The albums that define
alternative r&b.
Our picks for where to start with alternative r&b — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top alternative R&B artists
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The alternative r&b essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
The Weeknd
Starboy
A sleek blend of dark R&B and pop, layered with atmospheric production and haunting melodies.
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The Weeknd
House of Balloons
Atmospheric and haunting, blending ethereal production with raw vocal intimacy that redefined R&B's boundaries.
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Selena Gomez
I Said I Love You First
A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and electropop, infusing emotional depth with danceable beats.
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Selena Gomez
Another Cinderella Story (soundtrack)#Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Catchy pop melodies intertwine with danceable beats, embodying youthful optimism and the spirit of a modern fairy tale.
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Donald Glover
Royalty
An eclectic blend of genres, merging introspective lyricism with experimental production that reflects a nuanced exploration of identity.
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Donald Glover
Sick Boi
An eclectic blend of introspective lyrics over laid-back beats, merging hip-hop with elements of R&B and comedic flair.
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Travis Scott
Days Before Rodeo
A sonic landscape blending atmospheric beats with introspective lyrics, encapsulating the tension between ambition and vulnerability.
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Travis Scott
Owl Pharaoh
A kaleidoscopic blend of atmospheric beats and introspective lyricism that captures the essence of a modern hip-hop odyssey.
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Halsey
The Great Impersonator
An exploration of identity and self-perception woven through eclectic soundscapes and introspective lyrics.
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Halsey
Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
A cinematic blend of pop and R&B, weaving themes of love and loss through ethereal production and confessional lyrics.
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Blackbear
Anonymous
A raw exploration of heartbreak and self-reflection wrapped in catchy hooks and modern production.
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Blackbear
Everything Means Nothing
This album highlights Blackbear's signature blend of R&B and hip-hop, featuring catchy hooks along with deeper emotional narratives. It's a great introduction to both his sound and thematic concerns.
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Joji
In Tongues (EP)
An intimate blend of lo-fi production and haunting vocals that explores themes of love and vulnerability.
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Joji
Nectar
'Nectar' encapsulates Joji’s ability to fuse genres while maintaining a personal touch. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating an immersive listening experience that captures his essence as an artist.
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Common
Black America Again
A contemplative blend of jazz-infused hip-hop and soulful melodies addressing social issues and personal narratives.
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Common
Nobody's Smiling
A gritty fusion of introspective lyrics and soulful beats that reflect urban struggles and resilience.
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Willow Smith
Lately I Feel Everything
'Lately I Feel Everything' effectively encapsulates Willow's signature sound, balancing emotional resonance with innovative arrangements. This album is an excellent introduction to her evolution as an artist while highlighting her lyrical introspection.
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Willow Smith
Coping Mechanism
A raw exploration of vulnerability wrapped in punchy alt-pop soundscapes and introspective lyrics.
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Trippie Redd
A Love Letter to You
An emotional blend of cloud rap and alternative R&B, where vulnerability meets raw energy in melodic flows.
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Trippie Redd
Mansion Musik
A vibrant blend of cloud rap and emo influences, steeped in introspective lyricism and innovative production.
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Tinashe
Joyride
An eclectic blend of sultry R&B grooves, vibrant pop anthems, and introspective ballads that showcase Tinashe's versatile vocal prowess.
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Tinashe
Amethyst
Ethereal R&B soundscapes blend with introspective lyrics, creating a hazy atmosphere of emotional exploration and sensuality.
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Tems
For Broken Ears
Tems weaves emotive vocals through lush Afrobeats, creating a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive.
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Tems
If Orange Was a Place
Ethereal melodies and lush instrumentation intertwine, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of modern Afrobeats.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where alternative R&B landed in each era.