Now that the temperature is warming up, some of the most notable names in the Rhythm & Blues genre are adding to the heat with the release of new albums. This week, an extremely diverse group of artists influenced by Jazz to Electronic to Soul offer options for listeners. The new albums are from legend Bobby Womack, Brain Culbertson, and Usher.
Usher – Looking 4 Myself (Deluxe Version) (RCA) – Buy
Grammy winning R&B singer Usher drops his seventh studio album ‘Looking 4 Myself.’ The highly-anticipated set features collaborations with Rick Ross, Pharrell and Luke Steele and boast the singles “Climax,” “Scream” and “Lemme See.” “If you take no risk, you stand to gain nothing in life. Dare to be different. I don’t look like you, I don’t walk like you, I don’t dance like you, I don’t move like you or talk like you. That doesn’t make me odd, that makes me who I am. I want people to feel that essence of growth,” Usher says of the album. “This album is very consistent in the aspect of being eclectic.”
Bobby Womack – The Bravest Man In the Universe (XL Recordings) – Buy
The 68-year-old cancer free legend Bobby Womack releases his twenty-seventh studio album entitled ‘Bravest Man in the Universe.’ The Rock and Roll Hall of fame inductee, who is responsible for timeless hits like “Lookin’ For a Love,” “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha,” and “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” changes direction for his new effort. On the ten track record, Womack’s baritone vocals are met with the sobering electronic piano chords and gentle pounds on percussion with a man on route to sing about his past shortfalls.
Brian Culbertson – Dreams (Verve/Universal) – Buy
Jazz instrumentalist Brian Culbertson leads vocalist Vivian Green, Noel Gourdin and Stokley Williams of Mint Condition to their ‘Dreams.’ The pivotal album for Culbertson’s career is his vision for listening and intertwining jazzy sensibility and soul melodies. Having worked with an array of stellar R&B artists such as Faith Evans, Ledisi, Brian McKnight, Kenny Lattimore, Musiq Soulchild and Avant, Brian Culbertson has produced or performed on over 25 No. 1 records.
June 19, 2012
Bebe Winans – America America
Cheri Coke & Melo X – X/Coke
June 26, 2012
R. Kelly – Write Me Back
Jill Scott – Crates: Remix Fundamentals 1
July 3, 2012 & Beyond
Chris Brown – Fortune
July 10, 2012 & Beyond
Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again (July 17)
Ashanti – BraveHeart (August 28)
Cassie – TBA
Leela James – In the Spirit of Etta James
Mint Condition – Music at the Speed of Life
Tiffany Evans – Perfect Imperfection
Kenny Lattimore – Back 2 Cool
Angie Stone – Rich Girl
Tamia – Beautiful Surprise
Karyn White – Carpe Diem
Anthony David – Love Out Loud
Jill Scott – Crates: Remix Fundamentals 2 (July 17)
Joss Stone – The Soul Sessions Vol. 2 (July 31)
