Best R&B Songs of All Time & Playlist
Looking for some Classic R&B jams? Maybe some throw back R&B or some slow sad melodic stuff? Look no further, we’re coming in hot with a full playlist of top tier R&B sing along songs. Shoutout to life long BBC fans MAKearns & Seany-Mac for putting together a 20+ hour playlist of rhythmy blues.
Now on to some R&B rankings. Disclaimer – we are in no way qualified to talk about music (other than Tool), and it was honestly too hard to just make one list so instead we broke it down into categories.
Best Old School R&B Songs
Old school is a bit relative here but I’m going anything pre-1980 to fit into this category. These are basically just the best old school wedding songs.
5. My Girl – The Temptations
Every time I hear this song, I think of the movie My Girl and how dark it was for a kids movie. Was scared of bees forever after that. Anyway this song is a jam.
4. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Featured this one in our Top 10 Movie Memorable Movie Song Scenes blog, great old school song.
3. The Supremes – You Can’t Hurry Love
Pretty sure I heard the Phil Collins version first (for shame). Give me the OG version, all day every day.
2. Stand by Me – Ben E. King
This 60 year old song has a casual 529 million views on YouTube with no actual video, pretty impressive, but also not surprising.
1. I Can’t Help Myself – The Four Tops
Best old school R&B song and a top 5 wedding song.
Best Female R&B Songs
Plenty of good female R&B songs in the other categories as well, just wanted to give a shoutout to a few of these classics.
5. Zendaya – Replay
Would love to see her get back to singing – seems like a movie role where she has to sing would be great as well…
4. Mary J. Blige – Family Affair
Every time I hear this I do think of this scene. And that is also exactly how I dance to it.
3. Are You That Somebody – Aaliyah
Give me Aaliyah over TLC all day.
2. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
For my money this is Whitney Houston’s best song, yeah that’s right, better than ‘I Want to Dance With Somebody’.
1. Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
I’ll argue to the death that Destiny’s Child > Beyoncé solo career, this song just proves my point.
Best Upbeat R&B Songs
Most of these songs may not actually be considered more pop than R&B, but nevertheless here are the top songs.
5. Umbrella – Rihanna
I didn’t think this song would have so much staying power, but even after 10+ years this song comes on and still hits.
4. R. Kelly – Ignition (Remix)
Just avoid any headlines that include R. Kelly and you’ll be able to appreciate this song. Obligatory Chappelle skit.
3. Return of the Mack – Mark Morrison
The anthem for all of us Irish (Mac, McG, McC) folks out there.
2. Gold Digger – Kayne West & Jamie Foxx
This may be closer to a rap song, but the Ray Charles sample and Jamie Foxx addition makes it seep into the R&B side of things. Old school Kanye was the best.
1. This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
The ultimate start to the weekend song, good vibes for days. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like this song.
Best Slow R&B Songs
There are so many that could go in this category. It was tough narrowing things down, so we just tried to throw some original ones on there.
5. OTW – Khalid, 6LACK, Ty Dolla $ign
Super underrated song that features what I believe to be this generations best R&B singers. Also, appreciate the Boyz II Men vibes here.
4. Let Me Love You – Mario
Typically slow songs are pretty sad and depressing, nice to have a song that’s a bit uplifting.
3. Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back) – Eamon & Mario Winans – I Don’t Wanna Know
Alright now we’re getting into the depressing songs, couldn’t leave either of these off the list. Both of these songs are both about being cheated on but each is choosing to react in the opposite direction.
2. Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake
I never get sick of this song, old JT is up there with the best R&B singers.
1. Wicked Games – The Weekdn
First song I heard from The Weeknd and just knew he was going to be a star. Such a powerful song. The old live versions are so emotional/impressive too, incredible voice.
Best Love Making R&B Songs
This is what you’re all really here for. Now most of these songs run time is about 3x longer then the any love making I’ve done (just me?), but nonetheless here are the top 5 love making songs.
5. Drunk in Love – Beyoncé
I for one would love to turn into this surfboard that she’s speaking about. You want a dirtier take on the song check out The Weeknd’s version or acoustic rendition check out Ed Sheeran’s version.
4. Or Nah – Ty Dolla $ign, The Weeknd, Wiz Khalifa
The good catholic boy in me blushes every time I hear this song. The Weeknd isn’t exactly using double entendres.
3. R. Kelly – Bump N’ Grind & Pretty Ricky – Grind With Me
Both songs about grinding, couldn’t decide between them so they’re both making the list.
2. I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men
My first introduction to R&B came from Boyz II Men, most of the other ones on this list are a bit grimey, but this is a gentleman’s song. All the other songs are about having sex, this is about making love.
1. Ginuwine – Pony
This is objectively the only song that could be number 1, there is literally no other choice.
Here are some miscellaneous ones that we couldn’t find spots for: I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper) – T-Pain, Blame It – Jamie Foxx, Water Runs dry – Boyz II Men, I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy, So Sick/Because of You, Sexy Love – Ne-Yo, Watcha Say – Jason Derulo, Slow Jamz – Kanye West, You Make Me Wanna – Usher, Sweetest Girl – Wyclef Jean, Lost/Pyramids – Frank Ocean, and probably many more.
Was there some clear omissions? Should we not be allowed to talk about R&B music anymore, let us know. Need other ways to kill time at work? Check out our other Blogs or our book club Podcast.
