The VIII

Released in 2015, The VIII marks the eighth studio entry in Avant's consistent discography, arriving at a time when R&B was shifting toward more experimental and 'alternative' sounds. Avant, however, chose to double down on the polished, melodic soul that established his career. Released via Mo-B Entertainment and Caroline Records, the album serves as a testament to his longevity and his ability to maintain a 'sonically consistent' output as noted by critics like AllMusic's Andy Kellman. The record features a mix of traditional romantic ballads and more assertive, contemporary urban tracks. Sonically, it utilizes high-definition studio production with a focus on clean vocal layering and rhythmic precision. While it touches on familiar themes of love and heartbreak, it also explores more complex social dynamics and personal reflections, making it one of his more lyrically diverse projects despite its singular sonic focus. It remains a key example of mid-2010s traditionalism within the R&B genre.