Every Friday, Rated R&B brings you the most essential releases of the week. In this week’s edition, Jhené Aiko returns with her first album in six years, while John Legend launches a new era. Plus, Tinashe spoils her fans with a dual drop. Dive into it all below.
Jhené Aiko – Westside Whimsy
On Jhené Aiko’s first album in six years, Westside Whimsy, the singer chronicles a soul-searching journey that begins with pain and evolves into healing. The 20-track set features collaborations with fellow Cali natives Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Larry June and Tyga. [Read more about Jhené Aiko’s Westside Whimsy here.]
John Legend – “Daylight”
John Legend will release a new album, Muse, on Oct. 23 — and it’s produced entirely by Pharrell Williams. The first single, “Daylight,” brings Legend’s soulful vocals back to the dancefloor, with a pledge of devotion over slick instrumentation. Legend has long paired romance with rhythm, but Pharrell’s signature production puts him into a pocket that feels entirely fresh. [Read more about John Legend’s new album Muse here.]
Victoria Monét – “Juicy”
Victoria Monét is three for three so far this era. With her sophomore album, Frequency of Love, coming Oct. 2, the Grammy winner unwraps her latest offering. “Juicy,” which sounds inspired by Ambrosia’s “Biggest Part of Me,” captures the steamy anticipation of an intimate encounter with someone special. “I can’t wait to see how your lips feel,” she sings. [Read more about Victoria Monét’s new albumFrequency of Love here.]
Tinashe – “Pillow Fight / I’d Rather Be Alone”
One minute, Tinashe will have you smiling and the next she will have you in your feelings. Look no further than her two new tracks, “Pillow Fight” and “I’d Rather Be Alone.” The former is playful and flirty, while the latter finds her grappling with a breakup. Both tracks will appear on her eighth album, Popstar, out Sept. 25. [Read more about Tinashe’sPopstarhere.]
Cedric Brazle – “Again & Again”
Love has Cedric Brazle singing all the high notes on “Again & Again.” Of the romantic track, the Florida-born singer shares, “‘Again & Again’ is a record that allows the voice to carry as much intimacy as the lyrics. I wanted to honor that tradition while putting my own stamp on it by singing the entire song in falsetto and letting that vulnerability shape the record. I think it’s important to hear this perspective from a man.”
Vedo – “Wassup (Ouu Girl)”
On “Wassup (Ouu Girl),” Vedo flips rap group Trillville’s 2004 classic “Some Cut” into a very R&B-coded come-on that keeps the original’s blunt intent but smooths it out with yearning vocals.
Aaron Frazer – “Paint The Picture”
If you’re in the mood for retro soul, press play on Aaron Frazer’s “Paint The Picture.” It’s the second preview from his upcoming EP, Corners, coming in October.
Danielle Ponder – “God of You”
Powerhouse vocalist Danielle Ponder is spellbound by a no-good lover on “God of You,” a heart-wrenching ballad from her sophomore album, Everything Has Changed, out Oct. 9. [Read more about Danielle Ponder’sEverything Has Changedhere.]
Shay Lia x Kaytranda – “So Good”
Shay Lia reunites with her longtime collaborator Kaytranada on “So Good.” The thumping groove lets her escape life’s everyday ebb and flow and move to the beat on the dance floor. It’s the exact song you play after a long day when it’s time to unwind.
