so big, even Poseidon would be jealous! With hit tracks like "altar" and "everything," 'blue water road' is like a GPS to the heart's secret hideout. And as for collaborators, well, Kehlani's music squad with the likes of Justin Bieber and Jessie Reyez is so lit it could outshine a supernova. So, whether you're cruising down the boulevard or just vibing in your room, this album's got your back with waves of cool tunes!

9/ 'A Seat At The Table' by Solange (2016)

Solange's album 'A Seat At The Table' is a cultural renaissance that deserves its own art exhibit. This GRAMMY-winning masterpiece is like a musical therapy session, with hits like "Cranes in the Sky" and "Don't Touch My Hair". With collaborators like Sampha, André 3000 and Lil Wayne, Solange crafted an album perfect for anyone looking for soulful enlightenment.

10/ 'Process' by Sampha (2017)

Sampha's debut album 'Process' is the musical equivalent of a meteor shower - dazzling, rare, and unforgettable. It scooped up the Mercury Prize and GRAMMY Awards, cementing Sampha as the cool cat of the music scene. With hit tracks like "(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano", 'Process' is a sonic journey through the cosmos that's cooler than an ice cream truck at a heatwave. So, whether you're processing life's ups and downs or just grooving to interstellar beats, this album is your one-way ticket to a celestial sound adventure!

11/ 'The Velvet Rope' by Janet Jackson (1997)

Janet Jackson's album 'The Velvet Rope' is a fierce exploration of sexuality and self-discovery akin to a cultural grenade that blew up stereotypes and got everyone grooving. With GRAMMY nominations and chart-toppers like "Together Again" and "I Get Lonely," Janet showed the world that she's not just a pop icon but an R&B queen. This album's introspective journey through love is like a VIP pass to the hottest party in town, and Janet's the unapologetic hostess with the mostess. So, whether you're exploring your inner desires or just want some killer beats, 'The Velvet Rope' is the musical therapy session you didn't know you needed.

12/ 'War & Leisure' by Miguel (2017)

Miguel's album 'War & Leisure' is the ultimate mood board for a world caught between chaos and chill. This GRAMMY-nominated gem scored hits like "Sky Walker" and "Told You So," proving that Miguel is the soundtrack to both our existential crises and dance parties. With collaborations featuring J. Cole and Travis Scott, this album is hotter than a summer barbecue and cooler than a polar bear's toenails. So, whether you're gearing up for a musical revolution or just need a vibe check, 'War & Leisure' is the sonic escape hatch you've been searching for!

13/ H.E.R.'s self-titled (2017)

H.E.R.'s self-titled album is the musical equivalent of a secret treasure chest – a GRAMMY-winning treasure chest, to be precise. With sultry tracks like "Focus" and "Best Part," H.E.R. took the R&B world by storm, making wearing sunglasses indoors the coolest trend since sliced bread. And when you've got collaborators like Daniel Caesar and Bryson Tiller on board, you know you're in for a musical joyride that's smoother than a silk scarf. 

14/ 'The Diary of Alicia Keys' by Alicia Keys (2003)

Alicia Keys' album 'The Diary of Alicia Keys' is the musical equivalent of finding a winning lottery ticket in your grandma's old coat. With hit tracks like "You Don't Know My Name" and "If I Ain't Got You," this GRAMMY-winning masterpiece is like a key to unlocking your soul's jukebox. 

15/ 'The Best Of Sade' by Sade (1994)

Sade's album 'The Best Of Sade' is like a time machine that takes you straight to the classiest lounge in town. With accolades including GRAMMY Awards and an eternal spot in the hearts of smooth jazz enthusiasts, Sade's sultry voice and hits like "Smooth Operator" and "No Ordinary Love" are the perfect soundtrack for your most sophisticated nights in. No collaborators needed when you're Sade – she's the whole jazz club rolled into one! So, whether you're sipping on a fine wine or just trying to impress your cat, 'The Best Of Sade' is the ultimate choice for setting the mood.

16/ 'Lost And Found' by Jorja Smith (2018)

Jorja Smith's album 'Lost And Found' is the musical equivalent of finding your keys in the couch – a triumphant moment of discovery. Tracks like "Where Did I Go?", "Blue Lights" and "Teenage Fantasy" showcase her soulful prowess – proving that she's the captain of her own musical ship, navigating the seas of cool like a pro. So, whether you're on a soul-searching journey or just want to vibe, 'Lost And Found' is the treasure map you've been waiting for!

17/ 'Asha's Awakening' by Raveena (2022)

Raveena's album 'Asha's Awakening' is like a musical sunrise, waking up your soul and shaking up the scene. From "Rush" to "Mystery", 'Asha's Awakening' is the perfect playlist for both soulful introspection and groovy rooftop parties. So, whether you're meditating on a mountaintop or just in your bedroom, this album's got the vibes you've been yearning for!

18/ 'Baduizm' by Erykah Badu (1997)

Erykah Badu's album 'Baduizm' is the sonic equivalent of slipping into a hot bubble bath after a long day of adulting. This neo-soul gem snagged GRAMMY Awards and nominations, proving that Badu is the queen of cool. With tracks like "On & On" and "Next Lifetime," this album takes you on a spiritual journey through a jazz-infused, R&B wonderland. And when you've got Badu's one-of-a-kind voice and vibes, you don't need collaborators – you're a one-woman soul sensation. So, whether you're lighting some incense or just want to get lost in groovy tunes, 'Baduizm' is your golden ticket to sonic nirvana.

19/ 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' by Ms. Lauryn Hill (1998)

Ms. Lauryn Hill's album 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' is a cultural institution that gave "cool" a new definition. This GRAMMY-sweeping masterpiece, including Album of the Year, made Lauryn the queen of R&B and hip-hop. With hit tracks like "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" and "Ex-Factor", this album is like the musical equivalent of discovering the world's comfiest pair of sneakers – you never want to take it off. So, whether you're grooving at a party or contemplating life's mysteries in your room, 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' is the lyrical syllabus you didn't know you needed.

20/ 'Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Volume 1' by Jill Scott (2000)

Jill Scott's album 'Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1' is like the secret recipe to a musical soul stew that's been simmering since the early 2000s. While it didn't bag her a GRAMMY (a total snub, in our opinion!), it did serve up hits like "A Long Walk" and "Gettin' in the Way" that still make your heart do the electric slide. With Jill's sultry vocals and poetic storytelling, this album became a cultural moment, turning every listener into a certified Jill Scott fan. So, whether you're on a long drive or just chillin' with a glass of wine, 'Who Is Jill Scott?' is your lyrical journey into the heart and soul of R&B.

(Photo of H.E.R. & Daniel Caesar by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)