Lovely R&B and soul

Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.

The history of R&B—rhythm and blues—goes way back, and the term itself is said to have existed since the 1940s.

That said, the image most people have of R&B as a music genre today was largely established from the 1990s onward, shaped through the lens of club music.

In this article, the first half features a lineup focused on the latest hits and standout tracks by rising artists, while the latter half is packed with classic songs from the 1990s, often called the golden age of R&B.

It offers a broad selection that also looks at subgenres like contemporary R&B, neo-soul, and alternative R&B, so we encourage newcomers to R&B to check it out as well.

Western R&B Classics — From the Latest Hits to All-Time Blockbusters [2026] (111–120)

DoubtMary J Blige

Mary J. Blige – Doubt (Official)

DoubtMary J Blige

Mary J.

Blige is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer who has been active since 1990.

She is also known for her work as a model and actress.

This track was released as a digital download in 2015.

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CoffeeMiguel

Miguel – Coffee (Official Video)

CoffeeMiguel

A track by American singer-songwriter Miguel, released as a digital download in 2015.

It became a hit in the United States, Australia, and various European countries.

The music video features Miguel’s girlfriend, model Nazanin Mandi.

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ReligiousNe-Yo

NE-YO – ‘Religious’

ReligiousNe-Yo

Ne-Yo is an American singer-songwriter and producer who has been active since 1998.

He is also known for his work as a dancer and actor.

This track, included on the album Non-Fiction, was released in 2015 and became a hit in countries around the world.

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Forget what I saidNoor Noor

Noora Noor – Forget what I said

Forget what I saidNoor Noor

Released in 2009, this song is included on the album “Soul Deep.” Her voice, hailing from Dubai, has a distinctive charm.

Her debut album, titled “Curious,” was released in 1999.

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Backyard PartyR. Kelly

R Kelly- BackYard Party Official Video

Backyard PartyR. Kelly

A track by American R&B singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner R.

Kelly.

It was released as a digital download in 2015 and reached No.

6 on the U.S.

charts.

It was first performed at the 2015 Soul Train Awards.

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