Music offers a sweet escape from the sometimes harsh realities of life. But it takes a certain kind of artist to get under your skin, swaying you into feelings that are both complex and euphoric. The women on this list do just that. Here is a list of the top five artists of 2019 to watch out for.
Snoh Aalegra
The smoky-voiced Swedish singer has captivated the attention of many with her love songs that she describes as “cinematic soul.” Aalegra has worked with Common, Vince Staples, Luke James, and many others. Her EP, Don’t Explain, gave listeners a taste of an old-fashioned past time, with its orchestral instrumentation and jazz vibrations on “In Your River” and “Don’t Explain.” Aalegra’s 2017 album, Feels, displayed only a sneak peek into what she had to offer, with the deeply emotional lyrics behind “Time” and the gritty, rock-and-roll-like arrangement of “Walls.” Her third-studio album, appropriately titled Ugh, those feels again, was released in August of 2019. It has received critical acclaim, some dubbing it the R&B Album of the Year. The fast-paced tracks “Whoa” and “Nothing To Me,” display how much longing and comfort from someone can occupy your space, and then mean nothing at all. “I Want You Around” and “Find Someone Like You” offers an uplifting message about the positives in dealing with relationships. Aalegra’s hard work and dedication to her craft is finally being acknowledged in the mainstream. She has a way of conveying stories of love and loss. With its calculated transitions from up-tempo beats to slower ballad-like instrumentations, her album isn’t one to skip through. Each piece flows smoothly into the next.
Tiana Major9
Tiana Major9 (pronounced “Tiana Major-nine”), is a British-based R&B soul songstress on the rise. Major9 caught the attention of avid neo soul listeners with her 2017 singles “Levee (Let it Break)” and “Merry Go”. The songs eloquently displayed her serene vocals casually supplementing the instrumental through each riff and run. Her EP, Rehearsal @ NINE, her longest work to date, commences with a strong opening track titled “Altitude.” Major9 effortlessly navigates through the music with jazz influences obvious from her unique note choices. The versatility echoes through the acoustic guitar and skilled scatting in “Dearest Dystopia,” and the 21st century R&B beats and saxophone in “Better.” She’s one to watch out for. Remember her name.
Girl Ultra
The R&B artist hailing from Mexico City has made a name for herself, singing almost exclusively in Spanish. Hoping to strengthen the R&B scene in Mexico, Ultra hasn’t extensively experimented outside of the genre, and it appears to be serving her well. Her 2017 debut EP, Boys, let’s listeners gather a sprinkle of where she’s heading creatively with her soulful interpretation of Daniel Caesar’s “Get You.” Ultra’s 2018 album “Adios” is an undeniable collection of alluring harmonies, heavily influenced by contemporary R&B. The love-until-it hurts “Duele” and the laid-back (and yet funky) bass on “Adios” make for a satisfying listen. With the release of her singles “Ella Tu y Yo” and “DameLove” in 2019, her hypnotic voice has fans longing for more. Check her out.
Raveena
The South Asian songbird’s music has both contemporary R&B and South Asian influences. Her voice may be soft, but her words hit deep. Raveena’s 2017 EP, Shanti, is a 4-track arrangement introducing the singer’s dreamy vibe and independent disposition. She used her 2018 single “Temptation,” to come out as bisexual to fans, embracing the beauty, spirit and power within queer culture and rejecting heteronormative images. Her 2019 debut album, Lucid, begins with “Hypnosis,” a pure release that is both engaging and soothing to the listener with its vocal aahs and improvisations. After the first track, one must prepare themselves for a tantalizing experience. Reminiscent of the smooth, melodic voice of Corrine Bailey Rae, Raveena’s music is the “Nectar” that infiltrates the soul and relaxes the mind. Her tracks “Stronger” and “Salt Water” reveal the vulnerability and pain that can come with feeling and yearning love. “Mama” is a retrospective wondering. Through the complexity behind her poetic lyrics filled with imagery and an appeal to nature, Raveena has shaped an artistic masterpiece that exudes the soft nature of soul music. Give her album a listen. You’ll undoubtedly come back for more.
Amber Mark
Mark traveled the world with her late mother as a child and has taken much inspiration from the sights and culture that she experienced. The American alternative soul singer mostly writes and produces her own music. Her glossy, polished vocals resemble Sade’s, which is one singer that Mark has been largely influenced by. With the release of Mark’s 2017 EP, 3:33am, listeners have been enamored with her profound, and emotion-filled lyrics. “Lose My Cool” and “Monsoon” convey the deep pain and spiraling of Mark’s life at the time. The album ends on a high note of optimism with “Way Back.” After receiving the stamp of approval from Sade with her interpretation of “Love is Stronger Than Pride” on Conexão, her latest EP released in 2018, Mark’s musical technique has only blossomed. Conexão is a four-track arrangement that takes a strong techno R&B approach with slight pop and tribal roots. Mark has indeed put in “All the Work” on Conexão, with an electronic vibe that’s sure to make anyone break out in dance. Her 2019 single, “What If” must be the strongest track in her entire discography. Her raspy, impassioned voice along with the syncopated beats and misty backing vocals projects the piece into a different time. Mark is going places. Add her to your playlist.