10 Greatest R&B albums of the last 10 years

 In my constant pursuit to increase reader interactivity and excitement on The Lava Lizard, I am elated to introduce a new series to the site entitled Flaming Features. This segments allow you to participated in discussions with your fellow readers. Kicking off the fun with a bang is our list of the 10 greatest R&B albums of the last 10 years.
 From Alicia Keys' "The Diary of Alicia Keys" to Usher's "Confessions", there have been several R&B albums that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. However, those aren't the only points that were considered by The Lava Lizard team as we compiled this list of the greatest releases.
 Perhaps, the most important facet was the impact of these albums on the genre of R&B music, fellow artists and the fabric of Pop culture. Focusing primarily on those records released during the 2002-2011 period, this list focuses on those efforts that were critical to the development of R&B. So, without further sugar-fueled rambling by me, see the list of the 10 greatest R&B albums of the last 10 years.

1. "The Emancipation of Mimi"

You knew "The Emancipation of Mimi" would be at the top of this lineup so don't even try to act surprised. Released in 2005, this album relaunched Mariah Carey's cooling career and helped her to reclaim her crown as the industry's ruling diva.
 Without attempting to recreate her past works, Carey unleashed the full force of her range on "Mimi"' with a glorious combination of R&B, Soul, Funk and Gospel. Best of all, she was being herself without trying to fit in with the younger generation of competing artists.
 Of course, we all know the monster hit "We Belong Together" off "Mimi" but it's commercial success wasn't the only reason it was great; it was the music. The song redefined the modern R&B ballad with its mid-tempo production and influenced the works of several artists in subsequent years, such as Alicia Keys ("No One"), Mary J. Blige ("Be Without You") and Leona Lewis ("Bleeding Love"). "Mimi" is the perfect representation of Carey's legacy. Standout tracks: "We Belong Together", "Stay the Night", "Mine Again", "Get Your Number" and "Fly like a Bird".
(excerpt from The Lava Lizard)