Peniston’s second studio LP stands easily as the zenith representation of the artist she truly is. Never was she more empowered and visible as her vibrant, soulful self than in this moment.
Read moreChaka Khan’s ‘C.K.’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
A hodgepodge of plinky soul-pop and urban AC filler, ‘C.K.’ somewhat lost its way before succeeding in a most unexpected place.
Read moreQueen Latifah’s ‘Black Reign’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Never has Queen Latifah been more accessible and in-demand than on her third studio album, a skipless wonder in her canon.
Read moreTevin Campbell’s ‘I’m Ready’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Most teens’ coming-of-age moments are unfledged, a little shaky at first, and largely inelegant. But not Tevin Campbell—he was ready.
Read moreAmel Larrieux’s ‘Ice Cream Everyday’ Turns 10 | Album Anniversary
Larrieux’s fifth studio affair is a tumbling, alternative R&B paean to emotional fearlessness, mastery of self, and the clash of the spiritual with the mundane.
Read moreMeshell Ndegeocello’s Debut Album ‘Plantation Lullabies’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
‘Plantation Lullabies’ is defiant hip-hop, soul fused with jazz, queer sexuality, androgyny as femininity, and fearless, boundless Blackness—converted to an audible format.
Read moreCherrelle’s ‘Affair’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
‘Affair’ is a rich, conceptual journey in synth-funk and soul, traversing the life cycle of an extramarital dalliance from meet-cute to heartache and back.
Read moreJanelle Monáe’s ‘The Electric Lady’ Turns 10 | Album Anniversary
However understated, ‘The Electric Lady’ was Monáe’s first time peeking out from behind her protective Cindi Mayweather shield.
Read moreMariah Carey’s ‘Music Box’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Carey’s mega-selling third studio affair proves that even when tasked with holding her breath in service of the masses, her soul is irrepressible.
Read moreToni Braxton’s Eponymous Debut Album ‘Toni Braxton’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Surrounded with slick radio-ready songcraft and sophisticated, urbane R&B production, Braxton’s debut LP is a textbook example of how to launch a gifted voice into superstardom.
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