The Latest: A Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music (2026)

Touch Me Like A GangsterJessie Murph

Jessie Murph – Touch Me Like a Gangster (Official Visualizer)

American singer-songwriter Jessie Murph.

Known for her genre-blending sound that fuses country, pop, and hip-hop, the single she released in June 2025 is a lead track from her second album, “Sex Hysteria,” which dropped in July of the same year.

This R&B-leaning song spotlights Jessie’s signature raspy high-register vocals and tension-building strings, delivering a candid anthem of women’s sexual autonomy and liberation.

Its debut at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show in May 2025 also generated major buzz.

It’s a must-hear for listeners who want to experience her evolution from an introspective debut to a bolder form of self-expression.

Give It to YouMya

Mya – Give It to You (Official Lyric Video)

Hailing from Washington, D.C., Mya is a multitalented singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress who has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.

In 2002, she won a Grammy for “Lady Marmalade.” The track she released ahead of her tenth studio album is a summer anthem steeped in the vibe of ’80s funk.

She herself has said she crafted it as a perfect fit for outdoor summer moments, and its feel-good groove evokes roller skating and block parties.

Released in June 2025 on her own label, this song is guaranteed to lift your spirits at summer drives or barbecues, and it’s highly recommended for anyone craving a funky sound.

Really Wanna Be With YouDurand Jones & The Indications

Durand Jones & The Indications – Really Wanna Be With You

The American band Durand Jones & The Indications, who carry the spirit of vintage soul into the present, have crafted a bittersweet number about trying to overcome heartache through dance.

It’s a track from their fourth album, Flowers, released in June 2025.

Rather than lamenting the unshakable feelings for someone they “truly want to be with,” they elevate them on an elegant groove instead of turning them into sorrow—pure, mature adult emotion.

On a night when you want to sit quietly with your thoughts, let this smooth sound wash over you—it just might gently keep you company in your sentimental mood.

Stare at MeJANE HANDCOCK, Anderson .Paak

JANE HANDCOCK, Anderson .Paak – Stare at Me (Official Music Video)

This is a gem of a track pairing Jane Handcock, a standout on the West Coast soul scene, with the ingenious, multi–Grammy-winning Anderson .Paak.

The song captures the very spark of a sweet and thrilling romance igniting the moment their eyes meet.

As she sings, “It’s like your gaze put a spell on me,” his playful reply—“We should get married someday”—adds irresistible charm to their flirtatious back-and-forth.

It’s a lead single from the album It’s Me, Not You, set for release in July 2025, and the perfect listen for sinking into a slightly grown-up mood on a summer evening at a rooftop bar.

Oh WellRich Brian

Oh Well

A deeply introspective number crafted by Indonesia-born Rich Brian.

The piece seems to portray a bittersweet acceptance and quiet resolve—like murmuring “well, it is what it is” in the face of an unchangeable reality.

Marking a sharp turn from his early comedic persona, its melancholic, Alternative R&B-leaning sound highlights his remarkable growth.

Released in June 2025, the track is a lead single from the album “Where Is My Head?” and also drew attention for being performed before roughly 40,000 people at an LA festival.

It’s the kind of song that, on a night when nothing goes your way, gently loosens the tension in your chest.

Need MeSevana

Sevana – Need Me

A heartwarming love song has been born, beautifully blending Jamaica’s traditional music with modern R&B.

Taking a new step as an independent artist, Jamaican singer Sevana delivers an April 2025 track that builds on reggae and R&B while weaving in elements of jazz and soul for a sophisticated sound.

Her smooth, emotionally rich vocals gently sing of honesty and devotion in love.

Released by GoodHz Music, the song is produced by Tessellated, with co-production and mixing by Joe Davis.

Serving as a signature work for Sevana—who appeared as Judy Mowatt in the biopic Bob Marley: One Love—it’s a deeply moving track that leaves a lasting impression.

Undo (Back To My Heart)Tinashe, Wax Motif

Tinashe, Wax Motif – Undo (Back To My Heart)

Tinashe, who hails from the United States, is an artist of many talents—singer, songwriter, dancer, and producer.

Her collaborative work with Australian artist Wax Motif seamlessly fuses electronic tones with R&B elements.

Released from the album “333,” this track is a moving piece that captures lingering feelings for a finished relationship and a desire to rebuild it.

Dropped in August 2021, it resonates with the emotions of a protagonist who sets aside pride and faces their true feelings.

Its upbeat, dance floor–ready rhythm and emotionally rich melodies create a captivating atmosphere that lingers.

Highly recommended for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or is struggling with a complicated relationship.