Mary J. Blige dropped her second album “My Life” in 1994.
Who believes in the sophomore slump?
R&B stars of the 1990s probably did not because many released their best albums on their second go-round.
Many music critics and fans believe artists have a hunger while recording their first album.
Therefore, their desperation leads to their best work.
Once artists have tasted success with their debut albums, some believe they lose their edge, leading to a decline in the quality of their work.
But in the 1990s, many artists like Tony! Toni! Tone and Usher began reaching their potential after their debut albums, making their second albums certified classics.
In remembrance of one of the greatest decades in R&B music history, RegalMag.com takes a trip down memory lane, ranking the 10 best sophomore R&B albums of the 199os.
- “Cool Relax” by Jon B.—Blue-eyed soul star Jon B. walked so that Robin Thicke could run. When Babyface introduced Jonathan Buck to the world with the song “Someone to Love,” they immediately had a hit. But creating more hits might be more challenging than making the first hit. However, Jon B. had no problems with hits with his second album in 1997, which produced hits like “They Don’t Know,” “Don’t Say,” “I Do (Whatcha Say Boo)” and “Are You Still Down?” with 2Pac.
- “Enter the Dru” by Dru Hill—With singers like Sisqo and Jazz, why would Dru Hill have a sophomore slump? In 1998, the boys from Baltimore’s Druid Hill neighborhood dropped their second album with classics like “How Deep is Your Love,” “Beauty,” a cover of The Dell’s “The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind”), and “These Are The Times,” which had one of the best videos of the decade, starring actress Lark Voorhies.
- “Embrya” by Maxwell—As New Jack Swing fell by the wayside, neo-soul stepped up as the new sound of R&B in the late 1990s. The soulful and smooth vocals of Maxwell created a sound that reminded many of Marvin Gaye during the 1970s. Like many R&B stars of the 1990s, Maxwell released a classic with his debut, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.” But “Embrya” was nothing to sneeze at either, with hits like “Luxury: Cococure,” “Matrimony: Maybe You” and “Submerge: Till We Become the Sun.” Maxwell still sells out arenas in 2025. But fans still eagerly await the release of his much-anticipated “Night” album.
- “My Life” by Mary J. Blige—The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul continued to sit on her throne in 1994 with the release of the “My Life” album. Honestly, no one has dethroned her after 30 years in command. The “My Life” album contained the title track, a cover of Rose Royce’s “I’m Goin’ Down” and the anthem “Be Happy.” The album went triple platinum and featured production by Mr. Dalvin of Jodeci and Sean “Puffy” Combs of Bad Boy Entertainment.
- “Diary of a Mad Band” by Jodeci—In 1991, the top two new R&B groups were Jodeci and Boyz II Men, both releasing their debut albums that year. However, the boys from North Carolina (Jodeci) launched their sophomore album a year earlier than the boys from Philly, and they did not disappoint. Their 1993 album included anthems like “Cry for You,” “Feenin’,” “My Heart Belongs to You,” and “What About Us.” Although not included on their album, a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Lately” propelled them to even greater heights that year.
- “My Way” by Usher—Unlike many other R&B stars on RegalMag.com’s list, Usher Raymond IV struggled on his debut album. The talent and swagger were always there for the LaFace Records artist. however, the right material was elusive, despite collaborating with Combs, Al B. Sure, DeVante Swing, and Eddie F. on the project. However, when Usher teamed up with Jermaine Dupri for the “My Way” album in 1997, he discovered his musical voice with hits like “You Make Me Wanna,” “Nice & Slow,” the title cut, and “Slow Jam” featuring Monica, which also appeared on the soundtrack for “Soul Food.”
- “The Revival” by Tony! Toni! Tone!—The R&B band from Oakland, Calif., which consisted of two brothers and a cousin, made some news on their debut album in 1988, specifically the hit single, “Little Walter.” But The Tonies released a certified classic with their second LP, “The Revival,” which featured songs that still rock a concert like “Feels Good” featuring 2Pac’s stepbrother Mopreme Shakur, “The Blues” and “It Never Rains in Southern California,” although rapper The Game said they lied about that. But arguably no other R&B chorus is as popular with concertgoers as the hook on “Whatever You Want.” Rest in peace, D’Wayne Wiggins.
- “II” by Boyz II Men—Raise your hands if you remember the premiere of Boyz II Men’s video for “I’ll Make Love to You,” starring actor Duane Martin. Raise your hands if radio stations and video channels played it so much it made you tired of the song. Be that as it may, a song can only become oversaturated if it is great. And that track is the definition of smooth. Other smooth songs soon followed for the quartet from Philadelphia with slow jams like “Water Runs Dry” and “On Bended Knee.” The crooners showed that they had not totally abandoned the up-tempo jams though with the hit, “Thank You.”
- “CrazySexyCool” by TLC—Nobody sounded like T-Boz. Nobody had the crazy charisma of Left Eye. And nobody had the beauty and sex appeal of Chili. Therefore, nobody could mess with TLC in the 1990s. The trio hit them with songs like “Creep,” which speaks for itself. They brought their usual social commentary with the timeless classic, “Waterfalls.” They kept it sensual with “Red Light Special.” And they kept it smooth with “Diggin’ On You.” The whole time they kept their throne as the hottest female group in the world.
- “12 Play” by R. Kelly—Say what you want about Robert Sylvester Kelly, but R&B has suffered since his incarceration and the mute R. Kelly movement. Also, say what you want about “12 Play” being the first album attributed to him as a solo artist. But “Born Into the 90s” with Public Announcement was a solo album too, despite who it is attributed to. But on “12 Play,” the musical genius from Chicago hit his zenith thanks to the raunchy “Bump N’ Grind,” “Your Body’s Callin’,” “Sex Me,” “It Seems Like You’re Ready” and the title track. However, Kelly showed he could drop an inspirational track with a cover of The Spinners’ classic, “Sadie.” He continued the trend of raunchy and inspirational music for the duration of his career.
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