Classic R&B songs perfect for summer: recommended popular tracks

On SightCoco Jones

Coco Jones – On Sight

Coco Jones, the powerhouse who won Best R&B Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

This is a perfect summer-night track from her debut album “Why Not More?”, released in April 2025.

Her strong, emotionally rich vocals riding over a sophisticated sound will capture your heart the moment you hear them.

It’s said to portray that passionate moment when you’re instantly drawn to someone and become certain of your feelings.

A music video was also produced, showcasing her expressive artistry.

Play it on a summer evening when you want to sink into a slightly grown-up mood, and it’s sure to heighten the romance.

On a night when your feelings for someone special are deepening, why not listen to this song and face your emotions?

Burning BlueMariah the Scientist

Mariah the Scientist – Burning Blue (Official Music Video)

Mariah the Scientist is an American singer with an unusual background—she majored in biology in college.

Released in May 2025, this work follows her album “To Be Eaten Alive” and made major waves by reaching No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

The imagery of a heart sealed in cold ice gradually melting in the heat of passionate love is deftly depicted through a contrast of fire and ice.

Her delicate yet powerful vocals, paired with a retro sound, sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

It’s the perfect listen on a summer evening when you want to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood—you’ll surely resonate with its bittersweet and beautiful world.

Take You DownSZA

SZA – Take You Down (Lyric Video)

It’s a track with a laid-back beat and a mysterious vibe—perfect for a summer night.

It’s included on Lana, the reissue of American R&B artist SZA’s acclaimed album SOS.

SZA is known for her emotionally rich lyrics, and this song feels like it portrays intimate, sensual moments with someone special.

Her whispery vocals over restrained production make it feel like you’re sharing a secret between two people.

Originally left off the album, it was released just before her performance at the Super Bowl in February 2025, surprising fans.

Why not give it a listen on a summer evening, when the breeze has cooled a bit and you’re ready to relax?

To Summer, From ColeSummer Walker

To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug [Lyric Video]

It’s a heartwarming track woven by American R&B singer Summer Walker and J.

Cole.

In this piece, J.

Cole offers a message that feels like a “hug in sound,” gently affirming her journey both as a mother and as a woman.

His spoken, letter-like rap blends seamlessly with Summer Walker’s soft vocals, wrapping the listener in warmth.

The song is included on the EP “Clear 2: Soft Life,” released in May 2023.

It’s said that the track moved her to tears, a testament to the deep affection poured into it.

With its refreshingly summery sound and warm lyrics, it’s the kind of song that, at the end of a long day, will make you feel gently encouraged.

On My MamaVictoria Monét

On My Mama

A message of powerful self-affirmation that stirs your heart without you even realizing it! This is a track by singer-songwriter Victoria Monét from California.

Written “as if speaking words to herself” during the challenging postpartum period, the song overflows with positive energy that boosts listeners’ self-esteem.

Its memorable hook—sampling a 2009 track—and triumphant horns feel great and seem like they could blow away the languor of summer.

Released in June 2023 and included on the acclaimed album Jaguar II, the song became her first top-40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Why not charge up your energy by listening on a summer drive or on a morning when you want to lift your mood?

SLOW DANCING IN THE DARKJoji

Joji – SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK

The song is SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK by Joji.

Joji is a musician from Osaka who is based in the United States.

Before officially starting his music career as Joji, he had an interesting background as a comedian and YouTuber known as Filthy Frank.

After beginning his activities as Joji, he released his debut album BALLADS 1, which includes this song.

Amazingly, the album debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard R&B chart in the U.

S.

, making him the first Asian artist to achieve this feat! Isn’t that awesome? He’s my number one artist I want to keep rooting for!

Really Into YouAround the way

Really into You

Based in the United States, Around the Way was a music unit that drew attention for a sound rooted in R&B and hip-hop while skillfully incorporating the flavor of New Jack Swing.

The members, including the central figure K-L, came from a freestyle music background.

Their signature track, true to its title, bursts with straightforward romantic emotion that instantly grabs the listener.

The breezy call-and-response between male and female vocals creates a sense of excitement like the start of summer, and the danceable rhythm and catchy melody make you want to move.

Released as a 12-inch single in 1992, the song was later included on their only album, Smooth Is The Way, released in 1993.

It peaked at No.

89 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Perfect as background music for summer drives and parties, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel that ’90s groove.