Lovely R&B and soul

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

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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 the Trends in Western R&B! [2025] (111–120)

summer’s turningSamara Cyn

Samara Cyn – summer’s turning (Official Audio)

summer’s turningSamara Cyn

Samara Shin, a rising singer-rapper from the United States who’s earned recognition from legends like Lauryn Hill, blends hip-hop and neo-soul into music that invites listeners into a soothing world.

In June 2025, she released her second EP, “Backroads.” Opening the EP, this track paints the restless, introspective feelings that late summer brings.

Its airy, soulful sound is a perfect fit for solitary, contemplative nights or a slightly sentimental drive.

Raise the rankinglower

spin cycleYaya Bey

Yaya Bey – spin cycle

spin cycleYaya Bey

Hailing from New York, USA, Yaya Bey is highly acclaimed not only for her work as a poet and activist but also for her musicality.

Rooted in alternative R&B while effortlessly crossing diverse genres, her style is undeniably cool—no wonder critics praise her so highly.

From her album “do it afraid,” released in June 2025, the track we’re introducing features a groove infused with dub and reggae influences that feels irresistibly smooth.

Immersed in the joy of deep love while gazing at the transience of the moment, its world-building makes it a perfect fit for a laid-back weekend soundtrack or a quiet night of solitary reflection.

Raise the rankinglower

FoldedKehlani

Kehlani – Folded [Official Visualizer]

FoldedKehlani

Kehlani, who hails from the United States, is a singer-songwriter who continues to influence the scene with a diverse musicality rooted in R&B.

Her soulful voice and expressive power have earned wide acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for the 2015 mixtape “You Should Be Here.” The single released in June 2025 is a mid-tempo R&B track that highlights her delicate yet powerful vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.

It carries a message of self-affirmation and healing—closing past chapters and moving forward without succumbing to pressure.

This work follows her 2024 masterpiece album “Crash,” showcasing her artistic evolution.

It’s a song that can gently give you courage during life’s turning points or moments of introspection.

The warmth and strength of Kehlani’s voice will wrap you in comfort.

Raise the rankinglower

Holy BlindfoldChris Brown

Chris Brown – Holy Blindfold (Lyric Video)

Holy BlindfoldChris Brown

Chris Brown, a leading figure in the American R&B scene, released a solo single in June 2025 that elevates the intoxication of romance to a spiritual peak.

It vividly portrays the irresistible depth of love—like one’s vision being veiled by a sacred force—and the salvation discovered within it.

The track arrives as an advance release from his twelfth studio LP and ties into his large-scale 2025 stadium tour, “Breezy Bowl XX.” It’s a work that marks a new frontier for him, resonating not only on euphoric summer drives but also with listeners who want to immerse themselves in the multifaceted emotions of love.

Raise the rankinglower

BlissTyla

Tyla – BLISS (Official Audio)

BlissTyla

The South African singer-songwriter Tyla’s new release in May 2025 is a standout track featuring a refined sound that deftly weaves together elements of pop piano, R&B, and Afrobeats.

Offbeat, Amapiano-inspired drums and her soft, lustrous vocals blend beautifully, evoking a classic charm reminiscent of 2000s R&B.

Showcasing the full extent of her talent—she won three categories including Best R&B at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards—the project also includes a collaboration with Erewhon, a high-end organic grocery chain in the U.

S.

It has been turned into a tropical-flavored smoothie, with a portion of the proceeds supporting young women in South Africa.

Its soothing groove and warm melodies make it perfect for moments of relaxation.

Raise the rankinglower

Type DangerousMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Type Dangerous (Official Lyric Video)

Type DangerousMariah Carey

Mariah Carey, the New York–born diva who continues to captivate the world with her five-and-a-half-octave voice.

The lead single from her first studio album since 2018’s Caution was released in June 2025.

Rooted in hip-hop soul, the track features an aggressive yet breezy sound that boldly incorporates the groove of Eric B.

& Rakim’s 1987 hip-hop classic Eric B.

Is President.

Its playful, self-assured lyrics about being drawn to a dangerous flame fuse seamlessly with a modern sensibility co-crafted with Anderson .

Paak.

Debuted with star-studded guests at the BET Awards in June 2025, it sparked major buzz.

It’s a must-hear for anyone eager to experience her latest artistic leap.

Raise the rankinglower

Stare at MeJANE HANDCOCK, Anderson .Paak

JANE HANDCOCK, Anderson .Paak – Stare at Me (Official Music Video)

Stare at MeJANE HANDCOCK, Anderson .Paak

This is a gem of a track pairing Jane Handcock, a standout on the West Coast soul scene, with the ingenious, multi–Grammy-winning Anderson .

Paak.

The song captures the very spark of a sweet and thrilling romance igniting the moment their eyes meet.

As she sings, “It’s like your gaze put a spell on me,” his playful reply—“We should get married someday”—adds irresistible charm to their flirtatious back-and-forth.

It’s a lead single from the album It’s Me, Not You, set for release in July 2025, and the perfect listen for sinking into a slightly grown-up mood on a summer evening at a rooftop bar.

Raise the rankinglower