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

Move on up a Little HigherMahalia Jackson29rank/position

Move On Up A Little Higher | Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, known as a legend among gospel singers.

As an artist, she was once invited by Louis Armstrong to become a jazz singer, but she remained devoted to gospel to the very end—a true, pure gospel singer.

She was also actively involved in the civil rights movement and, together with Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr., made major contributions to ending racial discrimination.

Her masterpiece “Move On Up a Little Higher” is known as her signature song and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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Call Out My NameThe Weeknd30rank/position

The Weeknd – Call Out My Name (Official Video)

This is a song whose beautiful melody, filled with deep sorrow and poignancy, resonates with the heart.

Released in March 2018 and peaking at No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is known as one of The Weeknd’s signature tracks.

The lyrics delicately capture the pain of heartbreak, and the unique high-tone vocals weave an emotionally rich world that many listeners relate to.

Coupled with its minimal production, it becomes a striking piece that leaves a deep impression on those who hear it.

It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who wants to quietly immerse themselves in music on a calm night.

Long As I LiveToni Braxton31rank/position

Toni Braxton – Long As I Live

Toni Braxton, who has had a remarkably long career in the R&B scene.

This is the song with which she returned to the Billboard charts, after having devoted herself to R&B since the ’80s.

With her compelling vocal power, she sounds not only unchanged from those days but even more captivating with the richness that comes with age.

And hats off to her for stepping onto the same stage as the younger generation, singing while dancing at the forefront.

LuvTory Lanez32rank/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.

Club TropicanaWham!33rank/position

Wham! – Club Tropicana (Official Video)

This is a track bursting with the breezy freedom of a tropical resort, woven from lively Latin jazz rhythms and post-disco sounds.

Released in July 1983 by the British pop duo Wham!, the song paints an ideal holiday scene unfolding poolside while satirically portraying escapism from society under the Thatcher government.

Included on their debut album Fantastic, it spent 11 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 4.

The music video, filmed on the Spanish island of Ibiza, vividly captured the youth culture of the time, enhanced by its liberating atmosphere.

It’s a perfect pick for summer drives and vacation soundtracks, as well as a refreshing mood booster at work or parties.

Can’t Take My Eyes Off YouBoys Town Gang34rank/position

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You

Released in 1982, this popular ’80s disco number was covered in Japan under the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru.” The original, a solo single by Frankie Valli, was rearranged as a disco track and became a massive hit.

Its disco-driven vocals capture the thrill of a romance about to begin and really lift the mood.

It’s a beloved song that has been covered by many artists in Japan.

Kung Fu FightingCarl Douglas35rank/position

Kung Fu Fighting

A cheerful disco number composed by the Indian-born producer Biddu.

At the time, Biddu had prepared a song called “I Want to Give You My Everything” for Carl Douglas to sing.

He then asked Douglas if he had any lyrics that could be used for the B-side of “I Want to Give You My Everything.” Douglas showed him several of his own lyrics, and this song was the one chosen from among them.

It was made half as a joke but ended up becoming a huge hit.