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] (231–240)

Alone With YouWanMor

WanMor – Alone With You [Official Visualizer]

Alone With YouWanMor

A track has been born that pays respect to classic ’90s R&B while packing in plenty of fresh appeal.

The group formed by the four sons of WanMor released a song in March 2024 that blends a nostalgic sound with their unique sensibilities to great effect.

This cover of Tevin Campbell’s classic features harmonies that convey the depth of the members’ bond, and the youngest member, Rocco, delivers a remarkable lead vocal.

The bittersweet lyrics about love are sure to resonate with many listeners.

It’s a must-listen not only for R&B fans but also for anyone wrestling with matters of the heart.

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NICE GIRLSJaz Karis, Mahalia

Jaz Karis, Mahalia – NICE GIRLS (Official Lyric Video)

NICE GIRLSJaz Karis, Mahalia

Candidly portraying the pain and vulnerability of heartbreak, this work is gaining attention as a new classic of contemporary R&B.

The beautiful harmonies woven by two exceptionally talented artists, Jorja Smith and Mahalia, resonate deeply.

Released on March 8, 2024, the track masterfully fuses Jorja’s distinctive South London–bred elements of Amapiano and Afropop with Grammy-nominated Mahalia’s lush vocals.

It’s a must-listen not only for those who’ve been hurt in love, but also for anyone who wants to empathize with someone else’s heartache.

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Western R&B Classics: From the Latest Hits to All-Time Best-Sellers [2025] (241–250)

Little ThingsJorja Smith

Jorja Smith – Little Things

Little ThingsJorja Smith

Right now, Jorja Smith is one of the most prominent female artists in the UK R&B scene.

Unlike a traditional R&B singer, her sound is rooted in UK Garage.

Her track “Little Things” showcases those UK Garage elements throughout.

The production is especially outstanding, and fans of 1990s UK Garage will find the vibe irresistible.

Of course, it’s also rich with R&B influences, so be sure to give it a listen.

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In conclusion

Even if you weren’t interested in R&B as a music genre, you probably found at least one song among the many classic and hit R&B tracks introduced here that made you think, “I’ve heard this before.” R&B enlivens the music charts in many forms—incorporating a variety of genres while at times returning to the good old days.

Be sure to use this as inspiration for your playlist!