Classic R&B songs perfect for summer: recommended popular tracks
In Japan, when summer arrives, up-tempo songs that evoke the season start appearing on the scene.
While you can see a similar trend overseas, when it comes to R&B, even if the lyrics evoke summer, the melodies don’t necessarily follow that pattern.
This time, I’ve picked out overseas R&B tracks from the perspective of “suiting summer”! I’ve selected refreshing R&B songs—perfect for summer evenings or relaxation time—across different eras, so whether you’re a fan of Western music or not, be sure to check them out!
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Classic R&B songs to listen to in summer: Top 10 recommendations
No ChillPARTYNEXTDOOR
Are you familiar with PartyNextDoor, the artist from Canada? He’s known for a style that fuses R&B with dancehall and hip-hop.
This track, included on his album PartyNextDoor 4 released in April 2024, is perfect for summer nights.
The languid saxophone tones and shadowy melodies intertwine with the heat in the air.
The lyrics portray a passionate game of love that makes it hard to stay cool, evoking a sensual, slightly dangerous mood.
The album featuring this song reached No.
10 on the Billboard 200.
Put it on during a summer dusk drive or while unwinding with a slightly grown-up vibe, and you’ll find a pleasant spark amid the languid heat.
Swalla (feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign)Jason Derulo
Singer-songwriter Jason Derulo has been active since the late 2000s with his dance performances and steady, reliable vocals.
Alongside Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, he’s one of the singers who energized dance R&B, and he still appears high on the charts today.
Among his works, a track that’s especially perfect for summer is “Swalla (feat.
Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign).” It’s an upbeat, summer-ready number that blends R&B with plenty of dancehall reggae elements.
TripElla Mai
When it comes to the most talked-about young R&B singers right now, many people would name Ella Mai.
A leading figure in the UK R&B scene, she’s known for R&B rooted in slow jams, with a cool, breezy vibe running through all her songs.
Among her catalog, the track I especially recommend for summer is Trip.
It’s a slow jam, but the hook has a rhythmic, subtly cute feel.
Perfect for a drive with friends or a romantic outing!
Classic R&B songs perfect for summer: Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
Leave the Door OpenBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
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.
Summer Too HotChris Brown
Chris Brown is an R&B singer-songwriter who has been at the forefront of the scene ever since his rise in the 2000s.
He’s not only exceptional at delivering catchy, commercially appealing hits, but also highly acclaimed when he dives into making music that feels true to himself.
Summer Too Hot falls into the latter category: a very unconventional R&B track crafted around a summer theme.
In the 2000s, UK breakstep helped spark a movement of blending various genres, and this song embodies that same spirit with a strikingly genreless sound that recalls the energy of that era.
Spanish JointD’Angelo
D’Angelo is an artist who crafted the high-style genre known as neo-soul—an R&B foundation mixed with elements of funk, jazz, and hip-hop.
His refined musicality is truly one-of-a-kind and is highly acclaimed among music aficionados.
Among his works, a track I especially recommend for summer is “Spanish Joint.” As the title suggests, it carries a distinctly Latin flavor—particularly Latin jazz—delivering a stylish, up-tempo number.
Fire We MakeAlicia Keys, Maxwell
The classic “Fire We Make” by Alicia Keys and Maxwell.
Both artists have long been active as R&B singers, but on this track they fully showcase neo-soul, a genre closely related to R&B.
It’s crafted with a very sultry structure, starting off quietly and building toward the end as the guitar intensifies.
It’s a sexy song that’s perfect for getting cozy with your partner on a hot summer night.
Be sure to check it out.