41. Keyshia Cole

In a year skimpy on first-rate female R&B, newcomer Keyshia Cole filled the vacuum with a debut that comes on like early Mary J. Blige. Cole ain't no clone, but she does have an earthy realness and knack for drama that hearkens back to Blige's first two albums. Much of The Way It Is feels drawn directly from Cole's own experience, and the generous helpings of live instrumentation complement the singer's smooth, heartfelt vocals. Although the John Legend/Kanye West collaboration "I Changed My Mind" remains a highlight, Cole doesn't need a deluge of ghetto-fabulous MCs and big-name beat-slingers to sound street.

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