Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ann Nesby marks her triumphant return to the music scene with ANNiversary, her eighth studio album and first full-length release in over a decade.
The former lead vocalist of Sounds of Blackness delivers 10 new tracks with a bonus radio edit of her hit single “My Man,” creating a collection that showcases her signature powerhouse vocals and emotional depth.
“ANNiversary is my testimony,” Nesby says. “It’s for anyone who’s lived enough life to know what love really is — and what it’s not. It’s about celebrating the lessons, the heartbreak, the healing, and the joy that come when you stop settling for less than you deserve.”
Nesby’s voice as nuanced as ever
The album represents a notable return for the soul music icon whose career includes multiple Grammy nominations and hit singles like “Put It On Paper” and “I Apologize.” Her unmistakable voice, which helped define the sound of Sounds of Blackness during her tenure with the group, remains as commanding and nuanced as ever.
Nesby’s creative influence is evident throughout the project. She co-wrote three standout tracks — “Missing You,” “Who,” and lead single “My Man” — alongside RL Huggar of platinum-selling R&B group Next and Huggar’s longtime producer partner Brian “B-Flat” Cook.
The album features “Let’s Stay Together,” a stirring duet with Calvin Richardson produced by Dedarius Hill. The collaboration rekindles the chemistry that earned the pair a Grammy nomination in 2009 for their work on Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack. Hill also produced the emotive track “Lonely.”
Album embraces mature themes
ANNiversary embraces mature themes, focusing on love, self-worth, and emotional accountability. The album is a testament to grown-folk R&B, offering perspectives from lived experience.
The release comes when soul music has seen renewed interest across generations. Younger audiences are discovering classic sounds while veteran artists like Nesby continue to evolve the genre. Her approach remains rooted in authenticity, with vocals that convey genuine emotion and lyrics that reflect real-life situations.
Nesby’s 1996 R&B ballad “I’ll Do Anything For You” has found new life on TikTok, captivating a younger generation nearly three decades after its release. The emotionally charged track, produced by legendary duo Jam & Lewis for Nesby’s solo debut album I’m Here For You, follows a pattern of 90s R&B classics experiencing viral resurgence on the platform.
Nesby’s journey in the music industry began with Sounds of Blackness, the Minneapolis-based gospel/R&B collective known for hits like “Optimistic” and “The Pressure.” Her distinctive vocals helped the group earn multiple Grammys before she launched her solo career in the late 1990s.
Her solo debut, “I’m Here For You” (1996), established her as a formidable individual talent, while subsequent releases like “Put It On Paper” (2002) and “Make Me Better” (2003) solidified her reputation for delivering powerful, message-driven music.
Nesby showcases her range
ANNiversary continues this tradition while incorporating contemporary production elements that keep the sound fresh and relevant. The album balances uplifting moments with introspective ballads, creating an emotional journey that showcases Nesby’s range as both vocalist and storyteller.
For longtime fans, the album represents a welcome return from an artist whose influence extends beyond her recordings to the many vocalists she has inspired. It introduces one of R&B’s most distinctive and authentic voices for new listeners.
With ANNiversary, Nesby reclaims her position in the soul music landscape, demonstrating that authentic, emotionally resonant music transcends trends and speaks timelessly to the human experience.
The album reinforces what her admirers have long known: Nesby’s combination of vocal prowess and emotional honesty made her the queen of inspiration, a category she owns. She continues a legacy that spans decades.
