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 Latest Popular Tracks to Timeless Mega-Hits [2025] (221–230)
You’re Makin’ Me HighToni Braxton
Speaking of Toni Braxton, she’s a major R&B star who racked up numerous hits in the 1990s.
Despite setbacks like a career slump and health issues, she navigated ups and downs and made a strong statement of vitality by releasing her 10th album, “Spell My Name,” in 2020—a recent highlight still fresh in our memories.
Among the many smash hits in her discography, as mentioned earlier, let’s spotlight “You’re Makin’ Me High,” which topped the U.
S.
charts and won a Grammy.
Beyond the allure of her sensual, sultry alto voice, the track’s cool, hip-hop–tinged production—handled by Babyface and Bryce Wilson—epitomizes the heart of ’90s R&B and truly stands out.
Those who remember that era well will likely smile with nostalgia, while younger music fans in the 2020s, amid a wave of ’90s R&B revival, should find it refreshingly new.
MargielaUsher
A track that breathed new life into Usher’s long-running career arrived in January 2024.
Featured on the album Coming Home, this song shines with an experimental musicality that transcends the boundaries of R&B.
It portrays the conflict between material and emotional value in love, and its rich vocal tones and delicate emotional expression captivate listeners.
Achieving commercial success—including reaching No.
2 on the Billboard 200 chart—the song showcases Usher’s musical curiosity and spirit of innovation, leaving a deep impression on fans.
It’s a perfect pick for those seeking a new shape of R&B.
BurnUsher
Usher is one of the most successful artists in the 2000s R&B scene.
He’s well-known in Japan too, so many of you may already be familiar with him.
One of his signature songs is Burn.
While many people associate Usher with dance-oriented R&B, this track delivers a slow, passionate R&B vibe.
That said, it still weaves in groovy melodies here and there, so it’s by no means lacking in rhythm or drive.
I Will Always Love You (Film Version)Whitney Houston
A masterpiece that will go down in music history, winner of the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
It became a huge hit as the theme song for the musical film “The Bodyguard.” The original was actually sung by country singer Dolly Parton, and it’s just as captivating, losing none of its brilliance.
Whitney Houston’s delicate yet powerful vocals really move you—truly overwhelming.
You Changed MeJamie Foxx ft. Chris Brown
A collaboration between American singer-songwriter and actor Jamie Foxx and Chris Brown.
Released as a digital download in 2015, it reached No.
32 on the U.
S.
charts.
The music video, directed by Director X, features actress Grace Gealey.
VitaminsMabel
Mabel is a British singer-songwriter whose parents are the renowned artist Neneh Cherry and Cameron McVey, known as a producer for Massive Attack.
Highly acclaimed for the commercial success of her two albums and numerous music awards, she has been actively releasing new songs throughout 2024.
Her track “Vitamins,” released in April 2024, references ’90s R&B while becoming a beautifully alluring number that’s quintessentially her.
The groovy, distinctive bassline feels great, and it seems like a perfect fit for a nighttime drive!
Western R&B Classics — From the Latest Hits to All-Time Blockbusters [2025] (231–240)
act ii: date @ 8 (remix) feat. Drake4Batz
The Dallas-born artist 4Batz, who is bringing fresh energy to the R&B scene, is generating buzz with his latest track.
This work is a remix version featuring Drake, released in March 2024.
Set to a stylish R&B sound, the lyrics vividly depict a date starting at 8 p.
m.
4Batz’s distinctive vocal tone and Drake’s fluid rap blend seamlessly, inviting listeners into a special night.
The original version, released in December 2023, also drew major attention and rapidly boosted 4Batz’s profile.
It’s a perfect song for a nighttime drive or as background music for a date with someone special.