Introduction R&B
In our introduction to R&B, We7 invites you to explore the multitude of styles and flavours of this broad and diverse genre. The phrase "rhythm & blues" was first-used in marketing by Billboard Magazine in 1948, and encompasses an enormous variety of popular music, including soul, funk, disco, new jack swing and urban contemporary. Here are a few highlights to get you started.
Midnight Love
Marvin Gaye
One of the greatest R&B/soul singers of all-time with a string of classic hits in the '60s and '70s. In 1982, Marvin returned from self-imposed exile in Belgium to deliver his biggest ever Number 1 hit Sexual Healing from what sadly turned out to be his final album. This Legacy Edition contains the original album plus bonus mixes and alternative versions from those studio sessions.
So Many Sides...An Introduction to Bobby Womack
Bobby Womack
2009 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame nominee singer-songwriter Bobby Womack started in soul legend Sam Cooke's band in the early '60s. He had a string of R&B hits in the '60s and '70s and wrote hits for others, most notably "It's All Over Now" by the Rolling Stones. This album summarizes his '80s recordings including the hits If You Think You're Lonely Now and Love Has Finally Come At Last.
All 'n All
Earth, Wind & Fire
This pioneering super group of the '70s and early '80s reached their creative peak in 1977 with this intricate and multilayered extravaganza. It magically fuses soul, funk, jazz, world and pop like nothing before or since. Marvel at the horns on Jupiter; let the textures of Fantasy sweep you away. All 'n All is a masterpiece in production and arrangement, and is presented here with three bonus tracks.
Funk This
Chaka Khan
A multi Grammy Award-winning soul diva known for her incredible vocal range, Chaka Khan came to prominence in funk band Rufus before going solo and enjoying a run of classic solo singles. This delightful 2007 comeback helmed by legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis has a welcome organic, live-band feel and brought her first R&B hit for 15 years, Angel plus the raw funk grooves of Back In The Day and Disrespectful.
The Hits/The B-Sides
Prince
The word "genius" is often over-used in music, but in this case, it's entirely appropriate to describe Prince. The singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist virtuoso has been making genre-defying classics for more than 30 years. The stunning breadth and range of his work is exemplified by this extensive three CD collection of hit singles and b-sides.
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
Amidst the "neo-soul" movement of the '90s, Maxwell appeared from nowhere with his concept album debut. Whilst it bucked all contemporary trends, it won him Best R&B Artist and is now recognized as a modern soul classic. Highlights include the sensual soul groove of Sumthin Sumthin and the poignant acoustic ballad Whenever, Wherever, Whatever.
Shine
Estelle
American Boy featuring Kanye West has conquered the world, and on Shine, a stellar cast of hip and happening producers (including Wyclef, will.i.am and Mark Ronson) help Londoner Estelle prove she's definitely no one-hit wonder. Estelle effortlessly straddles R&B, pop, soul, hip hop, dancehall and lovers' rock with her distinctive endearing British touch and "flava".
Kiss R&B Digital Downloads
Various Artists
Comprehensive sweep of contemporary commercial R&B from an impressive roster of names including Beyoncé, Chris Brown, T Pain, Usher, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, Ciara, Cassidy and Amerie.
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