Happy Women’s History Month! As this month marks a celebration of the contributions women have provided among various domains, it’s fitting to highlight a genre that exemplifies my personal notion of innovation and creativity—electronic R&B. Electronic R&B combines the synths of electronica, rhythms of house, lyrical elements of hip-hop, and melodic sensibilities of R&B. All of these genres have foundations that were formed in communities that are undeniably Black, women-led, and LGBTQ+. Transitioning from Black History Month to Women’s History Month, here I’m going to share my personal favorite albums from this genre that exemplify the artistry emanating from four Black women-created albums under electronic R&B! 

Natural Brown Prom Queen by Sudan Archives 

Ida's Favorite Track: "ChevyS10"

Sudan Archives is a certified rockstar. I've had the pleasure of seeing her perform twice—once at Mission Creek 2023 and again at Lollapalooza 2023—and I would love to see her again and again and again! Natural Brown Prom Queen showcases Sudan Archives at her best. Sudan Archives inserts synth-like violin throughout her discography, her stage name is even based on the presence of violin in Sudanese music. "My mom nicknamed me “Sudan,” and that country happens to have a lot of violin music, which I thought was really cool. “Archives” refers to the musicologist archives that I always try to find" (Pitchfork). Every house beat syncopates and resonates through the body—making the album perfect for any dancing occasion. “She’s a one-woman band who, across 18 sprawling tracks, transmits a frenzied energy that is as emotionally soothing as it is physically crushing” (Pitchfork). On the stage and in the studio, Sudan Archives is bright and captivating—making her a must-see and a must-listen. 

Nymph by Shygirl 

Ida's Favorite Track: "Firefly"

Shygirl’s debut Nymph is more than an album—it’s a manifesto. The album is daring and infectious, as Shygirl explores the “full breadth to her fantasies and desires,” asking bold questions like “What does it mean to be bad? What does it mean to want?” (Pitchfork). Her influences, such as Aphex Twin, Mariah Carey, and Björk, are subtly present on Nymph (MTV). Described as full of “neo-futuristics club anthems"—the album includes facets of Y2K pop’s wispy vocals, boldly transforming them with glitchy, electronic production. Shygirl holds nothing back on this record. Full of innuendo and confidence—Nymph is audacious, unique, and self-assured, cementing Shygirl's firmness in her own agency. 

CAPRISONGS by FKA twigs

Ida's Favorite Track: "lightbeamers"

FKA twigs once again shapeshifts her sound in the album CAPRISONGS. Twigs captures the perfect blend of rhythms from Afrobeats and trap while maintaining an R&B flow. The synths on this album are transformative—adapting tracks like “oh my love” and “ride the dragon” to exudes a flirtatious and energetic vibe, while songs like “lightbeamers” feel more open and reflective. CAPRISONGS begins with the click of a cassette player and a personal declaration, “...Hey, I made you a mixtape,” and that’s exactly how this album feels. It is personal but curious, serious but playful. She additionally inserts her voice, “speak-talking” in the album in tracks such as “honda” and “oh my love.” Twigs even references her astrological placements, “Sagi(tarrius) Moon, Pisces Ven(us) and Capri(corn) Sun,” throughout the tracks—mirroring the album’s adventurous, ambitious, and romantic essence. BTW: "ride the dragon" was my most-listened to song this year! 

Fountain Baby by Amaarae 

Ida's Favorite Track: "Big Steppa"

Fountain Baby is Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae’s sophomore album. Amaarae's music blends nostalgia with a futuristic edge, citing Missy Elliot and Janet Jackson as influences, and aiming for a "futuristic Afro-pop" sound (Pitchfork). Her music is rich and luxurious, incorporating a variety of global elements such as violins, cellos, a Japanese koto, ethereal harps, West African dounoun and kora, steel pan drums, and an authoritative horn section (Pitchfork). Fountain Baby shifts from electronic pop in tracks like “Co-Star” and “Reckless & Sweet,” to slower R&B-inspired tracks such as “Wasted Eyes” and “Big Steppa” to a more punk-inspired sound in “Sociopathic Dance Queen.” Her sound captivates the listener with possessive and seductive lyrics—an openness that is especially significant in the context of her identity as a queer artist. Each track is a distinct and bold statement, cementing Amaarae as a trailblazer in her own right. 

Information gathered from:

MTV

Pitchfork