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 Masterpieces: From the Latest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026] (121–130)

Earned ItThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Earned It (from Fifty Shades Of Grey) (Official Lyric Video)

Earned ItThe Weeknd

A track released in 2015 by The Weeknd.

It was used in the film Fifty Shades of Grey.

It features a sound based on acoustic instruments.

The music video was directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and filmed at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles.

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What’s Best For YouTrey Songz

Trey Songz – What’s Best For You [Official Music Video]

What's Best For YouTrey Songz

Trey Songz is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor who has been active since 2003.

This track was released in 2014 and is included on the deluxe edition of his sixth album, Trigga, which reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

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SHAMETyrese

Shame_Tyrese ft Jennifer Hudson ( official video)

SHAMETyrese

A track released for digital download in 2015 by American singer Tyrese.

The background vocals are provided by Jennifer Hudson.

The track reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Adult R&B Songs chart.

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I wanna dance with somebodyWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Official 4K Video)

I wanna dance with somebodyWhitney Houston

One of Whitney’s renowned hits, known as an American soul singer.

Included on the album “Whitney,” this song was released in 1987.

It’s a track that highlights the vocal prowess she developed from singing gospel since childhood.

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I can’t say good bye to youHelen Reddy

Helen Reddy : I Can’t Say Goodbye To You

I can't say good bye to youHelen Reddy

Helen Reddy is a singer from Australia and is also known as an actress and activist.

She has been active since the 1970s, and this song is included on the album “Play Me Out,” released in 1981.

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