Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson99rank/position

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Speaking of songs that loudly proclaim the revival of 80s disco and funk and became massive hits in the 2010s, it has to be 2014’s “Uptown Funk.” It’s the smash collaboration between music producer Mark Ronson—who has worked on countless albums by major artists since the 2000s and is also active as a solo artist—and hugely popular singer-songwriter Bruno Mars.

The track was a colossal hit worldwide, and in Japan it was even used in commercials, so even those who don’t often listen to Western music have likely heard it at least once.

Its flawless pop sensibility and funkiness need no explanation, and its timeless appeal—so compelling that Akiko Wada, known as the queen of Japanese R&B with a career spanning over 50 years, chose to cover it—transcends eras.

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Work ft. DrakeRihanna100rank/position

Rihanna – Work (Explicit) ft. Drake

A captivating track that blends sensual dancehall and R&B.

It puts Caribbean culture front and center, weaving Barbadian and Jamaican Creole throughout as it explores themes of complex relationships and a longing for intimacy.

Rihanna’s soft vocals and Drake’s rap create a perfect harmony and a refined atmosphere.

Released in January 2016, it spent nine consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It’s a slightly grown-up song that adult women will want to play on a nighttime drive.