Western R&B Popularity Ranking [2025]

You Remind meMary J Blige43rank/position

You remind me-Mary J. Blige

Mary J.

Blige’s classic track “You Remind Me.” Released in 1991, this song is an R&B number with a contemporary vibe that gained worldwide popularity.

Though she’s often called “the second coming of Aretha Franklin,” this particular work showcases her smooth, polished vocals.

For fans of straight-ahead R&B—a rarity these days—it’s an irresistible piece.

If you’re just getting into Black music, be sure to give it a listen.

Get Down On ItKool and The Gang44rank/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.

SoftLucky Daye45rank/position

Lucky Daye – Soft (Live Performance Video)

This is a track that modernly reinterprets old-school R&B, highlighted by silky vocals.

The song explores the impact of love on people and the importance of embracing vulnerability.

It encourages listeners to enjoy what society might label as “soft,” without shame.

Released in May 2024, the track is included on the album Algorithm, slated for release in June of the same year.

It’s drawing attention as a song that showcases a new facet of Lucky Daye’s musicality.

Packed with the appeal of a powerhouse artist with 11 Grammy nominations and one win, this is a piece to surrender to—rich with emotion—and perfect for a quiet night spent with someone special.

Leave the Door OpenBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic46rank/position

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open [Official Video]

Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars has been consistently active on the front lines since the 2000s.

Recently, he’s teamed up with Anderson .

Paak as the duo Silk Sonic, churning out hit tunes that evoke 1970s R&B and soul.

Leave the Door Open is one track from Silk Sonic that I especially recommend for summer.

The song portrays a sweet scene of a man waiting for his lover in bed, and with its deeply soulful and energetic sound, it’s a perfect number for hot summer nights.

Un-Break My HeartToni Braxton47rank/position

Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart (Official HD Video)

There are countless heartbreak songs in the world, aren’t there? Among them, when it comes to the most famous and successful, many people probably think of “Un-Break My Heart.” This song is said to be one of the best-selling singles in the world.

It was a huge hit in Japan as well, so I’m sure many people know it.

The greatest charm of the song is Toni Braxton’s powerful vocals.

The way she seems to pour out the pain of heartbreak makes it a perfect listen for an autumn night.

TalkKhalid48rank/position

Khalid – Talk (Official Video)

Khalid, an R&B singer from Georgia, is known for a musical style that blends trendy sounds while retaining the vibe of late ’90s and 2000s R&B.

In “Talk,” the track incorporates contemporary elements, yet the overall progression is crafted in classic R&B fashion.

In today’s R&B scene, which leans increasingly toward dance music, his tradition-conscious style leaves a very strong impression.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out his other works as well.

SnoozeSZA49rank/position

SZA – Snooze (Audio)

This song is by the American artist SZA, who captivates the world with a wide range of expressions grounded in R&B.

Its laid-back groove and dreamy sound are soothing—perfect for a slightly languid summer afternoon.

The song celebrates how irreplaceable time with a loved one is, and expresses a deep affection that doesn’t want to miss a single moment.

You’ll find yourself enchanted by its sweet, immersive atmosphere.

Featured on the acclaimed 2022 album “SOS,” it won Best R&B Song at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Let this melody carry you during a twilight with someone special, or as you unwind at the end of the day.