Summer 2010 had been slow up until now when it comes to major releases by big-name R&B and Soul artists, but that’s set to change this month. Three artists releasing new projects this month have all sold millions of albums in the past and are so popular, they’re known by just their first names: Usher, Kem and Fantasia. Also heating up the month of August will be the latest – and he says last – album by Lyfe Jennings; Calvin Richardson‘s newest; and the release yours truly is most looking forward to: the debut album by YouTube sensation turned Jermaine Dupri protege Dondria.
1. Versus, Usher
This album of all-new material is the sequel and final chapter to Usher’s smash hit Raymond v. Raymond. It’ll be in stores Aug. 24 via LaFace.
Tracklisting:
- Love Em All
- DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love (feat. Pitbull)
- Hot Toddy (feat. Jay-Z & Ciara)
- Lay You Down
- Lingerie
- There Goes My Baby
- Get in My Car (feat. Bun B)
- Somebody to Love (remix feat. Justin Bieber)
- Stranger
The ladies are already going wild over this album, which is due Aug. 17 via Universal Motown. It will comes in two editions: regular and a deluxe package that includes a 30-minute bonus DVD with interviews, a making of the album video, and more.
Tracklisting:
- When I’m Loving You
- Can You Feel It
- Love Never Fails
- Share My Life
- Human Touch
- If It’s Love
- Why Would You Stay
- A Mother’s Love
- You’re on My Mind
- Golden Days
The latest album from the winner of the third season of “American Idol” is due out Aug. 24 via J Records.
Tracklisting:
- I’m Doin’ Me
- Bittersweet
- Man of the House
- Who’s Been Lovin’ You
- Collard Greens & Cornbread
- Teach Me
- Move on Me
- Trust Him
- The Thrill is Gone (feat. Cee-Lo Green)
- Falling in Love Tonight
- Even Angels
- I’m Here (from ‘The Color Purple’ musical)
Lyfe has said that he wants to spend more time raising his kids and that he’s retiring from making albums after this. We’ll see. I Still Believe comes out Aug. 31 via Asylum Records.
Tracklisting:
- Statistics
- Love
- It Coulda Been Worse
- Spotlight
- Busy
- Whatever She Wants
- Mama
- Hero
- I Still Believe
- Learn From This
- Done Crying
- If I Knew Then What I Know Now
- If Tomorrow Never Comes
Dondria, aka Dondria Nicole, aka Dondria Fields, aka Internet sensation Phatfffat, is releasing her debut album on Aug. 17 via Malacco Records.
Tracklisting:
- You’re the One
- Saving Myself
- Shawty Wus Up (feat. Johnta Austin & Diamond)
- Making Love
- Can You Help Me
- Where Did We Go Wrong
- No More
- Still Be with Me
- You’re the One (JD’s Jeep Mix)
- Believer
- Kissed By the Sun
The latest project from the self-proclaimed “America’s Most Wanted Soul Man” is due out Aug. 31 via Shanachie Records.
Tracklisting:
- America’s Most Wanted
- Never Do You Wrong
- Feels Like We’re Sexin’
- You’re So Amazing
- Thug Livin’
- Come Over
- You Possess My Body
- Reach Out
- Adore You
- Monday Morning
- Paradise
If you like Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and.or instrumental old school Soul, then I highly recommend the Budos Band. Their third albums comes out Aug. 10 via Daptone Records.
Tracklisting:
- Rite of the Ancients
- Black Venom
- River Serpentine
- Unbroken, Unshaven
- Nature’s Wrath
- Golden Dunes
- Budos Dirge
- Raja Haje
- Crimson Skies
- Mark of the Unnamed
- Reppirt Yad
