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

My BadKhalid15rank/position

Khalid – My Bad (Official Audio)

Released in 2019 by Khalid, who began gaining attention after posting his songs on SoundCloud, this track is an R&B song with a predominantly acoustic feel, resulting in a simple composition.

The lyrics come across like a casual apology song, but his voice and the chorus elevate it into something wonderful.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Le FreakChic16rank/position

CHIC – Le Freak (Official Music Video)

Here arrives a masterpiece that stands as a monument of disco music.

Distinguished by its sophisticated groove and catchy melody, this work—released in September 1978—is a tour de force.

Its cool guitar riffs and funky basslines intertwine exquisitely, stirring an irresistible urge to dance in anyone who listens.

The lyrics carry a message of “let’s be free and have fun,” fully capturing the liberating spirit of the disco era.

With over 7,000,000 copies sold and charts conquered around the world, it continues to shine with undiminished appeal.

It’s the perfect track for a weekend party or whenever you want to lift your spirits.

I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor17rank/position

Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive

This is the signature song of American singer Gloria Gaynor, whose powerful recovery from heartbreak resonated with many.

Released as a single from the 1978 album “Love Tracks,” the track was initially a B-side, but thanks to strong support from DJs it was flipped to the A-side and went on to reach No.

1 on the U.S.

charts in 1979.

It is also well known for being used as a rallying song for the French national team during the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

The fact that Gaynor herself performed it while overcoming difficulties following surgery lends profound conviction to her voice, imbued with an indomitable spirit.

It’s a timeless anthem of encouragement that powerfully pushes listeners forward.

We Belong TogetherMariah Carey18rank/position

Mariah Carey – We Belong Together (Official Music Video)

This is a masterpiece that expresses the yearning to win back a lost love with overwhelming vocal prowess.

Known as one of Mariah Carey’s signature songs, it was released as a single in March 2005.

Included on the album “The Emancipation of Mimi,” it achieved great success, spending 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song portrays a woman who regrets breaking up with her lover and longs to be together again.

Its lyrics, filled with deep sorrow and aching tenderness, and Mariah’s emotionally rich vocals resonate powerfully with listeners.

It’s a recommended track when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

Ai No CorridaQuincy Jones19rank/position

Ai No Corrida

With its passionate horn section and buoyant beat, this danceable track instantly transforms the atmosphere into something dazzling.

True to its theme of “The Love Bullfight,” said to be inspired by Japanese cinema, it paints the push-and-pull of romance and blazing adventures with a sophisticated sound.

The mastermind is the legendary American producer Quincy Jones.

Featured on the acclaimed 1981 album The Dude, released in March of that year, the piece earned high praise, including a Grammy Award.

A truly lavish number that brings together star musicians like Herbie Hancock! Put it on at a party or event, and it’s sure to get everyone moving across generations.

It might also be perfect for a night with a slightly grown-up vibe.

My GirlThe Temptations20rank/position

My Girl

The Temptations are a soul chorus group from the United States that was active in the 1960s.

They skyrocketed in popularity with My Girl, released in 1964.

Even if you don’t usually listen to soul music, you’ve probably heard it—it’s that big of a worldwide hit.

The year after its release, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was used as the theme song for the 1991 film of the same name.

With its easy-to-listen-to melody, it’s recommended even for those who don’t typically listen to Black music.

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Ryo

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LuvTory Lanez21rank/position

Tory Lanez – LUV

Tory Lanez, hailing from Canada, is a talented artist who moves fluidly between R&B and hip-hop.

He made his major debut in 2016 with his flagship album “I Told You,” achieving the remarkable feat of landing a track from the album at No.

19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

His prowess also earned him a Grammy nomination in 2017, and in the same year he won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

He coined his own style “Swavey,” blending genre-defying musicality with masterful use of Auto-Tune, weaving together a velvety singing voice and powerful rap.

In 2014, he founded his own label, One Umbrella, and has been active as a music producer as well.

He’s highly recommended for music fans exploring crossover sounds between R&B and hip-hop.