Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces

Best Thing I Never HadBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Best Thing I Never Had (Video)

It’s one of Beyoncé’s classic songs, showcasing her timeless beauty and vocal prowess then and now.

Her powerful voice soars over the grand ballad.

In the music video, Beyoncé fondly looks back on memories of a past lover, while her radiant smile stands out as she happily prepares for marriage with her current partner.

Strange FruitBillie Holiday

Strange Fruit

Billie Holiday, known alongside Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald as one of the “Big Three” female vocalists, grew up in a severely troubled home from a young age.

Even after becoming a singer as an adult, the toll of racial discrimination weighed heavily on her mind, leading her to turn to “mind-lifting leaves” and eventually to arrest—she truly lived a harrowing life.

Perhaps because of this background, there’s a certain melancholy in her voice, and you can glimpse that side of her in Strange Fruit.

AnytimeBrian McKnight

Brian McKnight – Anytime

Brian McKnight, an artist who was hugely active from the late 1980s through the 2000s, is known for his exceptionally advanced vocal technique.

In particular, his breathy whisper voice showcases remarkable singing prowess.

One of his signature songs is “Anytime.” Unlike typical R&B, this track is infused with adult contemporary elements, giving it a distinctive atmosphere.

If you enjoy skilled, authentic R&B, be sure to check it out.

RebelChristina Milian

Christina Milian – Rebel (Official)

This is a song included on Christina Milian’s 2015 release, the album “4U.” She also had a hit single in 2004, which helped make her name known in Japan.

In this track, you can hear the captivating vocals of a more mature Christina.

teachmeMusiq Soulchild

Musiq Soulchild – teachme (Official Video)

Musiq Soulchild is an R&B singer who blends elements of jazz and soul, earning high praise from around the world.

While he’s often categorized as neo-soul because of his style, I personally see him as belonging to the R&B field, since he foregrounds R&B elements so strongly.

His track “teachme” is renowned as one of his signature songs, featuring a classic R&B foundation with a distinctive, lightly bouncing rhythm.

What’d I SayRay Charles

Ray Charles – What’d I Say (Official Audio)

Many of you have probably heard the opening keyboard phrase.

There’s a story that the melody for “What’d I Say” was improvised at the end of a concert in December 1958, when there was some time left in the set, and that improvisation became the song as-is.

It’s an important track that paved the way for neo-soul.

Stop! In the Name of LoveThe Supremes

Stop! In The Name Of Love

This song was released in 1965 by The Supremes, the American vocal group that Diana Ross belonged to.

It can be considered one of the signature tracks of Motown, which released Black music, and it became a worldwide hit.

Its funky sound, female vocal group style, distinctive fashion and choreography still have many devoted fans today, and in Japan, the parody unit Yajima Biyoshitsu also drew attention.