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 Music! [2025] (141–150)

Nice To Each OtherOlivia Dean

Olivia Dean – Nice To Each Other

Nice To Each OtherOlivia Dean

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.

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brand new teethSamara Cyn, Smino

Samara Cyn, Smino – brand new teeth (Official Video)

A collaborative track by singer-rapper Samara Shin, a Tennessee native now based in Los Angeles, and St.

Louis rapper Smino was released in May 2025.

It’s an introspective piece themed around rising fame and the pressure that comes with it, reflecting on the symbolism of grills in Southern Black culture.

The multilayered beat—shifting from mellow jazz to classical orchestration—stands out, while the profound lyrics resonate as they depict the traps of wealth and the struggles of contemporary society.

The track is also included on the EP “Backroads,” slated for a June release, and it’s a song best absorbed in the stillness of the night.

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On SightCoco Jones

Coco Jones – On Sight

On SightCoco Jones

This is a single from the debut album “Why Not More?” released in April 2025, where a bold sense of self and a sultry vocal presence seamlessly fuse.

Coco Jones has evolved from a former Disney Channel child star into one of today’s most talked-about R&B artists.

Hailing from South Carolina, she proved her talent beyond doubt by winning Best R&B Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Centered on a contemporary R&B sound, this track beautifully balances her powerful vocals with expressive emotion.

Co-produced with producer Larrance Dopson, it delivers refined rhythms and captivating melodies.

A music video has been released, and the song has also been performed live.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to express their emotions and experiences through music.

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The RiverAlicia Keys & Amanda Reid

Alicia Keys & Amanda Reid – The River (From “Hell’s Kitchen”) [Official Video]

The RiverAlicia Keys & Amanda Reid

This duet by Alicia Keys, one of America’s leading R&B divas, and Broadway actress Amanda Rea is included as a bonus track for the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen.

Based on episodes from Alicia Keys’s life, it portrays the inner conflict and growth of Ali, a 17-year-old girl in the story, expressing a longing for freedom through the innovative concept of a dialogue with her future self.

Released in May 2025, it drew major attention when the two delivered a perfectly synchronized performance during the Season 27 finale of NBC’s hit show The Voice.

This beautiful ballad, blending soulful piano with R&B sensibilities, is sure to resonate deeply with anyone embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

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With You (ft. Omah Lay)Davido

Davido – With You ft. Omah Lay (Visualizer)

With You (ft. Omah Lay)Davido

A track from the album “5ive,” a collaboration between Nigerian-American star Davido and rising talent Omah Lay.

It’s a soothing song that blends Afrobeats and R&B to perfection, with melodies that resonate as it explores themes of love and intimacy.

Omah Lay’s soft, emotive vocals and Davido’s powerful delivery harmonize beautifully, capturing a moment where both artists’ musicality truly blossoms.

Released in April 2025 by Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, the song hit No.

1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100 and reached No.

4 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.

It’s also become popular on TikTok as the soundtrack for various dance challenges.

With its healing melodies and polished arrangement, it’s perfect for a calm nighttime drive or any moment when you want to relax.

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KISSING IN PUBLICDESTIN CONRAD

DESTIN CONRAD – KISSING IN PUBLIC (Official Video)

KISSING IN PUBLICDESTIN CONRAD

A superb love song where a nostalgic early-2000s R&B sound meets crisp, contemporary production.

Tampa, Florida–born DESTIN CONRAD paints themes of love and devotion with bold expression, while warm bass lines, clean finger snaps, and delicate synth harmonies resonate comfortably.

Released on April 16, 2025 as the lead single from his debut album, LOVE ON DIGITAL, the track features a tasteful mid-tempo melody infused with touches of jazz and reggae that reflect his roots.

It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their connection with a loved one.

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RATHER BE ALONELeon Thomas, Halle

Leon Thomas, Halle – RATHER BE ALONE (Audio)

RATHER BE ALONELeon Thomas, Halle

Rooted in contemporary R&B while weaving in rock and soul, the track is an emotionally rich piece.

It’s a collaboration between U.

S.

artists Leon Thomas and Halle Bailey, released as the lead single from the deluxe edition of the 2025 April album “MUTT.” Smoky guitar riffs and interlacing strings beautifully capture the feelings of two people uncertain about their relationship, vividly portraying moments of self-reflection.

With Grammy-winning Thomas and Grammy-nominated Bailey blending their voices to stunning effect, this song is one that will gently stay by your side on nights when you want to sort out your feelings.

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