R&B music draws its inspiration from blues and church music while sharing many similarities with rock. Early artists such as James Brown were co-categorized as both R&B and rock and roll artists, while modern R&B artists typically incorporate keyboard-based instrumentation and hip hop production techniques into their sound.
Contemporary R&B blends soul, funk and hip-hop into pop music to produce sensual vocals and lyrics with smooth vocals and catchy beats. Artists such as Frank Ocean have found mainstream success through their innovative musical styles.
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B music fuses soulful vocals with modern production techniques. While older R&B often used live instruments to produce its sound, contemporary R&B often relies on synthesizers and software loops instead. This gives contemporary R&B more of a dance-oriented vibe; yet despite these modern additions it still maintains classic R&B qualities, with smooth melodic sounds and emotive lyrics often dealing with themes related to love such as sexuality or relationships.
Many contemporary R&B artists have drawn influence from hip hop culture, incorporating elements of its musical style into their songs and remaining relevant and appealing to young audiences. The 1990s was particularly fruitful for R&B as successful girl groups such as SWV, Destiny’s Child and TLC made waves on the charts.
In the 2000s, contemporary R&B was transformed by EDM influences to become more dance-oriented genre. Chris Brown and Usher have taken full advantage of this trend, each producing albums which charted at number one on Billboard 200 charts.
Social media was key in expanding this genre’s popularity, enabling independent artists to reach a broader audience. Newcomers such as SZA and Daniel Caesar quickly made waves with their blend of R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop; creating intimate tracks with lyrics exploring themes such as self-love and spirituality.
Roots of this genre can be traced back to blues, jazz and gospel music performed by African American musicians during the 1920s and 1930s at juke joints and night clubs across America. These musicians sang about segregation, discrimination and poverty affecting their community – these songs combined traditional black musical styles with influences from rock and pop genres for a distinctive sound that resonates to this day.
Neo-Soul
Neo-soul artists offer a contemporary take on old soul music. Combining elements from R&B, jazz and funk into their sound to craft a neo-soul genre that resonates with listeners who value soulful music. Neo-soul’s themes of love, relationships and introspection often resonate deeply with listeners who enjoy listening to this genre of music.
Artists have welcomed the sounds of neo-soul with open arms. The genre has been widely lauded for introducing new artists who incorporate influences from various musical genres into classic soul format, adding fresh sounds. Neo-soul also explores topics ranging from relationships to social and political concerns – making for an engaging listener experience.
Men in neo-soul often express vulnerability and trepidation when seeking meaningful and committed relationships, while female voices exude empowerment and liberation that extends beyond romantic relationships and into songs that address societal concerns; Meshell Ndegeocello’s album Plantation Lullabies draws parallels between civil rights movement ideals and equality issues within urban settings.
Jordan Rakei from New Zealand stands out as an innovator of contemporary soul. His 2016 release Cloak was heavily inspired by D’Angelo and featured local Australian talent. Rakei is an expert multi-instrumentalist capable of effortlessly switching between soulful vocals and rapping; his latest release Snitch (feat. Remi) promises to become an instant classic.
In recent years, Britain has seen a renaissance in neo-soul artists with Jaz Karis, Cleo Sol and Pip Millett standing out among their peers as notable neo-soul acts. Karis’ introspective lyrics and soulful vocals have garnered critical acclaim, while Sol and Millett demonstrate an impressive array of musical influences with modern sensibility.
Baby Rose stands out among Neo-Soul artists by not being newcomer; her unique voice makes her an irresistible force in the genre. On her debut EP ‘Golden Hour’ she explores life’s beauty and sorrow through neo-soul. Giveon’s bass baritone has enough weight to reach into your soul; his rasp adds depth and texture to each track that features him in.
Alternative R&B
R&B music has been around since the 1940s when African American musicians combined Blues and Jazz into an urban style known as R&B music. This genre quickly gained popularity in clubs and juke joints across America where its performances included those by Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. Since then it has developed further, featuring artists like Frank Ocean and The Weeknd who now perform this style with moody, atmospheric vibes incorporating elements from various other genres into its sound.
At one time, it appeared as though R&B would continue its longstanding reign as an iconic musical genre, featuring artists like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Mary J Blige. However, with digital streaming services changing what success meant in music industry terms – R&B became less relevant among younger listeners.
Alternate R&B has brought back R&B into prominence, giving artists more chances to express themselves creatively through it. This subgenre combines elements from traditional R&B with elements from hip hop, electronica, and indie rock for an exciting sound characterized by experimentation and eclectic production techniques that allow alternative R&B to offer artists many ways to showcase their artistic flair.
Alternative R&B artists typically present themselves in a darker and edgier fashion than their contemporary counterparts, and the genre also puts a greater emphasis on emotional depth and introspection. Furthermore, unlike its contemporary counterparts, alternative R&B often explores themes related to spirituality, dark forces that trouble them personally, and failed relationships.
Alternative R&B is one of the most versatile genres in modern music, straddling multiple subgenres to form an exuberant sonic palette that rivals any sunset magenta sunset. Although some may label this genre PBR&B, this name can be misleading and limit its potential. Artists such as FKA twigs and Rihanna have made powerful pop songs over their careers that were mislabeled as “Alternative R&B”, much to their displeasure.
Indie Soul
R&B music has an expansive history dating back to the 1920s and 30s when African American musicians performed a blend of Blues, Jazz and Gospel in juke joints and clubs. Later in the 50s and 60s, doo-wop groups such as The Drifters and Platters rose to fame using doo-wop vocal styles with harmony singing and falsetto singing; eventually this style evolved into what is known today as contemporary r&b and soul music.
Recently, R&B music has seen tremendous transformation. Artists such as Frank Ocean, Solange and The Weeknd have expanded the boundaries of R&B by mixing in elements from alternative and indie genres for a truly distinctive sound. Furthermore, many R&B musicians address social issues such as racism and gender equality through their lyrics.
As a result, an increasing number of artists are now producing music under the category of Indie Soul. These musicians blend traditional R&B with elements of indie rock and other genres for an introspective and emotive listen. Lyrically they often explore love, loss and spirituality themes.
Many are doubtful about the future of R&B music, with some going so far as to declare its demise. Yet this assertion is simply false – in fact, the genre continues to thrive with exciting and unique innovations being explored within it.
Staying abreast of new music artists such as SZA and Summer Walker is essential. From contemporary R&B (Cleo Sol and Summer Walker) to neo-soul (Cleo Sol, Ari Lennox and SiR) as well as contemporary R&B with electronic influences (Kelela, KAYTRANADA and Sampha), there are so many new artists you should keep an eye out for.
This list showcases some of the latest and greatest R&B music from around the globe. Ranging from crossover ballads to modern hybrids, these artists are pushing R&B in exciting directions – whether that means dancing tracks to take you dancing or soulful ballads for you to cry along to. Don’t listen to critics – give these artists a chance and you may just fall in love with R&B’s future!