30 Y/O: Iconic R&B/Soul Music Albums Celebrating 30th Anniversaries In 2023
1993 was a significant year for the R&B genre, with several iconic albums that still define the genre today. Janet Jackson released her fifth studio album, janet., which showcased her growth as an artist and cemented her place as a pop and R&B superstar. The album features hits like “That’s The Way Love Goes,” “If,” and “Again,” all of which remain timeless classics.
Toni Braxton debuted with her self-titled album, featuring her signature soulful sound over smooth R&B beats. The album contained hits like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again,” which still resonate with audiences today. With the release of her debut album, Braxton proved that she was a force to be reckoned with in the R&B world.
R. Kelly released his debut solo album, 12 Play, which solidified him as one of the most talented and controversial R&B artists of the 90s. The album pushed boundaries with its sexual theme boasting sensual hits like “Bump N’ Grind” and “Your Body’s Callin’.” It showcased Kelly’s ability to craft seductive ballads that listeners could not resist. 12 Play remains a classic R&B album and a must-have for any genre fan.
Tevin Campbell released his second album, I’m Ready, which showcased his smooth vocal range and unique sound. The album includes the hits “Can We Talk” and “I’m Ready,” which are still popular today. I’m Ready solidified Campbell’s stardom as a 90s teen heartthrob. Mariah Carey also released her now-iconic album Music Box, which includes hits like “Dreamlover” and “Hero.” Also, Altanta-based R&B quartet Xscape released their debut album, Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha, which features hits like “Just Kickin’ It” and “Understanding,” establishing them as a popular R&B girl group.
Get ready to transport yourself back in time with this list of iconic R&B albums turning 30 in 2023. From New Jack Swing to soulful ballads, these albums are a testament to the power of R&B music and its lasting influence on popular culture.
album: I’m Ready
artist: Tevin Campbell
release date (USA): October 26, 1993
notable songs: “Can We Talk” “Always In My Heart” “I’m Ready” “Shhh”
album: Are You Gonna Go My Way?
artist: Lenny Kravitz
release date (USA): March 9, 1993
notable songs: “Are You Gonna Go My Way” “Heaven Help” “Is There Any Love In Your Heart” “Believe”
album: Intro
artist: Intro
release date (USA): April 6, 1993
notable songs: “Come Inside” “Love Thang” “Let Me Be The One”
album: janet.
artist: Janet Jackson
release date (USA): May 18, 1993
notable songs: “That’s The Way Love Goes” “If” “Any Time, Any Place” “Again” “Throb” “You Want This” “Because Of Love”
album: Music Box
artist: Mariah Carey
release date (USA): August 31, 1993
notable songs: “Dreamlover” “Hero” “Anytime You Need A Friend” “Without You” “Never Forget You”
album: Sons Of Soul
artist: Tony! Toni! Toné!
release date (USA): June 22, 1993
notable songs: “Anniversary” “(Lay Your Head On My) Pillow” “If I Had No Loot” “Slow Wine”
album: Toni Braxton
artist: Toni Braxton
release date (USA): July 13, 1993
notable songs: “Breathe Again” “Seven Whole Days” “Another Sad Love Song” “You Mean The World To Me” “How Many Ways” “I Belong To You”
album: For The Cool In You
artist: Babyface
release date (USA): August 24, 1993
notable songs: “When Can I See You” “For The Cool In You” “And Our Feelings” “Rock Bottom” “Never Keeping Secrets”
album: Never Let Me Go
artist: Luther Vandross
release date (USA): May 26, 1993
notable songs: “Never Let Me Go” “Heaven Knows” “Little Miracles (Every Day)”
album: Diary Of A Mad Band
artist: Jodeci
release date (USA): December 21, 1993
notable songs: “Feenin’” “Cry For You” “Me Heart Belongs To You” “What About Us”
album: Hummin’ Comin’ At ‘Cha
artist: Xscape
release date (USA): October 12, 1993
notable songs: “Just Kickin’ It” “Understanding” “Love On My Mind” “Tonight”
album: From The Mint Factory
artist: Mint Condition
release date (USA): October 5, 1993
notable songs: “U Send Me Swingin’” “So Fine” “Nobody Does It Betta”
album: Faithful
artist: Hi-Five
release date (USA): October 26, 1993
notable songs: “Unconditional Love” “Never Should’ve Let You Go” “What Can I Say To You (To Justify My Love)” “Faithful” “I’m In Need” “As One”
album: Plantation Lullabies
artist: Me’Shell NdegéOcello
release date (USA): October 19, 1993
notable songs: “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night)” “Dred Loc” “Outside Your Door” “Call Me”
album: Everything
artist: Joe
release date (USA): August 17, 1993
notable songs: “I’m In Love” “The One For Me” “All Or Nothing”
album: Love Makes No Sense
artist: Alexander O’Neal
release date (USA): February 9. 1993
notable songs: “Love Makes No Sense” “In The Middle” “All That Matters To Me” “Aphrodisia”
album: The Truth
artist: Aaron Hall
release date (USA): September 28, 1993
notable songs: “I Miss You” “Don’t Be Afraid” “When You Need Me” “Let’s Make Love”
album: Fever For Da Flavor
artist: H-Town
release date (USA): April 15, 1993
notable songs: “Knockin’ Da Boots” “Lick U Up” “Treat U Right” “Keepin’ My Composure”
album: For Real Tho’
artist: Levert
release date (USA): March 16, 1993
notable songs: “ABC-123” “Good Ol’ Days” “Do The Thangs”
album: Intimacy
artist: Jody Watley
release date (USA): November 9, 1993
notable songs: “When A Man Loves A Woman” “Your Love Keeps Working On Me” “Ecstasy”
album: Passion
artist: Regina Belle
release date (USA): February 16, 1993
notable songs: “If I Could” “Quiet Time” “A Whole New World” “Dream In Color”
album: The Bliss Album…?
artist: P.M. Dawn
release date (USA): March 23, 1993
notable songs: “I’d Die Without You” “Looking Through Patient Eyes” “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” “The Ways Of The Wind” “More Than Likely”
album: Hootie Mack
artist: Bell Biv DeVoe
release date (USA): June 1, 1993
notable songs: “Something In Your Eyes” “Hootie Mack” “Above The Rim”
album: Show Me Love
artist: Robin S.
release date (USA): June 21, 1993
notable songs: “Show Me Love” “Luv 4 Luv” “What I Do Best” “I Want To Thank You” “Back It Up”
album: Symphony Or Damn
artist: Terence Trent D’Arby
release date (USA): May 3, 1993
notable songs: “Delicate” “Let Her Down Easy” “Do You Love Me Like You Say?” “She Kissed Me”
album: 12 Play
artist: R. Kelly
release date (USA): November 9, 1993
notable songs: “Bump ‘N Grind” “Your Body’s Callin’” “It Seems Like You’re Ready” “Homie Lover Friend” “Sex Me” “Summer Bunnies” “12 Play”
Which of these albums did you play in heavy rotation during their popularity? Which of these albums do you have in your current music streaming rotation? Let me know in the comments section.
