[Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025]

Is It a CrimeMariah the Scientist, Kali Uchis

Mariah the Scientist, Kali Uchis – Is It a Crime (Official Audio)

An eagerly awaited first collaboration between Mariah the Scientist—an Atlanta-born artist with an unconventional background who once pursued medicine—and Grammy-winning Colombian American artist Kali Uchis, this poignant yet passionate R&B track asks whether loving is a sin.

Through vocals that feel like a dialogue, it portrays the fragility and strength of a protagonist who can’t let go of the one they love, swaying between public scrutiny and inner conflict.

The blend of Mariah’s composed tone and Kali’s luscious vocals seeps deep into the listener’s heart.

The song was released in advance in July 2025 from Mariah’s fourth album, Hearts Sold Separately.

On nights troubled by complicated love, it’s sure to be there by your side.

To Be FreeSam Smith

Sam Smith – To Be Free (Official Video)

This is a song by Sam Smith that was born during the production of the 2023 album Gloria and lovingly held back for a full five years.

The raw, one-take vocal and guitar performance builds into a breathtaking moment in the latter half as it intertwines with a 22-member choir.

Its powerful message of liberation from oppression and the fierce wish to live authentically resonates like a cry from the soul.

You can feel Sam’s own feelings, as they describe the song as being “like family.” Listen to it when you’re at a crossroads in life or longing to be your true self, and it will leave you with a sense of deep cleansing.

Party Where We AtAnn Marie

Ann Marie – Party Where We At [Official Music Video]

This R&B track blends Chicago’s signature cool beats with an irresistibly groovy, melodic hook.

The vocals come from Ann Marie, a singer from Chicago, USA.

The work skillfully captures the streetwise atmosphere rooted in her background and an open, freewheeling party mood that flows across the city.

Set in Chicago, LA, and Atlanta, it portrays vibrant, carefree moments spent with friends—truly a modern party anthem.

Released in July 2025, it showcases a new side of the artist known for songs like “Secret,” which reached No.

22 on the Billboard R&B chart in 2019.

It’s the perfect track to soundtrack a city-night drive or add color to a weekend house party.

In It With YouCraig David & JoJo

Craig David & JoJo – In It With You

Legends of the UK garage scene, British artist Craig David, and America’s powerhouse vocalist JoJo have come together for a dream collaboration for R&B fans.

This masterful mid-tempo ballad sings of an unwavering vow to “be with you, always.” The interplay between Craig’s silky-smooth vocals and JoJo’s soul-stirring, powerful delivery is downright goosebump-inducing.

Released in July 2025 as the lead single from Craig’s ninth album, Commitment, this track was born from mutual respect—and its harmonies are sure to deepen your bond with someone special.

I CAN TELLGIVĒON

GIVĒON – I CAN TELL (Official Music Video)

This song by American R&B singer Giveon captures the moment when the protagonist realizes—not through words, but with the heart—the truth their lover has been hiding.

His signature deep baritone delicately conveys the quiet despair and resignation of someone sensing subtle shifts in a relationship.

It feels almost like watching a finely crafted short film, with a dense, cinematic narrative that hits you in the chest.

The track comes from his album “Beloved,” slated for release in July 2025 after more than three years in the making.

Giveon has previously worked on film theme songs, and this piece, too, may evoke even deeper emotion when paired with visuals.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night, lost in thought.

S.M.O.Amaarae

Amaarae – S.M.O. (Official Music Video)

Amarae is a Ghanaian-American singer with a background of being born in New York and raised in Ghana.

Her innovative music, which blends pop, R&B, and Afrobeats, has earned high praise worldwide.

The track she released in June 2025, ahead of her album Black Star set for August 2025, is a highly provocative number that powerfully celebrates sexual liberation and self-affirmation.

Its groovy sound—merging Ghana’s traditional highlife with disco—feels like it instills confidence just by listening.

Put it on when you want to lift your mood or motivate yourself, and you’ll surely feel energized.

Head in a JarKhamari

Khamari – Head in a Jar (Official Visualizer)

Kamari, an R&B/alternative R&B singer-songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts.

This work is marked by a soft, acoustic guitar-based sound and introspective lyrics.

The lyrics meticulously depict memories with a lover, the distance between them, and inner conflict, beautifully harmonizing with delicate vocals.

Released by Encore Recordings in May 2025, it’s Kamari’s first new track in about two years since the May 2023 album “A Brief Nirvana.” The previous release has surpassed 125 million streams worldwide.

Recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in mellow sounds and lyrics that deeply explore heartbreak and loneliness.