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

BORN AGAIN feat. Doja Cat & RAYELiSA

LISA – BORN AGAIN feat. Doja Cat & RAYE (Official Music Video)

A groundbreaking work from global artist Lisa from Thailand, together with Doja Cat and Raye.

Skillfully blending disco-pop and Britpop, the track becomes a lavish piece that showcases the unique personalities of all three artists.

Released on February 6, 2025, it expresses the joy and strength of overcoming heartbreak and being reborn as a new self, set against a mythic worldview.

Announced as the fourth single from the album “Alter Ego,” the song has also been featured in the hit drama The White Lotus Season 3, drawing widespread attention.

Lisa’s crystalline vocals, Raye’s alluring singing, and Doja Cat’s distinctive rap meld perfectly, making this a track that resonates deeply with anyone in the midst of personal transformation.

Undo (Back To My Heart)Tinashe, Wax Motif

Tinashe, Wax Motif – Undo (Back To My Heart)

Tinashe, who hails from the United States, is an artist of many talents—singer, songwriter, dancer, and producer.

Her collaborative work with Australian artist Wax Motif seamlessly fuses electronic tones with R&B elements.

Released from the album “333,” this track is a moving piece that captures lingering feelings for a finished relationship and a desire to rebuild it.

Dropped in August 2021, it resonates with the emotions of a protagonist who sets aside pride and faces their true feelings.

Its upbeat, dance floor–ready rhythm and emotionally rich melodies create a captivating atmosphere that lingers.

Highly recommended for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or is struggling with a complicated relationship.

Love HangoverJENNIE & Dominic Fike

JENNIE & Dominic Fike – Love Hangover (Official Video)

A passionate track depicting the struggle of irresistible love has been born through the collaboration of Jennie and Dominic Fike.

This partnership between Korea’s Jennie and America’s Dominic beautifully captures the complexities of romance.

In the chorus, it describes being pulled back together even when trying to call it quits—something that will surely resonate with many listeners.

Released in January 2025, the song is set to be included on Jennie’s album Ruby.

The music video, filmed in Mexico City, humorously visualizes the song’s world by portraying a couple whose dates end in misfortune every time.

Anyone with experience in love will surely relate to this track.

Are You Even Real (feat. Givēon)Teddy Swims

Teddy Swims – Are You Even Real (feat. Givēon) [Official Music Video]

A new track by American artist Teddy Swims, featuring R&B singer Giveon, is generating buzz.

Released in January 2025, the song is a moving ballad themed around the gap between ideals and reality in love.

Swims’s rich vocals blend beautifully with Giveon’s deep baritone, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

Set to a soulful melody, the lyrics capture both the anxiety and joy that come with having a partner who seems almost too perfect, skillfully conveying the complexities of romantic emotion.

Released as the lead single from Swims’s highly anticipated album, “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2),” this track is a must-listen not only for those struggling with love but also for R&B fans.

Put It DownAdanna Duru & Mannywellz

Adanna Duru & Mannywellz – Put It Down (Official Lyric Video)

“Put It Down” brings together Afropop standard-bearer Adanna Duru and Nigeria-based Mannywellz.

Emblematic of a new 2020s trend in Western R&B, the track shines with Adanna’s emotive vocals.

Mannywellz’s rhythmic verse adds the perfect counterbalance, letting each artist’s strengths overflow.

Pay attention to the lyrics, where the two alternate perspectives to portray the struggles of love.

Enjoy the refined sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

When He’s Not There (feat. Lucky Daye)Kehlani

Kehlani – When He’s Not There (feat. Lucky Daye) [Official Audio]

Kehlani, whose tattoo-covered look is striking, is a singer-songwriter from the United States born in 1995, and she continues to be at the forefront of the scene as one of the leading artists in contemporary R&B.

Released in August 2024, this track is an engaging collaboration featuring Lucky Daye.

The lyrics, which depict a secret relationship and complex emotions, leave a strong impression, and Kehlani’s clear vocals blend beautifully with Lucky Daye’s rich harmonies.

The song was released as the lead single from the mixtape “While We Wait 2,” scheduled for release on August 28, 2024.

It’s perfect for nighttime drives or when you want to relax.

Crush (feat. Jorja Smith)AJ Tracey

AJ Tracey – Crush (feat. Jorja Smith)

A heart-melting R&B tune from London-born AJ Tracey teaming up with fellow Londoner Jorja Smith.

Grime and R&B meet to spark a fresh chemical reaction.

Smith’s sultry vocals intertwine with Tracey’s cool rap, vividly capturing the exhilaration and uncertainty of falling in love.

Released in February 2025 to coincide with Valentine’s Day, the track is produced by P2J and features sound design that evokes the golden era of 2000s R&B.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to savor the sweet anticipation of romance or bask in memories with someone special.

Its smooth groove is sure to give your love life a gentle push.