The year two-double-oh-nine is now halfway over as this is being written, so it's time to look back at the best R&B;/Soul songs of the first half of the year. So far there have been a handful of truly phenomenal songs, like Maxwell's "Pretty Wings" and India.Arie & Musiq Soulchild's "Chocolate High," plus some addictive tracks that are a snapshot of a moment in time, like Jamie Foxx & T-Pain's "Blame It" and Keri Hilson & Lil Wayne's "Turnin' Me On." The biggest surprise here though, is probably the debut single by formerly unknown singer Jeremih (it's pronounced
jere-my
). His "Birthday Sex" just oozes with sensuality.
"Pretty Wings" is the official first single from
BLACKsummers’night
, which will be Maxwell's fourth studio album (and first in eight long years). The album won't be out until July 7, 2009, but judging by the first single, it'll be worth the wait. "It’s about the last relationship I had," Maxwell said about the song during a recent interview. "How you meet the person of your dreams but at the wrong time ... the song is a testament to what I wanted to say and say, to her."
Melanie's new on the scene, and for those who haven't had a chance to check out her music yet, here's a stream of her first single, "Give it To Me Right," a highly addictive track about needing a man who knows how to properly handle his business in the bedroom. It's sexy without being too sexual and gets a point across without being crass or vulgar, which is what I really like about it. Can't wait to hear more from her. (Oh, and if you're wondering what song is being sampled here, it's "Time of the Season" by '60s psychedelic pop group The Zombies.)
"Chocolate High," which features India dueting with her rumored (ex)-boyfriend, Musiq Soulchild, is a tasty, sexy and radio-friendly track off her fourth album,
Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics
, which dropped Feb. 10, 2009.
4. "Birthday Sex," Jeremih
Jeremih and this rawly sensual track came out of nowhere and hit the top of the charts in only a couple of months during the first half of 2009. The song gives a whole new depth to the act of celebrating birthdays.
Buy/download the song
5. "Turnin' Me On," Keri Hilson feat. Lil Wayne
The electrifying and addictive "Turnin' Me On" is the biggest standout track on Keri's March 2009 debut album,
In A Perfect World ...
.
Buy/download the song
6. "Blame It," Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain
With big assists from T-Pain and Auto-Tune, Jamie Foxx managed to his biggest and best hit since he teamed up with Kanye West for "Gold Digger" in 2005.
Buy/download the song
Leela's sophomore album,
Let's Do It Again
came out March 24, 2009 via Shanachie Entertainment. The album is full of remakes of old-school Soul classics, and first single was a remake of James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World." In the humble opinion of yours truly, it's one of the most powerfully-sung tracks that's come out in awhile. Leela's got an incredible voice that exudes gritty realness.
With "It's Yours," the first single from his second album, J. Holiday picked up right where he left off back in '07. "It's Yours" is almost as instantly catchy as his big hit "Bed" was, and is smooth, sexy and strongly sung.
You can't really tell by looking at her or listening to her sing, but Laura Izibor is an Irish R&B; singer straight outta Dublin. Her debut album,
Let the Truth Be Told
, was released in the U.S. on June 16 via Atlantic Records. Her warm-n-sunny current single, "From My Heart to Yours," has been getting some play on VH1 Soul lately, as well as a few TV shows, including "Grey's Anatomy" and "Ghost Whisperer." It's a catchy, upbeat summertime jam that once again proves that the U.S. isn't the only country that can produce quality R&B;/Soul singers.
Pretty Ricky's been laying low for a minute, but ex-member Pleasure P's been dropping songs for months, including the P. Ricky soundalike track "Did You Wrong" and the more mature "Boyfriend #2." His best single so far is "Under," which combines the sexual swagger of Pretty Ricky with the smooth sophistication of a J. Holiday or Ne-Yo.
"How It Was Supposed to Be," a song about lost love featuring Jadakiss, is an underrated song on an underrated album, Ryan Leslie's self-titled debut which dropped in February 2009. Ryan doesn't get nearly the props he deserves as an artist, but take it from your R&B;/Soul Guide, this song and his album are both solid from top to bottom.
Lady Tee's back again and plans to dropped her 13th studio album June 9, 2009 via Stax Records. The album,
Congo Square
, takes it's name from an historical area in New Orleans. The sweet first single was "Can’t Last a Day," a Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff-influenced track that pairs Teena with the always-great Faith Evans.