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
Start with one of these.
The alternative r&b essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
The Weeknd
Kiss Land
Atmospheric soundscapes blend with haunting vocals, evoking both intimacy and isolation in a modern urban landscape.
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The Weeknd
Starboy
A sleek blend of alternative R&B and pop that marries moody synths with The Weeknd's haunting falsetto.
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Selena Gomez
I Said I Love You First
A blend of sultry R&B melodies and introspective pop lyrics that explore vulnerability and self-discovery.
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Selena Gomez
Another Cinderella Story (soundtrack)#Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Upbeat pop melodies intertwine with playful lyrics, creating an anthem for youthful exploration and self-discovery.
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Travis Scott
Days Before Rodeo
A hypnotic blend of trap beats, ambient soundscapes, and introspective lyrics that define a new wave of hip-hop.
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Travis Scott
Owl Pharaoh
A hypnotic blend of atmospheric beats and introspective lyrics that redefine modern hip-hop artistry.
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Halsey
The Great Impersonator
A kaleidoscopic blend of alternative pop and R&B, merging introspective lyrics with lush electronic soundscapes.
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Halsey
Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
A sweeping blend of introspective lyrics and atmospheric pop melodies that explore themes of love and identity.
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Common
Black America Again
A soulful tapestry of reflective lyricism and jazz-infused beats that confronts systemic injustices.
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Common
Nobody's Smiling
A raw exploration of urban struggle infused with jazzy instrumentals and introspective lyricism.
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Trippie Redd
Mansion Musik
A kaleidoscopic blend of emotional vulnerability and aggressive beats that showcases Trippie Redd's genre-defying artistry.
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Trippie Redd
A Love Letter to You 3
A genre-blurring collection where introspective lyrics meet melodic hooks and vibrant production.
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Miguel
All I Want Is You
Sensual R&B melds with pop-inflected hooks and introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric exploration of desire.
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Miguel
Kaleidoscope Dream
A vibrant fusion of R&B and pop, blending smooth melodies with introspective lyrics and experimental production.
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Aaliyah
Ultimate Aaliyah
Aaliyah's signature blend of sultry R&B grooves and ethereal melodies creates an intoxicating atmosphere throughout this compilation.
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Aaliyah
One in a Million
Aaliyah's smooth vocals glide over lush, atmospheric production blending R&B with hip-hop and electronic influences.
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Jhené Aiko
Trip
A kaleidoscopic blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics that explore love and self-discovery.
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Jhené Aiko
Souled Out
A lush tapestry of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics woven through contemporary R&B rhythms.
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PartyNextDoor
Colours
Smooth melodies and atmospheric production intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a laid-back yet emotionally charged vibe.
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PartyNextDoor
Colours 2
A lush blend of atmospheric R&B and introspective lyrics that captures emotional vulnerability.
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SZA
See.SZA.Run
A raw blend of alternative R&B and neo-soul that encapsulates vulnerability and introspection.
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SZA
Ctrl
A vulnerable blend of alternative R&B and neo-soul, encapsulating modern emotional complexities and personal narratives.
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Tory Lanez
Chixtape 5
A vibrant tapestry of contemporary R&B and hip-hop, blending nostalgia with modern flair and emotional storytelling.
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Tory Lanez
The New Toronto 3
A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and sharp verses that encapsulate Lanez's distinctive sound within contemporary hip-hop.
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