As we wrap up 2024, we’ve seen R&B and Soul music evolve and flourish, bringing us some of the most innovative and heartfelt releases. Here’s MusicUntamed countdown of the top 10 R&B/Soul albums that have shaped the genre this year, enriched with each artist’s unique stories and sounds.

10. With Open Arms – Ogranya

Ogranya’s sophomore album, With Open Arms, was released on December 6th. While not as groundbreaking as his “Eden Evermore,” it has received niche acclaim within its genre. It’s a warm, comforting listen, though it doesn’t quite match the reputation of other entries on this list.

9. LOVE/HATE – Xenia Manasseh

Xenia Manasseh’s debut album delves into love’s darker side, featuring acts like Waye & Ukweli to solidify her appeal in R&B. This exploration of complex emotions showcases her growth as a singer-songwriter, making a bold statement in the genre.

8. LALA – MANNYWELLZ

Mannywellz’s “Lala” EP has turned him into a household name in R&B/Soul circles. His prolific output and the quality of production and lyrical content in “Lala” make it a strong contender, cementing his growing popularity.

7. SON OF CHIKE – CHIKE

Chike, never one to limit himself, pulls from a wide palette to complement his silky R&B sound on “Son of Chike.” With heavyweight features, this album revives and revolutionizes the genre, showcasing Chike’s versatility and impact.

6. LUSTROPOLIS – ODEAL

Odeal, the Nigerian London R&B singer, reveals his intentions with “Lustropolis,” a heartfelt LP. His classy take on the genre, uplifted by a feature from Summer Walker, has garnered significant acclaim, highlighting his unique sound.

5. COMMERCIAL BREAK – WINNY

Winny’s debut album, “Commercial Break,” is a raw and expressive journey through love’s fleeting moments. Following her well-received EP “Before the Break,” this album showcases masterful production and storytelling, bending the genre to her will with notable social commentary.

4. PEACE AND LOVE – JULS

Juls, the British Ghanaian producer, splits “Peace and Love” into two complementary parts: ‘Peace’ for slow-tempo tracks and ‘Love’ for uptempo ones. His signature cross-pollination of genres, along with strong R&B/Soul influences, makes this album a delightful experience, whether shuffled or listened to in order.

3. YP & Azanti Vol.2 – PsychoYP & Azanti

PsychoYP and Azanti bring a fresh spin to R&B/Soul with “YP & Azanti Vol.2,” blending hip-hop, funk, and soul. Their synergy has led to significant social commentary and niche acclaim, charting for over 20 weeks in the Apple NG R&B/Soul album genre.

2. HOMELESS – LLONA

Llona has mastered the darker, more depressive end of Afrobeats with “Homeless.” His distinct sound and lyrical content resonate deeply, making this album not just an R&B addition but a profound statement that transcends typical genre boundaries, earning its place in the top spot.

1. BORN IN THE WILD – TEMS

Topping our list, Tems’ “Born in the Wild” is a journey of self and sound, blending R&B with Afrobeat in a way that’s both innovative and rooted in tradition. Tems’ vision and voice on this album have not only defined 2024’s R&B/Soul scene but have set a new standard for the genre.

2024 has been a remarkable year for R&B and Soul, with these albums leading with innovation, emotion, and storytelling. Each artist has contributed uniquely to the genre’s evolution, and we at MusicUntamed are excited to see where these talents will take us next. 

Happy listening, and here’s to the soul of music continuing to evolve and inspire.