R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
The history of R&B—rhythm and blues—goes way back, and the term itself is said to have existed since the 1940s.
That said, the image most people have of R&B as a music genre today was largely established from the 1990s onward, shaped through the lens of club music.
In this article, the first half features a lineup focused on the latest hits and standout tracks by rising artists, while the latter half is packed with classic songs from the 1990s, often called the golden age of R&B.
It offers a broad selection that also looks at subgenres like contemporary R&B, neo-soul, and alternative R&B, so we encourage newcomers to R&B to check it out as well.
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Western R&B Masterpieces: From the Newest Hits to All-Time Classics [2025] (91–100)
Fools GoldJill Scott
A track included on the album “Woman,” released in 2015 by American artist Jill Scott, which reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
It samples Yutaka Yokokyra’s 1978 track “Evening Star.”
If You Lose HerJoe
A track included on Joe’s 2014 album “Bridges.” It is inspired by Player’s 1977 track “Baby Come Back.” The music video is a collaboration with Ukrainian sand animation artist Kseniya Simonova.
Western R&B Masterpieces: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025] (101–110)
SLOW DANCING IN THE DARKJoji
Joji is a half Australian, half Japanese artist from Osaka Prefecture and a bona fide Japanese national.
He used to post funny videos on YouTube under the name “Filthy Frank,” but lately he’s shifted his main focus to music.
Slow Dancing in the Dark is a song Joji released in 2018, and its relaxed sound with a lo-fi vibe is especially appealing.
NobodyKem
Kem is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and producer who has been active since 1999.
He has won a Billboard Music Award.
This track, released in 2014 and reaching No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts, is included on the album Promise To Love.
Love Me BackKenny Lattimore
Kenny Lattimore is an American R&B singer who has been active since 1988.
This track was released as a single in 2015.
It was inspired by Bobby Womack’s 1981 track “If You Think You’re Lonely Now.”
EXKiana Ledé
If you like songs with a laid-back vibe, I recommend Kiana Ledé’s “EX.” It opens with a clean electric guitar tone and has a mellow sound that’s perfect for when you want to relax.
Tracks like this make you feel a bit more stylish just by listening.
At the same time, it builds nicely, so it’s great as background music for a drive or to play in your room.
Wanna Be Happy?Kirk Franklin
A track released in 2015 by Kirk Franklin.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
It was inspired by Al Green’s 1971 track “Tired of Being Alone.” It was first performed on the TV show The Steve Harvey Morning Show.