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

Stare at MeJANE HANDCOCK, Anderson .Paak

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

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.

Soft Girl EraAri Lennox

Ari Lennox – Soft Girl Era (Official Audio)

Ari Lennox, the American R&B singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals, first drew major attention with her 2019 debut album Shea Butter Baby and earned high praise again with 2022’s Age/Sex/Location.

Her long-awaited new single, released in March 2025, is a summer track about the harmony of self-care and love, highlighted by a sophisticated sound crafted by the duo of Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.

With a performance slated for April’s Dreamville Festival, fan anticipation is high.

Blending sweet, sensual vocals with a soothing R&B groove, it’s the perfect song for relaxing or refreshing your mood.

hope u don’t mind4Batz

hope u don’t mind

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Fourbatz unveils a striking R&B work in May 2025 that portrays a sensual, gendered relationship.

The slow-tempo beat intertwined with his signature pitch-shifted vocals evokes the early atmospheres of The Weeknd and Jeremih.

Following his mixtape “U Made Me a St4r,” this release has been selected for Apple Music’s R&B Now and Pillow Talk playlists.

His track—viral on TikTok and further propelled by a buzzed-about remix with Drake—reflects his hometown Dallas scene through screwed-and-chopped beat progressions while crafting a uniquely sensual world of its own.

A highly recommended song for setting a smooth, late-night mood.

Nice To Each OtherOlivia Dean

Olivia Dean – Nice To Each Other

London-born singer-songwriter Olivia Dean studied at the prestigious BRIT School and made her solo debut with the 2019 EP “OK Love You Bye,” quickly becoming a standout in the neo-soul scene.

In 2023, her album Messy earned a Mercury Prize nomination, underscoring her widely recognized talent.

Released in May 2025, this track is a moving piece that expresses the importance of compassion in human relationships through a warm, inviting sound.

Produced by Aqualung and Zach Nahome, it showcases her characteristically delicate vocals.

It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone feeling worn out by day-to-day relationships.

Come HomeJace June

Jace June – Come Home (Official Lyric Video)

Jace June, a singer-songwriter from the United States, has built a loyal following with emotionally rich vocals and melodic pop sounds, steadily performing out of local live venues.

Released in March 2025, this work is a sweet yet aching ballad that deftly weaves in refined R&B elements, with strikingly deep lyrics themed around loss and renewal in life.

The production shows a clear step forward, with his hallmark expressive vocals blending beautifully with the soothing melodies.

A collaborative version with Malcolm Todd was also shared on TikTok, drawing widespread attention across social media.

It’s a recommended track for a slow, relaxing evening or for quiet moments with someone special.

SuzanneMark Ronson & RAYE

Mark Ronson, RAYE – Suzanne (Official Video)

A much-anticipated collaboration has come to life between Britain’s renowned music producer Mark Ronson and fellow countrywoman, next-generation songstress RAYE.

With Ronson boasting nine Grammy wins and RAYE sweeping six categories at the 2024 Brit Awards, it’s a powerhouse pairing.

The track is a vintage-tinged ballad colored by trumpets and horns, evoking the elegant, adult mood of a nighttime supper club.

Said to be inspired by a figure named Suzanne Audemars, the song was released in June 2025 as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration of the luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet.

Its refined, sensual atmosphere makes it perfect for special evenings or moments when you want to sink into high-quality music.

Off Road (ft. Masego & Freddie Gibbs)Rory

Rory – Off Road (ft. Masego & Freddie Gibbs) [Lyric Video]

Well known as a podcast host, Rory—who is based in the United States—also showcases his multifaceted talents as a music producer and artist manager.

Released in June 2025, this track features R&B singer Masego and rapper Freddie Gibbs.

Set to Rory’s signature dreamy, moody alternative R&B sound, the horn section and breezy percussion resonate comfortably.

Lyrically, it deftly portrays a fleeting summer romance along with the underlying sense of danger and caution, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

It’s a standout that highlights his exceptional production skills honed since his 2023 album “I Thought It’d Be Different,” perfect for unwinding on long summer nights.