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 Newest Hits to Timeless Chart-Toppers [2025] (161–170)

Any Time, Any PlaceJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson – Any Time, Any Place

Any Time, Any PlaceJanet Jackson

This “Any Time, Any Place” is a classic R&B track with a smooth, flowing groove topped by a soothing vocal.

Among Janet Jackson’s songs, it’s one of the more laid-back numbers.

Recommended for anyone who wants to listen to healing-style R&B.

Raise the rankinglower

That’s The Way Love GoesJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson – That’s The Way Love Goes

That's The Way Love GoesJanet Jackson

It’s a hit song released in 1993 by Janet Jackson.

It’s a slow-tempo R&B track that blends diverse elements—pop, R&B, funk, and soul—and it boldly samples the 1974 smash hit “Papa Don’t Take No Mess” by the master James Brown.

The shimmering, mirage-like tones contrasted with the gently bluesy mood of the track are addictive.

If you love ’90s R&B, this is exactly the vibe!

Raise the rankinglower

Western R&B Masterpieces – From the Latest Hits to All-Time Classics [2025] (171–180)

Baby PowderJenevieve

Jenevieve – Baby Powder (Official Video)

Baby PowderJenevieve

In recent years, it’s become known in Japan—and covered by the media—that music by Japanese artists and bands from the ’70s and ’80s, often labeled City Pop, has become hugely popular among overseas DJs and music lovers.

Genevieve’s “Baby Powder” is a track that can be said to have been born directly from that movement.

Released in March 2020 by the up-and-coming indie R&B singer originally from Miami and now based in Los Angeles, the song gradually gained buzz through YouTube and, before anyone noticed, the music video racked up over a million views—an archetypal long-running hit for the 2020s.

While it shows clear influence from ’90s R&B, the track’s urban vibe and striking bassline come from a bold sample of Japanese singer Anri’s 1982 song “Last Summer Whisper”! With lyrics and composition by Toshiki Kadomatsu, it’s a reminder of just how forward-thinking the City Pop genre was.

If you want to know what’s happening in R&B right now, this is a must-check.

Raise the rankinglower

SpotlightJennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson – Spotlight

SpotlightJennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is a female R&B singer known for her powerful vocals.

While her vocal style is rooted in R&B, it strongly features soul elements, and on certain tracks you can really savor her deeply soulful voice.

Spotlight is a work that lets you fully enjoy that side of her singing.

The track resembles Ne-Yo’s Because of You, and overall it’s put together in a stylish and smooth way.

If you like classic R&B, be sure to check it out.

Raise the rankinglower

This Is Me…NowJennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez – This Is Me…Now (Official Lyric Video)

This Is Me...NowJennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez’s latest release is a moving work that chronicles a journey of love and self-discovery.

Centered on her reunion with Ben Affleck, it portrays her emotional and spiritual growth.

Blending pop and R&B, the project pairs Lopez’s signature vocals with contemporary production for a captivating result.

Released in February 2024, the album serves as a follow-up to 2002’s “This Is Me.

.

.

Then.” The lead single has already been generating buzz.

It’s a recommended listen for anyone who resonates with themes of romance and self-exploration.

Raise the rankinglower

A Long WalkJill Scott

A Long Walk

A Long WalkJill Scott

It’s characterized by the rich, Black groove of neo-soul and a deeply expressive vocal tone.

A hit song that stands out for its vocal sensibility and the beauty of its track’s melody.

It’s included on Jill Scott’s debut album, “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol.

1,” released in 2000.

Often called the queen of neo-soul, this is one of her signature songs, and it was released as a single the year after the album came out—truly a classic among classics.

Raise the rankinglower

I Believe In YouJoe

Joe – I Believe In You

I Believe In YouJoe

This work, marked by layered, melodious vocals that evoke a gospel influence, features Joe’s clear, translucent voice powerfully conveying unwavering trust in a loved one.

Released in 2001, the song was included on the album “My Name Is Joe” and became a major hit, reaching No.

11 on the Billboard charts.

The lyrics, imbued with Joe’s sincere feelings, remind us of the beauty of love.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to feel deep love or when you can’t quite put your feelings for someone special into words.

Raise the rankinglower