New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)(2010)
Erykah Badu’s stature in contemporary R&B has been overwhelmingly powerful for over twenty years. In that time, her creativity has evolved in numerous ways, with her second opus arriving through the futuristic magnificence of New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2010). Her fifth record is a glorious homage to her soulful hip-hop roots, and effortlessly ties together all of the most rewarding elements of her iconic legacy.
Aromanticism (2017)
On his first record, Moses Sumney invited listeners to join him on an introspective journey towards self-care and confidence. The minimalist musical build of his debut is the perfect companion to his emotional lyrical themes that explore the beauty in being alone. Aromanticism is a stunning record layered with poetry and unique song structure, providing a thought-provoking foundation for an artist who has since redefined many age-old norms across pop music.
Here, My Dear (1978)
Marvin Gaye cemented his legacy as a giant in modern music with his politically charged masterpiece, What's Going On, along with his classic love ballads, like "Let’s Get it On". In contrast, Gaye's 1978 soul/disco crossover, Here, My Dear, has remained relatively unnoticed for decades, hidden under the shadow of his more popular records. A complex and public divorce serves as the focus of this psychedelic soul deep-cut, resulting in one of the most humanizing artistic statements in Gaye’s epic career.