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

Space + TimeAmber Mark

Amber Mark – Space + Time (Official Visualizer)

Amber Mark, who has Jamaican and German roots, is a highly acclaimed, powerhouse singer-songwriter known for her sophisticated sound influenced by R&B, soul, hip-hop, and bossa nova.

Her debut album, Three Dimensions Deep, released in 2022, was widely praised, and in May 2024 she unveiled a new single, Space + Time.

Featuring bossa nova–tinged guitar, a groovy bassline, and elegant strings, the track boasts exquisite production and a stellar vocal performance, standing out as a superb song that showcases her remarkable talent.

MuscleMETTE

METTE – MUSCLE (Audio)

Many of you probably remember the woman who gets her head shaved by Rihanna at the beginning of the music video for N.

E.

R.

D’s 2017 smash hit “Lemon.” That woman, Mette Towley—known as METTE—is a dancer and actress, and she’s also active as a singer.

Her June 2024 release “Muscle” is an anthemic, disco-tinged pop track that truly showcases her talents as a vocalist.

With her set to open for Taylor Swift’s concert at London’s Wembley Stadium in June of the same year, it looks like she’s poised to attract even more attention going forward.

YOUSiR

SiR – YOU (Official Music Video)

Sir, a late-blooming but formidable R&B singer-songwriter signed to Top Dawg Entertainment—the label that launched stars like Kendrick Lamar and SZA—has returned with his latest work, Heavy, his fourth album and his first in about five years since the smash 2019 release Chasing Summer.

The track YOU on the album is a captivating number whose refined neo-soul evokes D’Angelo, radiating a sultry allure.

Let yourself get lost in Sir’s beautiful falsetto—it makes for a wonderful soundtrack to a solitary night.

Power of TwoVictoria Monét

Victoria Monét – Power of Two (From “Star Wars: The Acolyte”/Audio Only)

Victoria Monét is a Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter.

She’s also well known for writing many songs for Ariana Grande, honing her craft behind the scenes while releasing numerous acclaimed tracks as a singer-songwriter herself.

Her effectively debut album, Jaguar II, released in 2023, received high praise and, as mentioned at the start, won a Grammy.

Her new single Power of Two, released in June 2024, is none other than the end-credit song for the Star Wars series The Acolyte! It’s a standout track that blends a cosmic, expansive sound with Monét’s soulful vocals.

Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as well, which are said to tie into the actual story.

HighZach Campbell

Zach Campbell – High (Official Audio)

Zach Campbell has an intriguing background: in 2013, he casually uploaded a reaction video to the music video for Lady Gaga’s then-new single “Applause” on his YouTube channel, and it instantly went viral around the world.

Since then, he has gone on to collaborate with major stars like Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, and even Beyoncé, and has also stepped into a career as a singer-songwriter.

His track “High,” released in May 2024, is a new song that showcases his beautiful vocals—highly recommended for R&B fans.

Zach isn’t just a reaction YouTuber; he’s also a musician with real talent, making him an artist you should definitely keep on your radar!

act iv: fckin u again (18+)4batz & USHER

act iv: fckin u again (18+)

A track imbued with a sensual, provocative vibe, it brims with the allure created by the collaboration between 4batz and Usher.

Hinting at a new trend in contemporary R&B, the song was released worldwide via digital media in July 2024.

Usher’s distinctive vocals layered over 4batz’s low-to-mid range style add depth throughout the piece.

It portrays a passionate relationship between lovers, with striking phrases that emphasize the intensity of desire.

For modern R&B fans, it’s sure to be a captivating listen.

Dead ManAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – Dead Man

Alessia Cara’s latest work blends pop with elements of contemporary R&B and neo-soul, distinguished by its jazzy touch and prominent horn sections.

Centered on a dialogue with an emotionally absent partner, the lyrics revisit the pain of heartbreak from a reflective perspective, sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Released on July 19, 2024, the track serves as the lead single from her fourth studio album.

As her first new song since 2022, it incorporates fresh elements into the musical style she has developed throughout her career, delivering a result that meets fans’ expectations.

It’s a recommended listen for anyone struggling with relationships or seeking to overcome the pain of a breakup.