Top 10 R&B + Soul Fusion Projects of 2023
Closing out the year with my favourite releases.
Hi Pal,
Genre classification these days is usually a fairly tedious affair as more artists work their creative muscles to create music that draws inspiration from various soundscapes. For this list, R&B + Soul Fusion describes any albums or EPs whose songs are foundationally R&B or Soul irrespective of the diverse interpretations. Streaming links are embedded in the titles.
#10
Denise Bamfo
D’JOURNEY
In the last decade, the growth of African music and the influence of African sounds on the global stage has been outstanding. Denise Bamfo’s Ghanaian roots shine through on this album with some Afropop infusions blending into the tracks on D’JOURNEY giving it a unique flavour.
Personal Recommendation: Here for You
#9
Uninvtd, S A I N T
Pursuit of, Love 2
Full disclosure, it took me a long time to warm up to Christian love songs and I’m sure I came to appreciate them until I got married. That being said, they can be a real blessing to the soul when done right and I think this project is a good example of that.
Personal Recommendation: 1 Percent
#8
Stevie Rizo
Surrender The Will
For the length of this release, Stevie Rizo does a good job with EP. His signature style of switching between singing and rapping on tracks continues to remain one of the things that makes him unique. Still, I was hoping for a longer project and I’m hoping we get a proper follow-up to his 2022 album next year.
Personal Recommendation: Ruler
#7
Sarah Juers
It Was Dark Until It Wasn’t
Sarah Juers was not an artist I thought would land on this list at the beginning of the year. Even when her album was announced, I expected something close to the acoustic folk sounds of previous releases with a soulful slant. It Was Dark Until It Wasn’t is very much an alternative R&B album and it brings together elements to two worlds that I enjoy. Also, as far as albums about healing go, this is one of the best from 2023.
Personal Recommendation: Oh God, Hold Onto Me
#6
Kojo Dave
Endure
When January releases make my top lists, it fills me with joy because I’m sure that recency bias isn’t filtering into my assessment. Kojo Dave is another artist with clear African influences blended into his unique interpretation of alternative R&B. All things considered, Endure is one of the most fun releases of the year.
Personal Recommendation: Convo with Elijah
#5
Claudia Isaki
More Flowers
New Claudia Isaki is always a good thing for everyone. After over three years of relative silence, More Flowers dropped a few months ago and she sounds better than ever. Her brand of acoustic neo-soul interwoven with some vocal jazz elements is so distinct and refreshing to hear. Did I mention that she also sings in French?
Personal Recommendation: Carioca Beach
#4
Sondae
By The Water
One of the ways that I can tell that an album, EP or song is top-notch is when folks who love a genre but have never tried Christian music in it get hooked when I recommend it to them. This happened with a friend of mine who still can’t enough of By The Water — and for good reason. Sondae is pretty unique, even in such a saturated scene, and it takes one listen to know it.
Personal Recommendation: Elohim
#3
Jonny Henninger
So Much To Say [Pt. I]; So Much To Say [Pt. II]; So Much To Say [III]
I know what you might be thinking, “are the three releases your joint number two?” The answer is Yes. Anyone of these EPs could have taken this spot and they all deserve a mention here. Jonny Henninger’s music has a distinct feel and I’m not sure there’s anyone who fuses experimental electronic sounds with alternative R&B and neo-soul the way he does. Also, every feature on these EPs is stellar — including the interludes.
Personal Recommendations: Let My Guard Down, Grace, Warfare
#2
Victory
Glory Hour
One of the earlier releases of the year and quite easily, the best soul album of 2023. Victory Boyd’s folk-inspired sound, combined with top-notch production chops and eclectic vocal texture made this a mesmerizing experience — to say the least. I can’t say enough good things about it.
Personal Recommendation: Warfare
#1
Madison Ryann Ward
A New Thing
It’s interesting to me how my top two albums are the ones that I have fewer things to say about simply because they dropped in the first half of the year and I had a feeling they would top this list because they are just that good. I’ve run out of words to use to describe Madison Ryann Ward’s contributions to the Christian R&B scene. All I can say is that I’m so grateful that artists like her exist.
Personal Recommendation: Wanda
Coming Next: Top 20 Indie Albums (Part 1)
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
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Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at stismavo@gmail.com