Progressive R&B

The term progressive R&B has been used to describe a sub-genre of R&B that features more complex song structures, experimental instrumentation, and socially conscious lyrics. It emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during a time of great social change and political upheaval in the United States. The origins of progressive R&B can be traced back to the influence of jazz and soul music. Jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane were experimenting with new sounds and forms, and their ideas were adopted by R&B musicians who were looking for ways to break free from the constraints of traditional song structures and arrangements. One of the earliest and most influential progressive R&B groups was The Chambers Brothers, who blended elements of rock, soul, and psychedelic music to create a sound that was unique and groundbreaking. Their 1968 hit single "Time Has Come Today" is a classic example of their style, featuring a complex arrangement, explosive guitar riffs, and socially conscious lyrics about war, discrimination, and the struggle for freedom. Around the same time, other R&B artists were also exploring new musical and political terrain. Stevie Wonder, for example, was incorporating jazz, funk, and world music influences into his music, while also addressing issues like poverty, racism, and environmentalism in his lyrics. Other notable progressive R&B artists from this era included Marvin Gaye, who released the iconic album "What's Going On" in 1971, Curtis Mayfield, whose socially conscious lyrics and funky grooves helped to define the genre, and Sly and the Family Stone, who blended rock, funk, and soul to create an eclectic and energetic sound. In the 1980s and 1990s, progressive R&B continued to evolve and expand, with artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson exploring new sonic landscapes and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of production, instrumentation, and performance. In recent years, the genre has continued to evolve and adapt, with artists like D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Anderson .Paak incorporating elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz into their music, while also addressing social and political issues like police brutality, inequality, and environmentalism.

Frank Ocean: Frank Ocean is known for his deeply personal lyrics and unique blending of R&B, hip-hop and soul. His 2012 album "Channel Orange" earned critical acclaim and showcased his talent for storytelling and genre-bending. Janelle Monae: Janelle Monae's music blends funk, rock, pop, and R&B with social commentary. Her 2018 album "Dirty Computer" received widespread critical acclaim for its futuristic sound and feminist themes. Anderson .Paak: Anderson .Paak's music mixes R&B, funk, and hip-hop with live instrumentation and soulful vocals. He gained mainstream success with his 2016 album "Malibu" and has collaborated with many notable artists. H.E.R.: H.E.R.'s soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and use of modern production techniques have made her a standout in the progressive R&B scene. Her self-titled 2017 EP earned her widespread critical acclaim and a Grammy award. Moses Sumney: Moses Sumney's experimental music blurs the lines between indie rock and R&B. His 2017 album "Aromanticism" showcases his falsetto voice, intricate production, and introspective lyrics. Solange: Solange's music blends R&B, funk, and neo-soul with social commentary and personal reflections. Her 2016 album "A Seat at the Table" received universal acclaim for its political messaging and authentic sound. Thundercat: Thundercat's blend of jazz, funk, and R&B showcases his virtuosic bass playing and distinct vocal style. His 2017 album "Drunk" features collaborations with notable artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus. FKA Twigs: FKA Twigs' theatrical and avant-garde style blends R&B, electronic, and experimental music with personal and emotional lyrics. Her 2014 debut album "LP1" received widespread critical acclaim and established her as a unique voice in progressive R&B. SZA: SZA's smooth voice and lyrical prowess have made her a prominent figure in the genre. Her 2017 album "Ctrl" features collaborations with Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar and tackles themes such as self-worth, relationships, and sexuality. Blood Orange: Blood Orange (Dev Hynes) mixes R&B, funk, and indie pop with personal and political commentary. His 2018 album "Negro Swan" addresses issues such as black identity, mental health, and marginalization with a mix of joyful and melancholic sounds.

1. "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child 2. "No Diggity" by Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre 3. "Waterfalls" by TLC 4. "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy & Monica 5. "Back & Forth" by Aaliyah 6. "Angel of Mine" by Monica 7. "I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston 8. "Don't Let Go (Love)" by En Vogue 9. "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" by Ashanti 10. "You Remind Me" by Mary J. Blige 11. "Everything" by Mary J. Blige 12. "If You Love Me" by Brownstone 13. "Ex-Factor" by Lauryn Hill 14. "Honey" by Mariah Carey 15. "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" by En Vogue 16. "On & On" by Erykah Badu 17. "U Got It Bad" by Usher 18. "Crush" by Jennifer Paige 19. "Case of the Ex" by Mya 20. "What About Us?" by Brandy 21. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston 22. "Un-Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton 23. "Jumpin', Jumpin'" by Destiny's Child 24. "He Wasn't Man Enough" by Toni Braxton 25. "Love on Top" by Beyonce

In her book, The New Analog: Listening and Reconnecting in a Digital World, music critic and writer, Damon Krukowski explains how the rise of technology has influenced the production and consumption of music, including Progressive R&B. Krukowski describes Progressive R&B as “a uniquely 21st-century phenomenon that unites the performative skills of classic R&B with the production techniques of digital music.” Michael Gonzales, a music writer for Wax Poetics, describes Progressive R&B as a “genre-busting strain of R&B” that “blows open the doors of what usually goes into R&B music.” According to Gonzales, Progressive R&B “combines the nostalgia of classic R&B with sounds, styles, and production techniques in a way that feels fresh and exciting.” Some music critics and scholars have cited certain artists as pioneers of Progressive R&B. Jasmine Claiborne, a music critic for Pitchfork, credits Frank Ocean as “one of the most significant figures in the evolution of R&B” for his ability to blend various musical styles and push the boundaries of the genre. Claiborne writes that Ocean’s 2012 album, Channel Orange, “was a landmark release that helped usher in a new era of R&B and set the tone for the genre’s progressive future.” Neo-soul singer and songwriter, Erykah Badu, has also been recognized for her contribution to Progressive R&B. In her book, Contemporary R&B (Women of Genre), author and scholar, Dwandalyn R. Reece, writes that Badu’s 1997 debut album, Baduizm, “blended funk, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B,” laying the groundwork for artists like Frank Ocean and Solange to follow. Some music critics, however, object to the label “Progressive R&B” altogether, arguing that it creates unnecessary categorization and diminishes the creative freedom that artists have. Lawrence Burney, senior editor at The Fader, writes that Progressive R&B is often “a term applied to Black artists who choose to move beyond the constraints of traditional R&B and into more experimental and multidimensional terrain.” Burney argues that by using the term “Progressive R&B,” music critics are “implying that today’s R&B is still stuck in the past,” which is not necessarily the case.

Socially, the emergence of Progressive R&B is linked to the rise of social media. Artists no longer have to rely on traditional gatekeepers, such as record labels and radio stations to reach their audiences. Social media allows artists to distribute their music to a global audience without the need for major labels. This democratization of music distribution has paved the way for many independent artists to gain popularity and success. Progressive R&B artists like SZA, Brent Faiyaz, and Jorja Smith have all benefited from the freedom that social media platforms provide. Social media has allowed them to cultivate personal relationships with their fans and to develop their unique artistic visions. Culturally, the emergence of Progressive R&B has reflected a shifting attitude towards identity and representation. Many Progressive R&B artists are Black and/or LGBTQ+, and they often incorporate their personal experiences into their music. For example, Frank Ocean’s critically acclaimed album, Channel Orange, explores themes of love, sexuality, and race. Solange’s album, A Seat at the Table, addresses issues of Blackness and femininity. The prevalence of Black and/or LGBTQ+ artists in the Progressive R&B genre is significant because it gives voice to communities that have been historically marginalized in the music industry. Technologically, the emergence of Progressive R&B is linked to the advancement of music production technology. Producers and artists now have access to a wider range of instruments and computer software to create their music. The fusion of different genres has led to the creation of unique sounds and styles. The producer and songwriter James Fauntleroy, for example, has worked on tracks for Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé, among others. Fauntleroy has utilized music production technology to create a progressive sound that draws from a range of musical genres. Notable record labels, journalists, and other figures have also played a role in shaping the Progressive R&B genre. Many independent record labels, such as Top Dawg Entertainment and Soulection, have invested in emerging Progressive R&B artists. Independent labels have given artists the freedom to develop their creative visions without the pressures of a major label. Journalists have also played a role in promoting and shaping the genre. Music journalists such as Craig Jenkins, Briana Younger, and Andreas Hale have written extensively on Progressive R&B and its cultural significance. Their coverage has contributed to the visibility and legitimacy of the genre.