[2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
R&B, which has its roots in soul and gospel, has continued to evolve over time.
In the 1990s, it entered a new golden era through fusion with New Jack Swing and hip-hop, and since then a wide array of sounds has continued to emerge.
Sweet, heartrending melodies, groove-rich beats, vocals that resonate with the soul—this genre has an irresistible charm that’s hard to escape once you’re hooked.
In this article, we introduce essential R&B albums, focusing mainly on works from the 1990s onward while also considering their influence on later scenes.
From classic masterpieces to key releases in the genre known as alternative R&B that emerged in the 2010s and beyond, we’ve selected titles you’ll want to experience on vinyl as well.
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[2026] Must-hear R&B masterpieces: From classic staples to recent favorites (51–60)
Freak Like MeAdina Howard
An R&B song released as a single in 1995 from Michigan singer Adina Howard’s debut album, “Do You Wanna Ride?”.
It samples the hook and riff from Kool & the Gang’s 1974 hit “Summer Madness.”
No One ElseTotal
This is a collaboration song with Sean “Puffy” Combs, the owner of Bad Boy Records.
Featuring female rapper Da Brat on the rap, the track boldly samples “South Bronx” from Boogie Down Productions’ album Criminal Minded, and it stunned the club scene at the time.
PrivacyChris Brown
A single released in 2017 by Chris Brown, an American R&B singer-songwriter and dancer.
The first line of the chorus was inspired by Jamaican singer Red Rat’s 1997 reggae song “Tight Up Skirt.”
Selfish ft. RihannaFUTURE
This song was released as a digital download in 2017 from the album Hndrxx by Future, an American rapper and singer-songwriter.
Featuring vocals by Rihanna, it incorporates elements of R&B and pop music.
[2026] Classic R&B Albums You Should Hear at Least Once: From Staple Works to Recent Favorites (61–70)
UmbrellaRihanna
It was released as the lead single from her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad.
The song was originally written for Britney Spears, but after her label rejected it, Rihanna ended up recording it.
It went on to win two awards at the MTV Music Awards.
All That I Can SayMary J Blige
It’s the lead single from her fourth studio album, “Mary,” by the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.
The song was composed by Lauryn Hill of the Fugees, who were at the height of their popularity at the time.
There’s also a must-hear cover by jazz vocalist Gretchen Parlato that has a sophisticated, grown-up vibe.
You’re Makin’ Me HIghToni Braxton
A song released in 1996 as a double A-side single along with “Let It Flow.” It reached No.
1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and won a Grammy Award in 1997.
The music video features appearances by actress Tisha Campbell-Martin, among others.