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

Can’t Let GoAnthony Hamilton43rank/position

Anthony Hamilton – Can’t Let Go (Official HD Video)

Anthony Hamilton is one of the leading singers in the R&B world.

He was even invited by President Obama to perform at the White House.

In 2005, he released the song “Can’t Let Go.” The track features Mark Batson, known as both a singer and a producer.

Thanks to that collaboration, the lyrics, the track, and the vocals all come together to create a flawless piece of work.

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yamamoto

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No More TearsBarbra Streisand & Donna Summer44rank/position

Barbra Streisand / Donna Summer – No More Tears (Enough is Enough) (Extended Version)

This is a song that moves you with its intro piano chord progression and a lyrical style that gently, patiently sings from the very first line.

If you’re a fan of Western music from the ’70s, you might know it: a track by the actress and singer Barbra Streisand.

Or so you think—midway through, it makes a dramatic shift, transforming into a super funky, danceable tune.

It’s a legendary track that had a profound influence on later generations.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Call MeBlondie45rank/position

Blondie – Call me

A classic by Blondie, a female band that epitomizes new wave, with their one-of-a-kind sound and super cool, edgy vocals.

They’re an electro band known for their groundbreaking sound that shattered the norms and conventions of the time.

It’s a new wave rock number with fans around the world, the kind you’ll occasionally feel like revisiting—never losing its luster no matter how much time passes.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Upside DownDiana Ross46rank/position

Upside Down

Diana Ross, who not only had the talent of a soul singer but also achieved great success in the pop field.

Released in 1980, this work is a dance classic she created in pursuit of a career breakthrough, teaming up with Chic, masters of the disco sound.

Over a groove woven from a funky bass and crisp guitar, it portrays a woman whose heart is thrown into chaos by a capricious lover.

From September 1980, the song spent four consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts, and the landmark album “diana” became the biggest hit of her career.

This timeless gem, which makes you want to start dancing, is perfect for those moments when you want to lift your spirits.

Crystal TearsElmiene47rank/position

Elmiene – Crystal Tears (Official Video)

Released in March 2024, Elmiene’s track—marked by his delicate, emotive vocals—centers on the theme of revisiting lost love.

Created through his first collaboration with Grammy-winning producer D’Mile, the song reflects on past mistakes and expresses a yearning to mend a broken relationship.

Evoking the torch songs of James Blake and the soul of D’Angelo, its musicality is vividly rendered through Elmiene’s voice, resulting in a striking work.

Beginning in April 2024, a tour of eight cities across Europe and the United States will feature this track among others.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak or discover a new talent in R&B.

Get Down On ItKool and The Gang48rank/position

Get Down On It (Original 12″ Extended Version)

Kool & the Gang is an American soul and funk band.

They debuted in 1969 and were featured on the soundtrack of the film Saturday Night Fever, gaining fame as a disco-funk band.

Get Down On It is a hit number that reached No.

10 on the pop chart and No.

4 on the Black chart in 1982.

OMGLeigh-Anne49rank/position

Leigh-Anne: ‘OMG’ [Visualiser]

A captivating mid-tempo track that fuses R&B and pop—that’s Leigh-Anne’s music.

With an island-tinged, melodic flair, it explores the complexities of love.

Showcasing Leigh-Anne’s distinctive vocals, the song appears on her EP “No Hard Feelings,” released on May 24, 2024.

Centered on themes of motherhood and the joys and challenges of romance, it offers a glimpse into a new side of Leigh-Anne.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play on a summer night drive or during special moments with someone you love.