The albums that define
adult contemporary music.
Our picks for where to start with adult contemporary music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top adult contemporary music artists
Start with one of these.
The adult contemporary music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Rihanna
A Girl Like Me
A vibrant blend of pop, dancehall, and R&B that showcases Rihanna's burgeoning confidence and emotional depth.
Start here
Rihanna
Talk That Talk
An energetic blend of dance-pop and R&B that pulses with an infectious confidence and adventurous spirit.
Start here
Christina Aguilera
Back to Basics
A seamless blend of vintage soul and contemporary pop, showcasing a bold reinvention of classic musical styles.
Start here
Christina Aguilera
Mi Reflejo
A vibrant fusion of pop and Latin influences showcasing Aguilera's powerful vocals and emotional depth.
Start here
Céline Dion
Miracle
An emotive blend of lullabies and classic ballads wrapped in orchestral warmth and Dion's soaring vocals.
Start here
Céline Dion
S'il suffisait d'aimer
A lush blend of emotive ballads and rhythmic melodies, showcasing Dion's powerful vocals over rich orchestration.
Start here
Julio Iglesias
1100 Bel Air Place
This specific album showcases a blend of Iglesias's romantic themes and musical versatility. It includes tracks that resonate well with both casual listeners and ardent fans, paving an easy path into his extensive catalog.
Start here
Julio Iglesias
Hey!
A romantic blend of Latin ballads and soft rock, infused with lush orchestration and Iglesias' smooth baritone voice.
Start here
giorge mijael
Songs from the Last Century
A smooth blend of jazz, soul, and pop layered with heartfelt vocal interpretations of classic songs.
Start here
giorge mijael
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
A soulful exploration of identity and freedom, blending pop melodies with introspective lyrics and rich musical arrangements.
Start here
Toni Braxton
Libra
A sultry blend of contemporary R&B and soul that showcases Braxton's emotive vocal prowess over smooth, sophisticated production.
Start here
Toni Braxton
Pulse
A blend of sultry R&B grooves and heartfelt ballads that showcase Braxton's signature emotive vocal style.
Start here
Kenny Rogers
Back Home Again
A warm blend of country pop and soft rock that evokes nostalgia through its heartfelt storytelling and melodic hooks.
Start here
Kenny Rogers
The Gift
A heartfelt collection of contemporary Christmas songs infused with Kenny Rogers' warm storytelling and soulful vocals.
Start here
Anne Murray
Anne Murray's Christmas Album
Warm and soothing renditions of holiday classics wrapped in Anne Murray's signature soft vocals and gentle arrangements.
Start here
Anne Murray
This Way Is My Way
Warm melodies and heartfelt lyrics blend effortlessly, showcasing a gentle country-pop sound that defines Anne Murray's early style.
Start here
Chicago
Chicago 17
'Chicago 17' is pivotal in Chicago's discography as it reflects their evolution while remaining accessible to new listeners. The blend of catchy hooks and intricate arrangements makes it a fitting starting point.
Start here
Chicago
Chicago VI
A vibrant blend of rock and jazz influences, underscored by lush arrangements and introspective lyrics that reflect urban life.
Start here
Bryan Adams
Roll with the Punches
A vibrant blend of rock and heartfelt ballads, showcasing resilience and emotional depth in every track.
Start here
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams
A blend of heartland rock and soft melodies that captures the earnest spirit of early '80s pop music.
Start here
Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where adult contemporary music landed in each era.