![[Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/obBXhTwFsKQ/maxresdefault.webp)
[Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025]
Since the 1990s, after the sophisticated form of “R&B” that many people now imagine became established, the genre produced numerous mega-hits while also branching into subgenres.
From the 2010s onward, trap music dominated the charts, and styles like alternative R&B emerged that were not bound by traditional R&B.
Interestingly, now that we’re in the 2020s, we’re seeing a steady stream of acclaimed songs that reflect the influence of the R&B that dominated the scene in the ’90s and ’00s.
In this article, we’ve compiled standout tracks that make it easy to grasp the latest trends in Western R&B that capture the “now” of the 2020s.
We cover a wide range—from veterans to exciting newcomers—so be sure to check it out!
[Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025] (1–10)
Who’s Dat GirlNEW!Ayra Starr, Rema
A long-awaited collaborative track by two of Nigeria’s leading musical talents, Ayra Starr and Rema, was released in October 2025.
Rooted in Afrobeats while incorporating R&B, dancehall, and even Middle Eastern soundscapes, the song represents the next generation of Afropop.
The meticulous production by LAGI and The Elements shines through, and the lyrics—brimming with self-assured presence—captivate listeners instantly.
It’s the perfect track to boost your energy at parties, on drives, or whenever you want to turn things up!
It Depends (The Remix) ft. Bryson Tiller, UsherNEW!Chris Brown
Chris Brown, who has remained at the forefront of the R&B scene since the 2000s, returns with this remix released in October 2025, a dream-team collaboration featuring Bryson Tiller and Usher.
Built around a sensual sound that samples Usher’s classic “Nice & Slow,” the three artists’ silky vocals weave together seamlessly.
The song portrays a game of “passionate love for her—and everything depends on the situation,” evoking a mature romance.
The original version, released in July 2025, reached the U.
S.
R&B Top 10 and was certified Gold in October.
With its smooth mid-tempo groove and mellow synths, it’s a perfect track for a relaxed night or as background music for a drive.
Dead and GoneNEW!Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne, who rose to fame as a member of the popular British girl group Little Mix and officially launched her solo career in 2023, has released a new track in October 2025 that captivates with a powerful sound skillfully blending R&B, reggae, and dancehall.
The lyrics center on a theme of self-transformation—”burying the old self and embracing the new”—and convey a determination to live freely without worrying about others’ opinions.
As a lead single from her debut album My Ego Told Me To, slated for release in February 2026, it showcases a musicality that reflects her Caribbean roots and is not to be missed.
It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone who wants to live authentically.
No LoveNEW!Lost Girl
Singer-songwriter Lost Girl from Reading, UK.
She began her career in UK garage and grime, but in recent years has shifted toward a more soulful R&B sound, releasing a track in October 2025 that clearly reflects this change.
Depicting relationships where love can’t be given and hearts fall out of sync, the song trades her past club-oriented style for an introspective mood.
She was deeply involved in the songwriting and production herself, and simultaneously released a music video into which she poured her blood, sweat, and tears.
It’s a track that gently stays by your side when you’re trying to recover from hurt or face yourself.
Can’t Leave Alone (feat. Avenoir & Maz B)NEW!Pino
Pino, an R&B singer and producer based in Toronto, Canada, has been gaining attention for a style that modernizes the R&B sound of the ’90s and early 2000s.
From his EP ’02, released in October 2025, this track features rising Toronto artists Avnoir and Maz B.
Centered on the theme of an attachment you can’t break away from, the song weaves smooth vocal harmonies with a mellow groove to create a soundscape where nostalgia and freshness coexist.
Co-produced by all three, the polished production stands as a pinnacle of next-generation Toronto R&B.
It’s a perfect pick for quiet nights when you want to sink into your feelings.
mini meNEW!redvei
Released in October 2025, this work by redveil—an up-and-coming talent drawing attention as a young producer and rapper—marks an ambitious departure from his previously rap-centered style.
The sound brings soulful vocals and band performance to the forefront, featuring live instrumentation by accomplished players like keyboardist Cisco Swank and bassist Jermaine Paul, showcasing the breadth of his musical range.
Lyrically, it uses metaphors to portray a situation where luck and options have run out, unfolding an introspective and emotional world.
While he demonstrated his prowess in fully self-producing his 2022 album Learn 2 Swim, this time he ventures into new territory by incorporating elements of R&B and soul, making it a work that can be recommended even to listeners who don’t usually listen to hip-hop.
Push 2 StartTyla
The new track from South African rising star Tyla vividly portrays modern views on love.
Using a metaphor of starting a car engine to kick off a romance, it sings about the importance of mutual effort and shared values in a relationship.
Its lively rhythm, fusing Afrobeats and R&B, deftly captures the rush of falling in love.
Released in February 2024, the song is included on her debut album, Tyla.
It’s a perfect pick for those who want to revel in a confident romance or are ready to embark on a new relationship.