Back in the 1990s, particularly the early-to-mid-’90s, R&B ruled the charts. It was during this time that some of the best soul and R&B music was released since the ’70s. For a few short years, there was an R&B renaissance that resulted in many prolific, eclectic acts arriving on the scene, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Jodeci. With that in mind, this guide includes the essential R&B and soul albums of the 1990s, including iconic releases by Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, R. Kelly, and more.

Back in the 1990s, particularly the early-to-mid-’90s, R&B ruled the charts. It was during this time that some of the best soul and R&B music was released since the ’70s. For a few short years, there was an R&B renaissance that resulted in many prolific, eclectic acts arriving on the scene, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Jodeci. With that in mind, this guide includes the essential R&B and soul albums of the 1990s, including iconic releases by Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, R. Kelly, and more.

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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

This album is the cream of the crop, the standard-bearer, the measuring stick that all albums of its era should be judged against. It is to the ’90s what Alicia Keys’ album “Songs in A Minor” was to the ’00s.

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Track List:

  • IntroLost OnesEx-FactorTo ZionDoo Wop (That Thing)SuperstarFinal HourWhen It Hurts so BadI Used to Love HimForgive Them FatherEvery Ghetto, Every CityNothing Even MattersEverything Is EverythingThe Miseducation of Lauryn HillCan’t Take My Eyes off of YouTell Him (Live)

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R. (1998)

Though his past is speckled with several controversies, R. Kelly remains a musical genius. “R.” is a testimony of the artist’s raw talent. There are almost no duds on this album, even though there are a whopping 29 tracks between the two discs.

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Disc 1 Track List:

  • Home Alone (feat. Keith Murray)Spendin’ MoneyIf I’m Wit YouHalf On a BabyWhen a Woman’s Fed UpGet up on a RoomOne ManWe RideThe OperaThe Interview (feat. Suzanne LeMignot)Only the Loot Can Make Me HappyDon’t Put Me OutSuicideEtceteraIf I Could Turn Back the Hands of TimeWhat I Feel/Issues

Disc 2 Track List:

  • The ChaseV.I.P.Did You Ever ThinkDollar BillReality2nd KellyGhetto Queen (Crucial Conflict)Down Low Double LifeLooking for LoveDancing With a Rich ManI’m Your Angel (Duet)Money Makes the World Go RoundI Believe I Can Fly

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Share My World (1997)

Mary J. Blige is another artist for whom it’s difficult to choose a best ’90s album, but “Share My World” can be considered first among equals as far as her albums go. Still, Mary’s other ’90s albums, “Mary” (1999), “My Life” (1994), and “What’s the 411?” (1992) are all worthwhile in their own right.

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03

  • Intro
  • I Can Love You (feat. Lil’ Kim)
  • Love Is All We Need (feat. Nas)
  • Round and Round
  • Share My World (Interlude)
  • Share My World
  • Seven Days (feat. George Benson)
  • It’s On (feat. R. Kelly)
  • Thank You Lord (Interlude)
  • Missing You (feat. The Lox)
  • Everything
  • Keep Your Head
  • Can’t Get You off My Mind
  • Get to Know You Better
  • Searching (feat. Roy Ayers)
  • Our Love
  • Not Gon’ Cry

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Brown Sugar (1995)

The opening title track in and of itself makes the “Brown Sugar” album from D’Angelo worth the purchase. There’s plenty of other good music here, too, particularly a version of “Cruisin’” that’s even better than Smokey Robinson’s original.

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  • Brown SugarAlrightJonz in My BonzMe and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of MineShT, Damn, MotherfCkerSmoothCruisin’When We Get ByLadyHigher

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Baduizm (1997)

Erykah Badu seemingly appeared out of nowhere when she arrived on the scene in 1997 and blew up big time with her debut album, led by the single “On and On.” Although she’s still a relevant, creative artist to this day, nothing she’s released since has equaled the overall quality of “Baduizm.”

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  • Rim Shot (Intro)On and OnAppletreeOther Side of the GameSometimes (Mix No. 9)Next LifetimeAfro (Freestyle Skit)Certainly4 Leaf CloverNo LoveDramaSometimesCertainly (Flipped It)Rim Shot (Outro)

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Forever My Lady (1991)

This album from Jodeci was considered near-perfect at the time of its release and even spawned three phenomenally successful hit singles “Forever My Lady,” “Come & Talk to Me,” and “Stay.”

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  • StayCome & Talk to meForever My LadyI’m Still WaitingU and IInterlude (553 Nasty)My PhoneGotta LovePlay ThangIt’s AlrightTreat UX’s We ShareCherish

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Cooleyhighharmony (1991)

Back before they sold out — er, make that matured — Boyz II Men was a fun-loving, freewheeling group of guys. This album is their only one that’s chock-full of the uptempo New Jack Swing that was popular at the time.

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  • Please Don’t GoLonely HeartThis Is My HeartUhh AhhIt’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to YesterdayMotownphillyUnder PressureSympin’Little ThingsYour LoveEnd of the RoadIn the Still of the Nite (I’ll Remember)Uhh Ahh (Sequel Version)Motownphilly (Remix Radio Edit)Sympin’ (Remix Radio Edit)It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye the Yesterday (Radio Version)Al Final del Camino (End of the Road, Spanish Version)

  • Just a Cover UpCan’t Be LikedMotownphilly (12" Version)Motownphilly (12" Dub)Motownphilly (Quiet Storm Mix)Under Pressure (Groovy Remix)Under Pressure (Extended Remix)Sympin’ (Remix)Sympin’ (Remix Radio Edit Without Rap)Uhh Ahh (Remix)Uhh Ahh (Sequel Version with French Girl)Uhh Ahh (Sequel Version Acappella)It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday (Gospel Version with Dedication)

08 of 10

Maxwell: MTV Unplugged (1997)

This seven-song, 34-minute live EP, which was released a year after Maxwell’s debut album, is one of the best live R&B albums ever and is perfect mood-setting music for the bedroom. Check out his cover versions of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” and Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.”

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  • The Suite Urban Theme (The Hush)Mello: Sumthin (The Hush)The Lady SuiteThis Woman’s WorkWhenever Wherever WhateverAscension (Don’t Ever Wonder)Gotta Get: Closer

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Long Time No See (1997)

An underrated classic, Chico DeBarge had just been released from prison when he recorded this album. Instead of wildin’ out, he became introspective. “Long Time No See” is sultry, soulful, and simmering. Must-hear songs “Iggin’ Me,” “No Guarantee,” and his cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man.”

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  • IntroLove Still GoodIggin’ MeVirginNo GuaranteeMs. WonderfulWas It GoodPhysical TrainTrouble ManLove JonesSupermanOne LoveLong Time No SeeNo Guarantee (feat. Joe) [Remix Version]Outro

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Hits (1997)

The multi-platinum group Tony! Toni! Toné! is where R&B icon Raphael Saadiq got his start in the 1980s. Since all of the the group’s albums were stellar, it’s near-impossible to pick just one out of the pack. This greatest hits package is the way to go.

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  • If I Had No LootBoys and Girls (Remix)Annie MayThe BluesDon’t Fall In LoveLittle WalterThinking of YouAnniversary (Radio Version)Feels GoodLet’s Get Down(Lay Your Head on My) PillowIt Never Rains (In Southern California)Baby DollWhatever You WantMy Ex-Girlfriend