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.
- Western R&B Popularity Ranking [2025]
- A classic R&B masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]
- [2025] Western Music You’ve Heard at Least Once — From Trending New Tracks to Timeless Classics
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- [Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025]
- Classic R&B songs recommended for women
- [2025] Best Western R&B Love Songs: A Curated Collection of Romance Tracks
- Classic Western R&B songs to listen to in autumn
- Classic R&B songs perfect for summer: recommended popular tracks
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- Refined Sound: The World of Stylish Vocaloid R&B Songs
- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
Western R&B Classics — From the Latest Hits to Legendary Chart-Toppers [2025] (21–30)
ARTTyla
This song, released in March 2024 by a rising star from South Africa, celebrates artistic allure.
Featured on the album “TYLA,” it showcases an R&B sound infused with elements of Afrobeats and Amapiano.
Comparing herself to a work of art, the lyrics encourage listeners to express themselves freely, conveying the joy of shaping love and passion.
Tyla’s international recognition is growing—she won Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a fresh R&B sound that embraces African musicality.
Good GoodUSHER, Summer Walker, 21 Savage
Usher, the R&B singer who was hugely active in the 2000s.
He’s an R&B singer with a large fanbase in Japan as well.
His collaboration with two artists who are currently thriving in the R&B scene—Summer Walker and 21 Savage—is the track “Good Good.” The track is notable for evoking late-2000s R&B, and while it features many contemporary sounds, it’s crafted with a tone that retains the remnants of the revival boom.
Western R&B Classics — From the Latest Hits to Timeless Chart-Toppers [2025] (31–40)
I’m Not The Only OneSam Smith, Alicia Keys
A soul-stirring ballad that gives voice to emotions rising from the depths of the heart.
Its lyrics, portraying the pain and conflict of infidelity, resonate with many listeners and, combined with Sam Smith’s overwhelming vocal prowess, leave a powerful impact.
Featured on the 2014 debut album In the Lonely Hour, the song became a worldwide hit.
In 2024, a 10th-anniversary duet version with Alicia Keys was re-recorded.
It’s a track to play when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or confront the complexities of human relationships.
Clean Up WomanBetty Wright
Betty Wright is an American R&B singer known for her powerful vocals and soulful expressiveness.
Released in November 1971, this gem of a love song tells a poignant story of a sad ending brought on by a lack of affection in a relationship.
Its lyrics, which portray a woman losing her lover to another woman, emphasize the importance of everyday communication and expressing gratitude.
Featured on the album “I Love the Way You Love,” the track weaves funky rhythms with a memorable guitar riff, while her voice—just 17 at the time—strikes straight to the heart.
It reached No.
2 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No.
6 on the Hot 100, and was certified Gold.
A song that resonates with anyone struggling with love.
HeatstrokeKhalid
Released at age 19, Khalid’s debut album American Teen was a hit, earning him attention as a rising R&B singer.
This track, released in August 2024 and included on the album Sincere, artfully conveys the heat of romance over a smooth R&B sound.
He’s even said on social media that he wants people to listen to it at the end of summer, and the publicly released music video features everyday scenes engulfed in flames.
It’s a song steeped in a mature vibe, yet it’s still surprising to remember he’s only in his mid-twenties.
NobodyJoJo
A heartwarming R&B ballad themed around deep friendship and unconditional support—about staying by someone’s side.
JoJo, the American artist, delivers powerful, soulful vocals that blend beautifully with the polished production.
Featured on the album “NGL,” released in January 2025, it was selected as the ending theme for the anime Kaiju No.
8.
The song expresses a strong resolve to overcome any hardship for someone facing loneliness or anxiety, resonating deeply with listeners.
Showcasing the full prowess of this accomplished singer who debuted in 2004 at the age of 13, this track is perfect for times when you need a companion for your heart or want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special.
After HoursKehlani
Kehlani, known for soulful vocals and emotional storytelling.
Released in April 2024, this track sets the mood for a fun date night.
Layering a passionate performance over a lively, electric instrumental that samples a famous Jamaican song, it’s been thrilling listeners as a 2024 summer anthem.
This catchy, feel-good R&B tune is perfect for a summer night drive or special moments with someone you love.