I was never a fan of slow, sultry rhythm and blues. As a matter of fact, I purposely ignored the genre because it seemed too vulnerable and obvious for someone like me to indulge in. My younger self categorized R&B as this overpowering monolith of vocally depressing, ridiculously theatrical music propragated through brown faces. The Aaliyahs’ and Mary Js’ of the world seemed overrated to my know-it-all pre-pubescent self; HOW I WAS SO WRONG. It wasn’t until I experienced my first break-up that I understood what Lauryn Hill’s pain was in Ex-Factor. Erykah Badu’s breathy vocals seemed clearer now, and I shed a tear every time Ledisi said “It’s Alright.”
I feel immense regret when thinking how I threw away one of the most captivating genres of music. R&B is truly the voice of the soul, sometimes it takes something as drastic as heartbreak to listen with sincere ears. My appreciation for soul, specifically songs with break-up themes, has assisted my venture to find “left of” crooners for my generation. Listed below is my current track list for break-up music that eases the spirit and/or rides the peaks of emotion.
1.Max Frost- Let Me Down Easy
2.James Blake- Limit To Your Love
3.Daley- Blame the World
4.Jazmine Sullivan- Forever Don’t Last
5.Meshell Ndegeocello- Petite Mort
6.James Blake- Retrograde
7.Laura Mvula- That’s Alright
8.Sam Sparro- Wish I Never Met You
9.Miguel- Hard way
10.Jill Scott- Fool’s Gold
EXTRA: Daley ft. Jill Scott- Until The Pain Is Gone
