Kali Uchis’ ‘Orquideas’ Is a Striking Pop Album
On Orquisideas, Kali Uchis yet again proves she is the Queen of Concept, delivering a clever, thoughtful album inspired by the “sensual allure of the orchid”.
r&b
Immersed in America: The Creation of Elvis Presley
We know how Elvis Presley’s story reflects on American history, its music and mythology, but how did America help to create Elvis?
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The 11 Best R&B/Soul Albums of 2023
In these challenging times, the best R&B and soul albums walked tall and carried a big stick, while also being a much-needed balm and source of warmth.
Vanessa Amorosi Is Feeling ‘Memphis Love’ on New LP
Putting the pop in popular as a rising star before she was 20, Australian Vanessa Amorosi takes on a soul role with her eighth studio album premiering here.
Quantic’s ‘Dancing While Falling’ Is a Community-Minded Triumph
Quantic infuses everything he creates with a balmy kind of love. Dancing While Falling revisits his early roots in ’60s and ’70s soul with a new sophistication.
Niecy Blues’ ‘Exit Simulation’ Is the Sound of a Singular Artist
Niecy Blues’ Exit Simulation is a breathtaking and immaculate creative statement, expanding R&B. It will lay down fire and love in innumerable hearts and minds.
The Afghan Whigs’ ‘Gentlemen’ Retains Its Punishing Allure at 30
Greg Dulli’s lyrics are part of the enduring power of the Afghan Whigs’ Gentlemen, which diverges from the misogyny of the 1970s rock and the emo that followed.
The Rise of Rock ‘n’ Roll Nation and the Far Right Reaction
American anxieties about the rise of rock ‘n’ roll nation were exploited by the far right, relating the music’s lyrics, sounds, dances, and subcultures to ubiquitous worries about communism and the developing civil rights movement.
Jamila Woods Finds ‘Water Made Us’ While Seeking Love Inside Her
Jamila Woods’ Water Made Us is full of creativity. The songs are not just liquid, solid, and gas; they are blood, wine, and soul.
Jorja Smith Charms with ‘Falling or Flying’
Jorja Smith’s Falling or Flying is quite an accomplishment and an excellent vehicle for her estimable talents. It’s a low-key yet unequivocal triumph.
If You’ve Got Soul: Christina Aguilera’s 2006 Masterwork ‘Back to Basics’
A tribute and aural love letter to her husband and her Black musical heroes and heroines, Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics still attracts an equal amount of disciples and denigrators.
Funk Producer Jamma-Dee Distorts Time on ‘Perceptions’
Despite not playing an instrument growing up, Jamma-Dee’s love of crate-digging and funk soon birthed their own colorful contribution to the genre.