We’re well into 2014, and there have been a number of good R&B albums to hit the streets. Already this year, Pharrell Williams (G I R L), Ledisi (The Truth), Liv Warfield (Unexpected) and Algebra Blessett (Recovery) have blessed us with solid projects that haven’t left heavy rotation. (If you’ve missed the aforementioned new hotness, then there’s your shopping list.) However, if 2014 is anything like 2013, then we are in for another banner year for R&B and soul music with amazing sounds that will keep coming at a steady clip. We need only look to the next three months to see that’s the case with three big artists on the way to a stereo near you.
Kelis
Food
Release date: April 22
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/food/id806560885
http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2014/01/kelis-to-relieve-our-hunger-with-food-this-april/
Kelis took a detour into the world of EDM with her last album, 2010’s Flesh Tone. But the sassy songstress returns to her soulful self with her sixth studio album, Food. Your favorite’s favorite who laid the blueprint for many of today’s R&B/pop starlets, and whose milkshake can still bring all the boys to the yard, is a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef and saucier. This explains foodie song titles such as “Jerk Ribs,” “Cobbler” and “Fish Fry,” although the songs themselves are about life and love and have nothing to do with food. If you’re hungry for what Kelis is dishing out, then Food will be available on April 22nd.
Kindred the Family Soul
A Couple Friends
Release date: June 10
Married duo Kindred the Family Soul are gearing up to release their fifth album, A Couple Friends, on June 10th. Singers/songwriters/lovebirds Aja and Fatin Dantzler will create another chapter of their ongoing love story that started (on wax, at least) in 2002 with their debut Surrender to Love. On A Couple Friends, Kindred looks to bring substance and positivity to the current urban music landscape with a healthy dose of romance and realness from the heart and soul. A short film, which is now in production, will also be released to accompany the album.
Michael Jackson
XSCAPE
Release date: May 13
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/xscape-deluxe/id850697616
A month before we recognize the fifth anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing, a posthumous album will be released whether we like it or not [https://theshadowleague.com/articles/let-michael-rest-in-peace]. Entitled XSCAPE, the collection will feature eight songs comprised of unreleased vocals from MJ’s vault hand-picked by executive producer and chairman/CEO of Epic Records L.A. Reid. Matched up with producers such as Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins to “contemporize” Mike’s music, fans will find out on May 13th when XSCAPE is released if “contemporize” is Swahili for “trainwreck.” But we have to admit that we’re curious about this project that has been shrouded in MiJac mystery.
Be on the lookout for new projects from Little Dragon, Avery*Sunshine, José James, Lil’ John Roberts and many more to be released this spring into early summer. For more info, check the links below:
Little Dragon: http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2014/01/little-dragon-set-to-return-with-their-nabuma-rubberband/
Avery*Sunshine: http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2014/03/relax-in-avery-sunshines-sunroom-this-may/
José James: http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2014/03/while-you-were-sleeping-jose-james-announced-his-new-album/
Lil’ John Roberts: http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2014/02/well-be-picking-up-lil-john-roberts-debut-lp-in-a-heartbeat/