Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be 50 fantastic first solo albums recorded by artists who departed—or simply took a temporary hiatus from—their respective groups, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album or view the full album index here.
AMEL LARRIEUX | Infinite Possibilities
550 Music/Epic (2000)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh
The R&B group Groove Theory made a recognizable splash in the industry with their self-titled 1995 release, but caused huge commotion with the baseline thumping single “Tell Me.” The contrast of Bryce Wilson’s hip-hop inspired drumlines over soul samples, with Amel Larrieux’s soft soprano was an irresistible recipe for music connoisseurs.
The lasting appeal of their only album together found a loyal base within the emerging spoken word and neo-soul comminutes. With a growing demand for R&B with jazzier undertones, and earthy lyrics, Larrieux’s debut solo effort Infinite Possibilities became one of the sleeper albums of the year 2000.
Through speakers, Larrieux’s vocals are as rich and pure as her live performance, which fans could hear with fewer distractions on her aptly titled debut solo performance that sparked the understated career she has cultivated ever since.
LISTEN:
