Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Get Down On ItKool and The Gang43rank/position

Get Down On It (Original 12″ Extended Version)

Kool & the Gang is an American soul and funk band.

They debuted in 1969 and were featured on the soundtrack of the film Saturday Night Fever, gaining fame as a disco-funk band.

Get Down On It is a hit number that reached No.

10 on the pop chart and No.

4 on the Black chart in 1982.

Real LoveMary J Blige44rank/position

Mary J blige – Real Love

Recently, the legendary female R&B singer Mary J.

Blige has been attracting attention once again on the front lines.

She’s an artist you simply can’t overlook when talking about 1990s R&B.

She has created numerous classics, but the track I especially recommend for summer is “Real Love.” It’s not exactly a hot, high-energy number, but it’s incredibly groovy and easy to get into, making it perfect as background music for summer drives or parties.

Let The Music PlayShannon45rank/position

Shannon – Let The Music Play (Official Music Video)

A track whose distinctive synth sound jumps out at you the moment you press play.

It’s irresistibly danceable, and it captures the excitement of electronic music while conveying the sense that synth sound design is limitless.

The vocals feel mature yet approachable, making it an addictive listen.

We Are FamilySISTER SLEDGE46rank/position

Sister Sledge – We Are Family (Official Music Video)

A classic that emerged in 1979, during the golden age of disco music.

Known as Sister Sledge’s signature work, this powerful track was created by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

Its lyrics celebrating family bonds and unity blend perfectly with a catchy melody.

Included on the album “We Are Family,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It has also been strongly embraced by the LGBTQ community and is well known as a song frequently played at gay pride parades.

It’s a surefire choice to instantly lift the mood at gatherings such as weddings and house parties.

BreakoutSwing Out Sister47rank/position

Swing Out Sister – Breakout (Official Music Video)

An iconic song that epitomizes the radiant synth-pop of the ’80s arrives from the British group Swing Out Sister.

Its exhilarating rhythm, brass section, and strings weave a sophisticated sound that brilliantly fuses synth-pop with jazz elements.

Conceived by band member Corinne Drewery while she was hospitalized after a riding accident, the track was released in September 1986 with an uplifting message, achieving a stellar performance of No.

4 in the UK and No.

6 in the US.

Featured on the album “It’s Better to Travel,” it also earned two Grammy nominations.

Breathing new life into disco, this track is perfect for nighttime drives or anytime you want to lift your spirits.

You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)Sylvester48rank/position

Sylvester – You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)

This is a classic by the American singer Sylvester, whose soaring, gospel-rooted falsetto and shimmering synths make your whole heart want to dance.

Bursting with powerful, joyous energy that seems to declare with every fiber, “Being my true self is this wonderful!”, the song gently frees the listener’s spirit.

Released as a single from the album Step II in October 1978, it set a record by topping the U.

S.

dance chart for six consecutive weeks.

It was also used in the TV show Friends.

When you want to let go and have pure fun, listening to this track gives you a mysterious kind of courage—as if it affirms every version of who you are.

I DoToosii, Muni Long49rank/position

Toosii, Muni Long – I Do

This is a gem of a duet that sings a sweet and bittersweet vow of love.

The elegant harmonies woven by U.

S.

artists Tusi and Muni Long blend beautifully with a nostalgic 2000s sound.

Featured on the album “JADED,” the track richly portrays deep affection and devotion to a partner.

Released in October 2024, it drew major attention with airplay on BET Jams and BET Soul and promotions in New York’s Times Square.

The music video, starring Trevor Jackson and Malik Bazille, is also captivating for its romantic yet humorous direction.

It’s a highly recommended song for those who cherish their bond with a loved one or are seeking a heartwarming love ballad.