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[2026] Start with this song! A collection of practice tracks for R&B beginners

When you listen to R&B, its groove and beautiful melodies make you want to sing along, right? Still, many people might be wondering, “Which song should I start practicing with?” In this article, we’ve gathered a wide range of recommended songs—both Western and Japanese—that are perfect for practice, focusing on modern R&B classics from the 1990s onward.

From tracks with simple, singable melodies to ones that let you step up gradually, you’re sure to find the perfect song for you.

Of course, singing R&B generally demands strong vocal skills, but we’ve also included more pop-leaning songs, so feel free to use this as a guide.

[2026] Start with this track! A collection of practice songs for R&B beginners (31–40)

Payphone ft. Wiz KhalifaMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Payphone ft. Wiz Khalifa (Explicit) (Official Music Video)
Payphone ft. Wiz KhalifaMaroon 5

This song was a huge hit in Japan as well, and Maroon 5’s popularity shot up all at once.

It’s interesting how the track feels so fresh even though the music video is about a bank robbery.

With Wiz Khalifa featured, the melody line has a very sparkling quality.

To fall in love againMs. OOJA

Ms.OOJA — From the album “COLOR”: “~To Fall in Love Again~”
To fall in love againMs. OOJA

The husky singing voice goes very well with the ballad-style melody.

Japanese R&B and overseas R&B feel like completely different things, but each has its own distinct appeal.

The love song, sung poignantly to a slow tempo, really touches the heart.

Waka WakaShakira

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)
Waka WakaShakira

I think it’s a very famous piece of music because it was also used as a World Cup theme song.

They’ve been active since the ’90s and are one of the singers loved by people of a wide range of ages.

They work across various genres, from country-style tunes to upbeat, cool tracks.

What You WantJUJU

JUJU 『What You Want』Music Video
What You WantJUJU

For those who are complete beginners to R&B, I think it’s good to start with Japanese songs.

This track by JUJU, who is very popular in Japan, is uptempo and really easy to groove to.

Since the lyrics are in Japanese, it’s recommended for people who want to ease into it slowly.

Super BassNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj – Super Bass (Official Video)
Super BassNicki Minaj

Is there anyone who doesn’t know her? The world-famous Nicki Minaj works across genres like R&B and hip-hop.

Many of her songs have upbeat rhythms that get everyone moving, so even beginners will find them very approachable.

[2026] Start with this song! A collection of practice tracks for R&B beginners (41–50)

Unfair WorldSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Unfair World
Unfair WorldSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

They’re an artist that pretty much everyone knows by now.

All the members are very good-looking, and they have many songs with cool melodic lines, making them popular with men and women across a wide range of ages.

Their recent tracks incorporate R&B and EDM elements, so their future activities are definitely something to watch.

Problem ft. Iggy AzaleaAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea
Problem ft. Iggy AzaleaAriana Grande

They’ve been active since 2008, and the release of this song suddenly boosted their recognition in Japan.

Now they’re a very popular artist, especially among young people.

The melody is a girl-killer with themes of sexy and cute.

In conclusion

By immersing yourself in classic R&B songs, you’ll naturally absorb a comfortable groove and deep emotional expression.

If you keep practicing while repeatedly listening to recommended tracks, the genre’s distinctive rhythms and phrasing will start to feel natural in your body.

It won’t happen overnight, so listen over and over and sing along repeatedly to make your favorite singer’s vocal techniques your own!