The Best R&B Debut Albums: Every Year in the 1970s, Pt. 1

The 1970s were a foundational decade for R&B, characterized by a range of standout debut albums.

The decade of the 1970s bore witness to a period of significant musical evolution, especially within the realm of Rhythm & Blues. Each year during this era offered an outstanding debut album that shaped the genre and influenced countless artists.

1970: Curtis Mayfield, Curtis

Notable Debuts: Minnie Riperton, Come to My Garden; Funkadelic, Funkadelic; Shades of Brown, S.O.B.; Donny Hathaway, Everything Is Everything; Parliament, Osmium

The start of the decade, 1970, introduced us to Curtis Mayfield’s inaugural solo work, aptly titled Curtis. Known for his work with The Impressions, Mayfield’s first solitary endeavor expertly mixes political consciousness with romantic introspection, all buoyed by his iconic falsetto and the orchestral richness of his compositions.

1971: Bill Withers, Just As I Am

Notable Debuts: The Stylistics, The Stylistics; Earth, Wind & Fire, Earth, Wind & Fire; The Dramatics, Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get; Eddie Kendricks, All by Myself; Ponderosa Twins Plus One, 2 + 2 + 1 =

A year later, in 1971, Bill Withers stepped into the spotlight with Just As I Am. This album displayed Withers’ knack for crafting deeply personal, often reflective, imbued with a raw sense of soul. The album’s most famous track, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” is notable for its emotionally raw lyrics and Withers’ heartfelt vocals. The album is a stunning display of soul and folk influences that echo the poignant subtlety of Withers’ songwriting.

1972: Michael Jackson, Got to Be There

Notable Debuts: The Sylvers, The Sylvers; Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, I Miss You; Cymande, Cymande; Millie Jackson, Millie Jackson; Jermaine Jackson, Jermaine

Got to Be There, the debut solo album by Michael Jackson, graced the music scene in 1972. As Jackson’s first step into solo artistry post-Jackson 5, the album revealed his potential as a standalone artist. Jackson’s youthful yet mature vocals seamlessly fit into the album’s soft and pop-oriented R&B framework, showing early signs of the King of Pop he would eventually become.

1973: Betty Davis, Betty Davis

Notable Debuts: Barry White, I’ve Got So Much to Give; Smokey Robinson, Smokey; Leroy Hutson, Love Oh Love; The Pointer Sisters, The Pointer Sisters; MFSB, MFSB

In 1973, the self-titled album Betty Davis emerged, bringing a powerful, unapologetic female voice to the male-dominated funk genre. Davis’ raw, often provocative lyrics and commanding vocal presence created an album ahead of its time, offering a uniquely female perspective on love, power, and sexuality.

1974: Blue Magic, Blue Magic

Notable Debuts: Tavares, Check It Out; Hot Chocolate, Cicero Park; The Commodores, Machine Gun; Donna Summer, Lady of the Night; The Gap Band, Magicians Holiday

1974 saw the introduction of Blue Magic, a self-titled album from the Philly soul group. The record is an exquisite display of the group’s harmony-rich vocals and the lush, string-laden production typical of the Philadelphia soul sound.

1975: Natalie Cole, Inseparable

Notable Debuts: Gloria Gaynor, Never Can Say Goodbye; Sister Sledge, Circle of Love; The Dynamic Superiors, The Dynamic Superiors; The People’s Choice, Boogie Down U.S.A.; Switch, White Heat

Natalie Cole’s debut album Inseparable, which arrived in 1975, showcased her powerful vocal range and passionate delivery. The Grammy-winning hit “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” demonstrates the album’s vibrant, soulful energy and Cole’s unique voice, hinting at the future success that lay before her.

1976: Deniece Williams, This Is Niecy

Notable Debuts: Boney M., Take the Heat Off Me; Wild Cherry, Wild Cherry; Peabo Bryson, Peabo.; Vicki Sue Robinson, Never Gonna Let You Go; Rose Royce, Car Wash (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

In 1976, Deniece Williams released This Is Niecy, a record characterized by her distinctive, four-octave soprano voice and vibrant, jazzy rhythms. The album is well-regarded for its blend of soulful melodies and pop sensibilities, particularly noticeable in the hit song “Free,” along with production handled by Maurice White and Charles Stepney.

1977: Maze, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

Notable Debuts: Cameo, Cardiac Arrest; Patti LaBelle, Patti LaBelle; Chic, Chic; Teddy Pendergrass, Teddy Pendergrass; Slave, Slave

1977 introduced Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, a debut album that remains a cornerstone of the post-disco R&B era. Beverly’s smooth vocals, the group’s harmonies, and the overall soulful groove generated a signature sound that has since become a standard in the R&B genre.

1978: Rick James, Come Get It!

Notable Debuts: Prince, For You; Chaka Khan, Chaka; Bobby Caldwell, Bobby Caldwell; Alicia Bridges, Alicia Bridges; Atlantic Starr, Atlantic Starr

Rick James stepped into the spotlight in 1978 with Come Get It! James’ fusion of funk, rock, and soul on this album paved the way for his later contributions to the punk-funk movement, offering a colorful and infectious energy that instantly grabbed the attention.

1979: Teena Marie, Wild and Peaceful

Notable Debuts: Brenda Russell, Brenda Russell; GQ, Disco; The Jones Girls, The Jones Girls; Chapter 8, Chapter 8; McFadden & Whitehead, McFadden & Whitehead

Finally, 1979 marked the arrival of Teena Marie with her debut album Wild and Peaceful. Marie’s expressive vocals and her mix of R&B, funk, and soul made a profound impression with the help of Rick James. Her lyrical content, often addressing themes of love and romance, established her as a compelling new voice in R&B.

Originally published at https://shatterthestandards.substack.com.