UMI, Kyle Dion, Andra Day, And More New R&B To Help Figure Out Life
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R&B has something to say and this week’s themes are vulnerability and romance.
With UMI “talking to the wind,” Kyle Dion declaring all the things he’ll do that your man won’t, Keyon Harrold turning his new album into a family affair, and Andra Day putting you in a trance, Naomi Sharon is busy wanting to make the world sweeter, and Jasmine Cephas Jones is hoping to make it a bit brighter. To round things out, Kenya Vaun is out to steal your heart in that old school type of way.
VIBE‘s top new R&B selects are sure to stir your soul and heal your heart—at least we hope so. Trust us though, there’s nothing sweeter than this.
UMI – talking to the wind
Following her critically-acclaimed debut album in 2022, UMI returns with her new EP, talking to the wind. On her first indie release, the delightful songbird embraces a new love, and outlook on life, and expounds on her transitional period.
Through meditation and wisdom, UMI invites listeners to explore romance and introspective honesty with the help of charming, infectious melodies. “happy im” remains a standout, but the soothing nature of “not necessarily” definitely cements its replay value.
“‘talking to the wind’ is an EP that has felt like a leaf in the wind,” says UMI. “Each of the songs were created at a time where I didn’t know exactly where I was going or what I was creating for. The only thing I knew for certain was that in the moment of creating it all I was happy. It’s okay to create without a map and to live without one, too; to breathe out and let the wind of life take you where you’re always meant to be.”
Kyle Dion – If My Jeans Could Talk
Kyle Dion took a brief hiatus to find himself after his 2021 album, SASSY. It’s not that the delectable crooner wasn’t spending his time creating. He just wasn’t releasing anything new.
“I was super inspired because of how much life I had been living and experiencing after the release of ‘SASSY.’ I took the time to get to know myself, not as Kyle Dion, but as Kyle,” he explained in a statement.
This time around, the Florida-bred singer is far more authentic, vulnerable, and carefree on the album. As heard on the eclectic opener “Gimme,” the reflective “Hang Me Out To Dry,” the funky, audaciously confident single, “Boyfriend Jeans,” and other songs on the project, it’s the Kyle Dion we know and love, just evolved.
Andra Day – “Where Do We Go”
Ahead of her soulful Super Bowl LVIII pregame performance, Andra Day is making a triumphant return to music with the hypnotizing, soul-stirring ballad, “Where Do We Go.” It’s the lead single from her long-awaited and “most personal” third album, Cassandra, which is set to arrive this spring.
The dreamy love song makes you want to get lost in the arms of a lover as Day sings, “I see love inside your brown eyes/ listening to new sky/ Is everything an absolute, babe?/ Do we absolutely have to say goodbye?/ You’re all I want.” Despite the song being an internal conversation about spinning the block, Day sings like it’s worth it every time.
“Where Do We Go” is her first release since the United States vs. Billie Holiday soundtrack from 2021.
Jasmine Cephas Jones Feat. Kevin Garrett – “Brighter”
If there were ever a song to introduce someone to Jasmine Cephas Jones’ music, it would be “Brighter.” Her unique tone is reminiscent of the best of neo-soul—think Macy Gray and Jill Scott fused into one. There’s a little bit of raspiness, and a twang that’ll prompt a stank-face while listening (in a good way). Not to mention, the piano instrumental is just a subtle flex of an artist with wide range.
“Brighter” marks Cephas Jones’ journey of self-discovery. It’s affirming and anthemic as she sings, “I swear you’re my light / And you just get brighter each time.” It is also a tribute to her late father, Ron Cephas Jones.
“The short film illustrates my growth as a person. The party represents my past… the person I was,” the Emmy-winning actress said about the record and accompanying short film. “The end represents the beginning of my journey finding my true self. Sometimes you have to leave home and leave everything you know to truly grow and to really understand who you are.”
Keyon Harrold – Foreverland
Keyon Harrold’s Foreverland is for the music lovers searching for something to ignite a fire from the depths of their heart and soul. With the help of friends like Robert Glasper, PJ Morton, and Common, Harrold revels in the beauty of existing, encouraging listeners to take ownership of their happiness.
The album, though, isn’t a happy-go-lucky whim. It spotlights vulnerability, the handling of loss, self-improvement, and fatherhood. It’s both emotional and dramatic while also displaying the steps it takes to obtain wisdom.
“What I can offer as a musician who plays an instrument with no words is an honest conveyance of emotion. Some of these notes, I play them because there’s not a better word,” he explained in a statement. “It’s like the ingredients of a great meal: you don’t need just any pepper, you need a certain kind. Every musician on this record is a rare and essential element.”
Naomi Sharon – “Nothing Sweeter”
Though we’re still basking in the glory that is Naomi Sharon’s debut album, Obsidian, the songbird is back with “Nothing Sweeter.” Paired with enchanting guitar strums, Naomi’s airy voice feels as though she’s singing a hymn, whispering sweet-somethings in your ear.
Whether you’re looking to dedicate this to a new crush or a longtime flame, it’s an admiration that’s relatable “Nothing sweeter than this/ Nothing hits, mm, like the first kiss,” Naomi coos. “The way you make me wait/ Anticipate the taste/ Open up to what it is.” She’s never beating those Sade comparison allegations with this ballad.
Kenya Vaun – “Used To”
Philly-bred artist Kenya Vaun has the elements of Floetry rolled into one; she’s a singer who can also rap. With her new single, “Used To,” she lures you in with her catchy, attractive bars before her soulful undercurrent comes into for the remainder of the track. With the versatile record, Vaun breathes new life into Billy Stewart’s “Sitting In The Park” as she soundtracks classic, pure, passionate love stories.
“‘Used To’ is about someone finally receiving the love that they’ve always wanted, but aren’t used to receiving,” she shared about the record. “In this generation, a lot of people get bored really fast and move on. I approached from the perspective of ‘old school love’. My definition of ‘old school love’ is someone who stays there unconditionally throughout the good and the bad times.”
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