Hey there, Soulsters!
The end of the year is near, and we have come down to the usual barrage of “Best Of” lists. Of course, here I am with mine in tow. It has only been about 3 years since I have been providing a list of my yearly favs. While gathering my favourites used to be a struggle, this year was too damn easy! There has been a truckload of amazing work that’s come our way that you may have missed. From funky instrumentals to seriously soulful tunes, Soulafrodisiac’s Top 10 Albums of 2015 will have something for you. (that’s if you don’t have them in your collection already!) Also, my Honorable Mentions list below may be a tad long. FYI. 🙂
Here we go! (and in no particular order of attachment)
Anatomy of a Love Song by Kenny Lattimore: The title itself is a window into the soul of this album. Sexy, sensual and truthful soul music – believe me when I say that you need to take the leap on this one.
Press Play: “Remix My Old School”
2. Love Is Everything by Antonique Smith: Known to us in character as Faith from the Notorious film, Ms. Smith blew out the gates last year with her fantastic Grammy-nominated track “Hold Up Wait A Minute (Woo Woo)”. This EP is way beyond what I expected, and needless to say – I want more.
Press Play: “Here Comes The Sun”
3. Ego Death by The Internet: Trippy, jazz-kissed soul. This album is on the next ish. Funky tunes on a sweet flow. And, they have gone on to be nominated for a Grammy in 2016. A job well done, and it would be a win well deserved.
Press Play: “Under Control”
4. Black Rose by Tyrese: This one is a doozy. This is Tyrese’s best one yet to date. A solid throwback to that good-good soul and R&B, with no holds barred. Tyrese went for the jugular with this one and hit us all hard unexpectedly. Many accolades have come his way and critics were happy across the board. Myself included.
Press Play: “Dumb Shit” featuring Snoop Dogg
5. In The Land of Milk and Honey by The Foreign Exchange: Now, y’all know how much love I have for these dudes. This album is utterly delicious. FE carries on this time with a heavy soulful house-influenced album that will have you church stompin’ in no time. From production to lyrics, it’s an all-around package deal you can’t refuse.
Press Play: “Disappear”
6. Cognac and Conversation by Teedra Moses: Ms. Moses is every girl’s “best friend on wax”. She’s never shy about using her vocals and skills to tell us like it is, and give it to us just how we want and need to hear it when it comes to romance, love, men – you name it. This album is no different, as she continues to deliver provocative goods over commanding beats. Take a sip of your favourite libation and press play.
Press Play: “All I Ever Wanted” featuring Rick Ross
7. 7 Summers by Shaun Martin: Lush string arrangements, jazz-esque vibes injected with soulful hints here and there – this is aural stimulation at its best. Apparently, the album took this Snarky Puppy member 10 years to complete, and it was definitely well worth the wait.
Press Play: “One Big Party”
8. Cheers to the Fall by Andra Day: Everyone was taken by surprise by Ms. Day and her duet with Stevie Wonder in the iTunes holiday commercial. Day had my attention from the moment she stepped on stage to open for Lenny Kravitz on tour. Day’s raspy-tinged power vocals and jukebox sound are more than loverly on the ears.
Press Play: “Only Love”
9. Love Life by Tamia: She never does me wrong! Personally, I believe Tamia to be one of the most underrated singers I know. From beginning to end, she came correct with this highly anticipated album. Vocals – check. Theme – check (it’s all about love, peeps). Amazing production and it is classic Tamia to boot. Love this album.
Press Play: “Love Falls Over Me”
10. Lost & Found EP by Lisa Banton: Now, Lisa has heard this a thousand times I’m sure, but her vocal style can easily be compared to Mary J circa 1990-something. And that’s a solid compliment. But let’s be real here. Ms. Banton has her own vibe, and it’s one that leaves an unmistakable imprint. She rocks hard, and grooves right. This EP was simply a taste test. I need an album pronto.
Press Play: “The Only One”
Honourable Mentions:
Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes
Keep Pushing by Tony Momrelle
Moonlust by A l l i e
Know It All by Alessia Cara
Tuxedo by Tuxedo
Soweto by Nicolay
Dream by Angie Stone
ClairVoyant by Teedra Moses
Reality Show by Jazmine Sullivan
Sour Soul by BadBadNotGood
Lalah Hathaway Live by Lalah Hathaway
The Tin Man by Aaron Parnell Brown
Blood by Lianne La Havas
Healer by Alex Cuba
Pentatonix by Pentatonix
Covered by Robert Glasper
Sex Love & Pain II by Tank
To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Sofa King Amazing by Spek Won
Happy New Year and see y’all soon…