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 Classics: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Blockbusters [2025] (121–130)
DeeperKiana Ledé
Kiana Ledé is a talented artist born in 1997, raised in Arizona and now based in Los Angeles, who thrives not only as a singer-songwriter but also as an actress.
Her debut album Kiki, released in 2020, drew attention as a modern classic that tastefully fuses contemporary sounds with a fond homage to ’90s R&B, earning high praise from sharp-eared music fans here in Japan as well.
As a lead single for her highly anticipated sophomore album Grudges, scheduled for release in June 2023, she has put out Deeper.
It’s a sensual R&B ballad with mature production that also reveals an introspective side, and her captivating voice, which delivers the lyrics with heartfelt emotion, is something everyone—not just R&B fans—should hear.
Also take note of the deftly featured distorted guitar, which is somewhat unusual for this type of sound.
YOUSiR
Sir, a late-blooming yet highly skilled R&B singer-songwriter signed to Top Dawg Entertainment—the label that brought us Kendrick Lamar and SZA—has returned with his latest and fourth album, Heavy, his first in about five years since the smash-hit Chasing Summer in 2019.
The track YOU, included on the album, is a lush, sophisticated slice of neo-soul reminiscent of D’Angelo, irresistibly sultry and captivating.
Letting Sir’s gorgeous falsetto wash over you while you spend a solitary night makes for a truly rewarding listening experience.
Girl Next DoorTyla, Ayra Starr
“Girl Next Door” comes together as a romantic R&B track.
It’s a collaboration by Nigerian singer Ayra Starr featuring Tyla.
The lyrics portray a woman’s feelings as she wishes a man—who keeps getting distracted by other women—would recognize her true worth.
The chill sound, infused with Latin elements, adds a subtly seductive flair.
Give it a listen while imagining where their relationship might be headed.
Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)Victoria Monét
Let me introduce “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt),” which incorporates a uniquely original expression you won’t find elsewhere.
This track is by singer-songwriter Victoria Monét and is included on her album Jaguar II.
Centered around the phrase in the title, the song portrays a game of push-and-pull between a man and a woman.
It’s interesting how the same words can carry different nuances depending on the situation.
Be sure to listen while following along with the lyrics.
Western R&B Masterpieces: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025] (131–140)
Rock the BoatAaliyah
Aaliyah, who made her album debut at the young age of 15 and was hailed as a songstress of overwhelming talent with a bright future ahead, tragically departed for heaven in a sudden accident.
It’s also well known that Hikaru Utada, who likewise debuted in her teens, has openly cited Aaliyah as an influence.
Among the three albums she left behind during her short career, each is a masterpiece brimming with incomparable charm, but the song featured here, “Rock The Boat,” is a fan favorite included on her 2001 release Aaliyah, which became her posthumous album.
Exuding a mature sensuality beyond her early twenties, it’s a smooth and mellow mid-tempo number that evokes the sultry air of the Caribbean.
It’s bittersweet to think that the accident occurred after filming the music video for this track, but as you listen, immerse yourself in the overwhelming beauty and brilliance radiated by this once-in-a-generation singer.
Empire State of MindAlicia Keys
A 2009 hit song.
If you thought “Empire State” sounds familiar—yes, it refers to the Empire State Building.
It’s a track overflowing with New York spirit, featuring the legendary rapper Jay-Z.
I’d love to hear it on location someday, with a sense of admiration.
Within R&B, it leans more pop; the piano melody and Alicia Keys’s vocals are wonderfully soothing.
If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys
Alicia Keys’s mega-hit number, “If I Ain’t Got You.” It’s an R&B track that became a worldwide smash, so even young people in Japan have probably heard it at least once.
This song really lets you savor Alicia Keys’s husky vocals and is basically centered around piano and voice.
It’s closer to soul than straight R&B, so the vocals really tug at your emotions.
If you like soulful R&B, be sure to check it out.