Western R&B Popularity Ranking [2025]

Bring It On Home to MeSam Cooke29rank/position

Sam Cooke – Bring It On Home to Me (Official Audio)

In the history of soul music, sadly, legendary singers who passed away young are not few, and Sam Cooke, the subject of this article, is one of them.

Having met a tragic end at the age of just 33, Cooke possessed striking good looks, a natural singing voice, and a distinctive vocal style, with which he produced many hit songs from the late 1950s to the early 1960s.

More than just a musician, he was highly conscious of racial issues: he founded a music publishing company and a record label to manage the rights to his own works and to protect the rights of Black musicians, and he was actively involved in the civil rights movement.

The influence Cooke exerted on later artists thus extended far beyond musical style.

One notable example is his 1962 release and hit “Bring It On Home to Me,” which was covered just three years later by the British rock band The Animals and, in the same year, by fellow Britons The Zombies—evidence that the song was embraced by white groups from the start.

Since then, countless artists and bands have covered it, and it has become a famous standard number that continues to be loved across generations.

Cooke himself wrote both the lyrics and the music, and the song’s beautifully wistful melody has never lost its luster—once again highlighting Cooke’s outstanding talents as a songwriter.

Kung Fu FightingCarl Douglas30rank/position

Kung Fu Fighting

A cheerful disco number composed by the Indian-born producer Biddu.

At the time, Biddu had prepared a song called “I Want to Give You My Everything” for Carl Douglas to sing.

He then asked Douglas if he had any lyrics that could be used for the B-side of “I Want to Give You My Everything.

” Douglas showed him several of his own lyrics, and this song was the one chosen from among them.

It was made half as a joke but ended up becoming a huge hit.

Take on Mea-ha31rank/position

Take on Me (Video Version) (2015 Remaster)

From an intro that wildly chops a tight 8-beat, this track flows into that melody you’ve probably heard before.

While the synth melody in the intro is famous, it’s also a solidly danceable disco song whose beautiful vocals are a major draw.

The sweet, beautiful singing voice matches intriguingly well with the driving, high-velocity beat, making it a very compelling listen.

Move on up a Little HigherMahalia Jackson32rank/position

Move On Up A Little Higher | Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, known as a legend among gospel singers.

As an artist, she was once invited by Louis Armstrong to become a jazz singer, but she remained devoted to gospel to the very end—a true, pure gospel singer.

She was also actively involved in the civil rights movement and, together with Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

, made major contributions to ending racial discrimination.

Her masterpiece “Move On Up a Little Higher” is known as her signature song and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Can’t Stop the MusicVillage People33rank/position

Village People – Can’t Stop The Music – 20-7-1980 • TopPop

From the late 1970s to the 1980s, the Village People enjoyed worldwide popularity with their catchy disco music.

They released many classic songs everyone knows, such as Y.

M.

C.

A.

, covered by Hideki Saijo, and Go West, covered by the Pet Shop Boys.

The song introduced here is the theme for the 1980 musical film Can’t Stop the Music, which centers on the Village People.

Although the film received dismal reviews, many people may be reminded of those days when they hear this track.

The catchy melody that repeats the title is great, isn’t it?

Can’t Take My Eyes Off YouBoys Town Gang34rank/position

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You

Released in 1982, this popular ’80s disco number was covered in Japan under the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru.” The original, a solo single by Frankie Valli, was rearranged as a disco track and became a massive hit.

Its disco-driven vocals capture the thrill of a romance about to begin and really lift the mood.

It’s a beloved song that has been covered by many artists in Japan.

Call Out My NameThe Weeknd35rank/position

The Weeknd – Call Out My Name (Official Video)

This is a song whose beautiful melody, filled with deep sorrow and poignancy, resonates with the heart.

Released in March 2018 and peaking at No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is known as one of The Weeknd’s signature tracks.

The lyrics delicately capture the pain of heartbreak, and the unique high-tone vocals weave an emotionally rich world that many listeners relate to.

Coupled with its minimal production, it becomes a striking piece that leaves a deep impression on those who hear it.

It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who wants to quietly immerse themselves in music on a calm night.