R&B, or Rhythm and Blues, is a vast genre featuring songs, some of which stand out a little more, be it due to their unique sound, message or composition. This list ranks some standouts within the genre.
*This list is purely the writer’s opinion; none of this is based on fact.*
- If ’90s-inspired music is your thing, “Ex For A Reason” by Summer Walker needs to be on your playlist. Upon a few listens, it could sound like Walker is telling her current partner to stay away from her ex, but it feels like a best friend telling you that you need to stay away from that one ex, providing the constant reminder, as the song title suggests, “That’s your ex for a reason.” She even goes as far as using the bridge of the song to list reasons why you need to put yourself first and keep away from them. With a feature from JT from City Girls – providing a break from Walker’s more dreamy vocals – this song blends Miami and Atlanta pop-rap effortlessly.
- “Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse” may have come out two years ago, but “Self Love” by Metro Boomin and Coi Leray still holds up. The song is a bit repetitive, but not without purpose; it proves you don’t have to be loud and belting to get an idea across. Leray’s choice of singing and rapping at the same time is a little off-putting, but it works in the context of the song. “She’s a long way from suburban towns” is repeated many times, and with those few words, Leray reminds you that it’s okay to venture out, almost assuring you it’s a necessary part of growing up.
- Ever wondered if they love you as much as you love them? Then “Gonna Love Me” by Teyana Taylor is the song for you. This song isn’t a statement but a question. She knows she’s committed to the relationship, but her self-doubt makes her wonder: will you still love me through all my flaws, the struggles and the ups and downs of us? If there’s even a point in trying for us. This song speaks to the feeling of falling quickly for someone, while being unsure if they feel the same. Because you don’t know how they think, you have to ask, “Are you gonna love me?” Taylor, in five words, hits the nail on the head of apprehension all in this one song.
- “I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone” continues to show why Reneé Rapp is someone who deserves to continue growing. Imagine you’ve just gone through a breakup, and all you can think about is them, but they’ve not only moved on but also literally away from you. Suddenly, you see them across the room, and the feeling of wishing they were there evaporates. The thought crosses your mind, “I think I like you better when you’re gone.” You realize you didn’t want them around; it wasn’t them you missed but the feeling they gave you when they were still around. Rapp, who is primarily a pop artist, surprises fans with this beautiful array of vocals and messaging.
- A song that’s perfect for someone who has ended a toxic relationship would be “Emergency” by Girlfriend. She not only showcases her vocal abilities but also her storytelling skills. She immediately tells her ex to either fix their mistakes or pack up the act. She makes it clear that she tried to make them see her worth, but they ignored it. “This might be emergency” plays almost like a taunt to the other party, suggesting she doesn’t care what they do, but whatever it is, do it quickly. Girlfriend hits riffs, runs and high notes so naturally, and with these talents on full display in only two minutes and 40 seconds, Girlfriend is a name that people need to watch for.
- R&B isn’t always about being emotional; it can be a vibe. “On My Mama” by Victoria Monét is just that, with a catchy beat and chorus that are perfect for when you may be having an off day and just need to dance. “I’m so deep in my bag like a grandma with a peppermint.” The subtle, but earned, conceited attitude Monét carries in this song is addictive to listen to and reminds you that R&B can be happy.
- Love is a powerful emotion that can be impossible to convey in words, but “Best Part” by Daniel Ceaser does this like it’s easy, not with Ceaser’s vocals but with H.E.R.’s elegant verses. “You’re the coffee that I need in the morning…” instantly, you think of that one person who is your coffee, “You’re my sunshine in the rain when it’s pouring…” you think of your sunshine. With only a few seconds and two lines, H.E.R. captures what it’s like to be so in love that you can only compare them to something you need to live.
- A song that hooked people with only a snippet: “Folded” by Kehlani reminds R&B fans that songs don’t always have to break the formula to be amazing. The song’s theme isn’t anything new in the genre of R&B: a standard moving on track. However, it resonates with people because it speaks to a simple but powerful task that is done upon ending a break-up, asking them to get their stuff. Kehlani isn’t screaming, not crying, just making a simple request. “Come pick up your clothes/I have them folded.” It’s a line that means we are really done with each other, but I need all of you gone, so I can move on. The song not only put Kehlani on more people’s radar, but its popularity also gave the artist her first top 20 on Billboard Hot 100, a TikTok dance and encouraged her to release several remixes, including an a cappella version produced not long after release.
- Many artists have underrated gems in their discography, and “Spirit” by Beyoncé is her hidden gem. When you hear Beyoncé, you think of one of her many more popular songs, like “Drunk in Love,” “Halo,” or the whole “Lemonade” album. “Spirit” is one you would only know if you listened to her album, “The Lion King: The Gift,” for the not-so-live-action Lion King movie. While “Spirit” isn’t purely R&B, pulling from soul, gospel, afrobeat and so many more genres, it elevates the whole soundtrack past what you already know from the Disney classic. In short, if you want to ascend to a whole new world, “Spirit” should be your next listen.
- Would it be an R&B list if Solana Imani Rowe, SZA, wasn’t on it? SZA is no stranger to writing R&B ballads, but one that more people need to hear is “Miles.” “Miles” is that song for when you just need a moment to contemplate and sit with your thoughts of uncertainty about everything. “Sick of this world, how do I get by? Miles running wild in my head…” SZA, in a short and sweet song, depicts that feeling of wanting to run away from all your problems, but for whatever reason, you’re stuck. SZA’s discography isn’t anything but her thoughts and experiences in life, but “Miles” is a standout among her ongoing, almost decade-long musical journey.
