Desiree Fabian | Staff Writer

Victoria Monét, Tinashe, and Jorja Smith lead the new wave of R&B.

Jaguar II - Victoria Monet; August 25, 2023
- Victoria Monét, the singer-songwriter behind hit songs such as “Thank You, Next,” released her album, Jaguar II, on August 25, 2023. The fierce, funky album delivers themes of love, diversity and self-discovery. The seventh track of the album, “On My Mama,” greatly increased interest in Monét's music style. Her experimentation with melodies from 2000’s hip-hop to an early 80’s funk vibe, makes a unique distinction between Monét and other artists. Many of the tracks from the album reflect how multifaceted Monét truly is– her origins, history and personal growth all intersected to flow into a story of life. Songs of the album including “On My Mama,” “Smoke” featuring Lucky Daye, and “Hollywood” featuring Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét, her daughter, explore her inspirations in music and life while simultaneously expressing growing out and above as an artist and woman. Monét’s songs dig deep in meaning and have beats for the streets. Being a mother and artist are only parts of her identity, and in these tracks is the Real Victoria Monét.
BB/ANG3L - Tinashe; September 8, 2023
- Well-known for her hit song, “2 On”, 30-year-old singer-songwriter Tinashe takes complex beats and sounds and molds them to reflect her minimalistic artistry. With the release of her new album BB/ANG3L on Sept. 8, 2023, listeners get to hear the authentic Tinashe with a fresh twist. BB/ANG3L is an album with music ideal for a night out on the town, a house party or a chill night inside. Through this album, Tinashe expresses her development of self-awareness with her sound by catering to her already established fanbase and further exploring her creative freedom. Tinashe, as an independent artist, is focused on her sound and continues to grow in her own self-confidence. From the first track, “Treason,” to the last song, “Tightrope,” she explores themes of love and life with emotional turmoil. BB/ANG3L is a stunningly unfiltered album that gives voice to the adventure of exploring freedom.
Falling or flying - Jorja Smith; August 30, 2023
- Greatly influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys, Jorja Smith explores themes such as mental health, relationships, and social issues through various melodies from hip-hop and jazz to rock and soul. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter released her EP “Falling or flying” on August 30, 2023, in anticipation of a full studio album coming on Sept. 29, 2023. The four tracks on the project have exciting mid-tempo beats with inviting lyricism, making it suitable for a party or a night at home. In the title track, Smith expresses a range of emotions from conflict to self-assurance through musically experimenting with melodies from rock music. “Falling or flying” embodies the idea that there are multiple stages to the journey of self-understanding.