ThisisRnB Presents: The Top 20 R&B Albums of 2014

#7. Marsha Ambrosius – ‘Friends & Lovers’

Marsha Ambrosius had high expectations and some large shoes to fill with the follow-up to her impeccable debut Late Nights & Early Mornings. Good thing for the British native stories told through a witty pen game come easy for her.

Though ‘Friends’ is the first word in the title it’s the later that gets covered primarily as the LP offers little foreplay, rather jumping right into slow burning sex jams. It’s dirty at times, but still classy and sensual. Marsha has a unique way of expressing her deepest feelings, even the erotic ones, in an honest way that never seems over the top.

Halfway into the set we get the seriously soulful and sweet “You & I,” where she puts her feelings on front street hoping to finally connect intimately with an old friend. While no song falls short, there might be 2 or 3 too many, pushing the point a little excessively. However, one of the biggest highlights comes all the way at track 14, “Spend All My Time” featuring Charlie Wilson. A beautiful duet about finding out that no success is better than being with the one you love.

Friends & Lovers stuns the myth that crafting a stellar sophomore album is highly unlikely. Marsha has exceeded all expectations and added herself to a list of an elite few. – J.W.