Western R&B Popularity Ranking [2025]

Smokin Out The WindowBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic78rank/position

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Smokin Out The Window [Official Music Video]

The unit Silk Sonic, consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson .

Paak, is known for its sound rooted in 1970s neo-soul and funk music, and they helped ignite today’s revival boom.

Among their works, the track I especially recommend for summer is “Smokin Out The Window.” Inspired by late-1970s neo-soul, this song boasts by far the smoothest melody in their catalog.

It’s a curious number that captures the warmth of summer while also making you feel refreshingly cool.

I’ll Make Love To YouBoyz II Men79rank/position

Boyz II Men – I’ll Make Love To You (Official Music Video)

A music genre with strong choral elements—vocal harmony.

The group that brought many classic songs incorporating this style into R&B is the four-member Boyz II Men.

One of their best-known tracks is “I’ll Make Love to You.” The song centers on a romantic night with a loved one, and its lyrics and gentle vocals complement each other perfectly.

When you listen, be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as well.

Could’ve Been ft. Bryson TillerHer80rank/position

H.E.R. – Could’ve Been (Official Video) ft. Bryson Tiller

An exquisite R&B track exuding a mysterious mood, released in November 2018.

Sung by H.

E.

R.

, a singer-songwriter drawing attention from many quarters with her enigmatic vocals, and Bryson Tiller, the young, much-anticipated rapper who made waves with his debut single “Don’t,” this song is a love track that feels strikingly real.

It plays like a breakup song unfolding between the two of them.

TripElla Mai81rank/position

Ella Mai – Trip

As a rising star in R&B, Ella Mai’s songs brilliantly capture the complexities of love.

Set to gentle, piano-driven melodies, her emotive voice resonates throughout.

This work skillfully portrays a heart swaying between self-restraint and surging feelings, deeply touching listeners.

Released in August 2018, the track reached No.

11 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you’re struggling with a cherished relationship or quietly facing yourself alone.

Ella Mai’s soulful vocals are sure to capture your heart.

Broken ClocksSZA82rank/position

SZA – Broken Clocks (Official Audio)

This is the song “Broken Clocks” by neo-soul singer SZA, included on her 2017 album Ctrl.

The album was nominated for Record of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards.

The dreamy arrangement—like the use of a voice changer—is stylish and really nice! SZA’s cute vocals sound especially heartrending on this track, and it’s just perfect!

You Don’t Know My NameAlicia Keys83rank/position

Alicia Keys – You Don’t Know My Name (Official HD Video)

Alicia Keys is an R&B singer who has remained at the forefront from the early 2000s to the present.

It may come as a surprise to those who only know her current work, but for several years after her debut she energized the U.

S.

scene as a classic R&B singer.

“You Don’t Know My Name” is known as one of her signature songs, and it gained popularity with a melody that evokes the new soul of artists like Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye.

My Love (feat. T.I.)Justin Timberlake84rank/position

Justin Timberlake – Medley: Let Me Talk To You/My Love (Official Video) ft. T.I.

“My Love (feat.

T.

I.

)” features distinctive percussion reminiscent of early African music that makes a strong impression.

Partway through, the song’s tone shifts dramatically into a smooth, R&B-style melody.

T.

I.

’s characteristically cool rap also stands out, making this a classic R&B track.