Global warming has somewhat removed the natural magic of the holiday season, but thankfully, we have R&B music to keep some of that unfiltered joy alive.
James Fauntleroy and newcomer Sean B have both released their solo debut albums, which are delightfully themed towards the holidays without solely relying on covers or recycled stories of yuletide and such. Meanwhile, Bel-Air star Jabari Banks has unveiled his debut single under his new major label deal with Epic Records. Charlie Wilson is honoring his wife, who he credits as the reason behind his sobriety and why he’s able to consider himself “superman.” Tems, on the other hand, is reveling in the fact that she’s no angel.
Tahjere is expressing every ounce of talent that her mother, Faith Evans, instilled in her on her new EP, much like what WanMor has done with their cover of Boyz II Men’s “Please Don’t Go.” Dylan Reese and IAMTHELIVING impressively stand on unabridged vulnerability for their respective soul-stirring projects.
Who said that you have to go through an externally cold winter without something to keep you warm? We hope these new R&B releases help you out this season.
James Fauntleroy – The Warmest Winter Ever
James Fauntleroy has compiled some of his best solo work over the past decade into a comprehensive debut album. The Warmest Winter Ever includes 25 holiday essentials plus eight brand-new tracks that arrived last month. The LP encompassed the world of Christmas as it explores themes of embodying Santa and discovering a winter romance through tracks like “Sleigh,” “Mrs. Claus,” “Christmas Lights,” “Mistletoe,” and “Magic.”
The Grammy-winning crooner and producer explained to Billboard how a holiday debut feels “natural” to him. “Because when I’m thinking about it in terms of my legacy — not what I’m trying to build, but where I’ve come to at this point — I think that it’s so unusual to have your first album be your Christmas album,” he said. “But considering all the sh*t I make, it makes it the perfect first album.”
Charlie Wilson – “Superman”
After dominating Tiny Desk earlier this year and conquering a tour last year with New Edition, Charlie Wilson is back with his highly-anticipated new single, “Superman.” It’s essentially a touching love letter to his wife that reflects the “transformative power of love and support.” After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, he achieved sobriety with the help of his wife and restored his music career.
“This song is truly personal for me as it reflects on the love I have for my wife and the turning point that reshaped my entire life,” said the crooner of his new single. “After The Gap Band’s success, I struggled with homelessness and addiction. I entered rehab, meeting my future wife, a counselor at the facility. She put the cape on my back and we’ve been rollin’ ever since (28 years). This song is also for all women, their strength, love and support is appreciated more than they know.”
Michael Paran, CEO of P Music Group, praised Wilson’s strength and believes, “the release is timely as his unwavering strength, resilience, and legacy are setting the stage for 2024 to be his most impactful year yet.”