Lovely R&B and soul

R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]

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!
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.

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.

Western R&B Classics – From the Latest Hits to All-Time Blockbusters [2025] (111–120)

I can’t say good bye to youHelen Reddy

Helen Reddy : I Can’t Say Goodbye To You

I can't say good bye to youHelen Reddy

Helen Reddy is a singer from Australia and is also known as an actress and activist.

She has been active since the 1970s, and this song is included on the album “Play Me Out,” released in 1981.

Raise the rankinglower

Western R&B Classics: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Blockbusters [2025] (121–130)

Space + TimeAmber Mark

Amber Mark – Space + Time (Official Visualizer)

Space + TimeAmber Mark

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.

Raise the rankinglower

niteChase Shakur

Chase Shakur – nite

niteChase Shakur

We’re introducing “nite,” which has been generating a lot of buzz on social media.

It’s a track released by Chase Shakur, an artist known for blending a variety of genres like funk and pop.

The song is included on the album “it’s not you, it’s me.

.

.

it’s love.” Its biggest draw is the highly addictive track.

This time, it features elements that evoke jazz, paired with airy, effortless vocals.

Raise the rankinglower

Not Worthy (ft. Nonso Amadi)Emotional Oranges

Emotional Oranges – Not Worthy (ft. Nonso Amadi) [Lyric Video]

Not Worthy (ft. Nonso Amadi)Emotional Oranges

Emotional Oranges are a male-female R&B duo.

Their track created with the silky-voiced singer Nonso Amadi is Not Worthy (ft.

Nonso Amadi).

It opens with a short, sub-30-second intro, after which a laid-back rap begins.

The lyrics depict a man’s change of heart as he shifts his flow.

With its detailed storytelling, it’s something many listeners—regardless of gender—can relate to.

Raise the rankinglower

Every MomentJodeci

Every Moment – Jodeci

Every MomentJodeci

Jodeci is an American R&B quartet formed in 1989.

This track is included on their 2015 album “The Past, The Present, The Future.” It was inspired by Teddy Pendergrass’s 1979 track “Turn Off the Lights.”

Raise the rankinglower

If I Was Your ManJoe

Joe – If I Was Your Man (Official Video)

If I Was Your ManJoe

Joe is an artist who embodies classic R&B.

He has long thrived as a traditional R&B singer, crafting numerous timeless tracks over the years.

Among his many hits, one of the sexiest is “If I Was Your Man.” It’s a standout song with sweet, sensual lyrics—hallmarks of classic R&B—paired perfectly with a fitting melody.

It follows the classic formula, but its meticulous attention to detail makes it a must-listen for anyone seeking authentic R&B.

Raise the rankinglower

Falling or flyingJorja Smith

Jorja Smith – Falling or flying

Falling or flyingJorja Smith

Jorja Smith is one of the UK’s leading singers and is known for winning numerous music awards.

The title track of her second album is “falling or flying.” It’s a classic, straight-ahead R&B number.

The romantic lyrics about sincere love and her moody vocals are soothing to listeners.

It’s perfect for a laid-back solo listen at night.

Raise the rankinglower