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

Miss YouAaliyah57rank/position

Miss You

This R&B classic by Aaliyah—who was celebrated worldwide for her charisma as a multitalented street diva—offers a gently sultry mood that enhances a festive feeling, making it a wistful track perfect for summer.

I Can’t Stand the RainAnn Peebles58rank/position

Ann Peebles – I Can’t Stand the Rain (Official Audio)

A shining masterpiece in the history of beautiful soul music was born from American artist Ann Peebles.

Released in July 1973, this Memphis soul classic opens with an inventive intro that takes the sound of falling rain as its motif.

The droplet-like rhythm played on electric timbales and the melody woven by a vocal that is both powerful and delicate sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

Later covered by numerous artists, including Missy Elliott and Tina Turner, it remains beloved around the world.

Enthusiastically praised by John Lennon, this gem of a ballad is an eternal classic that overlays the ache of unrequited love with the image of rain.

Give it a listen on a rainy-day drive or during a quiet night of reflection.

RespectAretha Franklin59rank/position

Aretha Franklin – Respect [1967] (Aretha’s Original Version)

Known by epithets like the Queen of Soul and Lady Soul, Aretha Franklin was a legendary songstress who transcended the boundaries of soul music to shape popular music at large.

Beyond her overwhelming vocal prowess, she stood as an iconic figure of the women’s liberation movement and the civil rights movement.

Her life—marked by turbulence and far from unalloyed happiness—became a legend in itself, and her very presence influenced not only music but a wide range of cultures and even politics.

Her signature song “Respect” is a true gem—a masterpiece born of the greatness of Black music.

Originally written and composed by Otis Redding—himself, like Aretha, a legendary soul singer and a brilliant songwriter who tragically died young in an accident—the song was released as his own in 1965.

Then, in 1967, Aretha’s cover was released and became a massive hit.

“Respect,” which broke numerous records, was far more than just a hit single; because Aretha reworked it from a female perspective, it became an anthem of the civil rights and feminist movements, continuing to give courage and hope to women around the world.

The 2021 biographical film Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson, of course takes its title from this song, and Hudson’s powerful performance of it in the film is not to be missed.

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Pick up the PiecesAverage White Band60rank/position

Pick up the Pieces

Average White Band is a British funk band.

Formed in Scotland in 1971, they supported Eric Clapton’s concert in 1973 and moved to the United States in 1974.

“Pick Up the Pieces,” released in 1975, became a massive hit, reaching No.

1 in the U.S.

Even if you don’t recognize the title, most people will likely realize they know the song when they hear it.

Clean Up WomanBetty Wright61rank/position

Clean Up Woman – Betty Wright (1971)

Betty Wright is an American R&B singer known for her powerful vocals and soulful expressiveness.

Released in November 1971, this gem of a love song tells a poignant story of a sad ending brought on by a lack of affection in a relationship.

Its lyrics, which portray a woman losing her lover to another woman, emphasize the importance of everyday communication and expressing gratitude.

Featured on the album “I Love the Way You Love,” the track weaves funky rhythms with a memorable guitar riff, while her voice—just 17 at the time—strikes straight to the heart.

It reached No.

2 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No.

6 on the Hot 100, and was certified Gold.

A song that resonates with anyone struggling with love.

SorryBeyoncé62rank/position

Beyoncé – Sorry (Video)

Beyoncé has released many catchy songs, but “Sorry” stands out with a particularly distinctive sound among her tracks.

In the middle, it features an Asian-flavored vocal riff and shifts into rap-like melodies—overall, it’s a curveball of a song.

Highly recommended for those who want to listen to edgy, characterful Black music.

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What You Won’t Do for LoveBobby Caldwell63rank/position

WHAT YOU WON’T DO FOR LOVE

Bobby Caldwell is one of the singers who represents AOR and blue-eyed soul.

Although he was white, he gained popularity with an authentic R&B sound.

Among his works, this song is surely the timeless classic that continues to shine.

Its straightforward and passionate message—doing anything for the one you love—really strikes a chord.

The smooth melody and distinctive horn section create a sophisticated, romantic mood.

Released as a single from his debut album “Bobby Caldwell” in September 1978, it’s also famous for the anecdote that it was written in just two days.

I think it’s a perfect song for a leisurely holiday atmosphere.