The albums that define
rhythm and blues.
Our picks for where to start with rhythm and blues — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top rhythm and blues artists
Start with one of these.
The rhythm and blues essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Herbie Hancock
Takin' Off
A vibrant blend of hard bop and rhythmic grooves, showcasing Hancock's inventive piano work and catchy melodies.
Start here
The Who
Who's Next
An explosive blend of rock anthems and introspective ballads, encapsulating the spirit of early '70s rebellion.
Start here
Nelly Furtado
The Spirit Indestructible
A vibrant fusion of pop and world music, layered with themes of resilience and empowerment.
Start here
Nelly Furtado
The Ride
A reflective blend of contemporary R&B and folk-infused pop that captures vulnerability and resilience.
Start here
Nelly Furtado
7
A vibrant fusion of contemporary R&B and Latin rhythms, celebrating self-empowerment and emotional honesty.
Start here
Ray Charles
The Birth of Soul
A vibrant collection of Ray Charles' early soul, blending bluesy grooves with gospel fervor and jazz sophistication.
Start here
Alessandra Amoroso
Tutto accade
Uplifting pop melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Alessandra Amoroso's vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Start here
Grace Jones
Warm Leatherette
A bold fusion of disco, new wave, and R&B that challenges conventional pop sensibilities.
Start here
Grace Jones
Living My Life
A vibrant fusion of disco rhythms and new wave sensibilities layered with Grace Jones' commanding vocals.
Start here
Ai
Dream
A vibrant fusion of J-pop, gospel, and hip-hop that radiates warmth and optimism.
Start here
Siti Nurhaliza
Fragmen
A fusion of traditional melodies and contemporary pop that resonates with heartfelt intimacy.
Start here
Misia
Eighth World
A vibrant fusion of J-pop melodies and R&B grooves that showcase Misia's powerful vocals and emotional depth.
Start here
Diana Ross
Diana & Marvin
A lush blend of soul and pop harmonies, brimming with romantic longing and smooth vocal interplay.
Start here
Rod Stewart
When We Were the New Boys
A vibrant blend of rock and pop infused with nostalgic reflections and spirited melodies.
Start here
Rod Stewart
Human
A blend of smooth rock and bluesy ballads layered with introspective lyrics and Stewart's distinctive raspy vocals.
Start here
Rod Stewart
Fly Me to the Moon... The Great American Songbook Volume V
Classic standards reimagined with Rod Stewart's raspy vocals and lush orchestral arrangements, evoking timeless romance.
Start here
Rod Stewart
Body Wishes
A blend of polished pop-rock and soulful rhythms, capturing the essence of early '80s musical sophistication.
Start here
Tom Jones
The Lead and How to Swing It
A vibrant blend of pop and soul, showcasing Tom Jones' powerful vocals against lush instrumentation.
Start here
giorge mijael
Faith
A sultry blend of blue-eyed soul and synth-pop that captivates with its lush melodies and introspective lyrics.
Start here
Aretha Franklin
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Soulful vocals blend with rich instrumentation, creating an emotional landscape that resonates deeply across genres.
Start here
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Arrives
A vibrant blend of soul and rhythm, showcasing Franklin's powerful vocals against a backdrop of compelling grooves.
Start here
Aretha Franklin
This Girl's in Love with You
Soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Franklin's powerful vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Start here
Aretha Franklin
Spirit in the Dark
A vibrant blend of gospel fervor and soul rhythms, showcasing Franklin's powerful vocals and emotional depth.
Start here
Herbie Hancock
The Imagine Project
A vibrant fusion of jazz, world music, and poignant lyrics exploring themes of unity and hope.
Start here