Today's R&B: A curated playlist packed with classic hits!

My Little RoseHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / My Little Rose (Lyric Video)

When introducing Dai Hirai, you often hear the word “organic.” While organic literally means “of living matter,” in Hirai’s case it irresistibly feels closer to “natural.” His musicality and his nature-centric lifestyle are inseparable, and it’s precisely because he is so connected to nature that he can create songs that provide such high-quality healing.

It’s truly a musical endeavor where clothing, food, and music are fused together.

“My Little Rose” is a track that lets you feel R&B—even including a recording of his baby’s first cry.

It’s a moving song in which a great love envelops everything, from the joy of birth to the anxieties that come with growing up.

WowHayashi Kazuki

Kazuki Hayashi "Wow" Official Music Video

This is Kazuki Hayashi’s solo debut, where a melodious, sophisticated R&B sound resonates pleasantly.

Released in May 2023 as an advance single from the album “I,” the track paints the sweet moments of romance set against the backdrop of the nighttime city.

Its breezy rhythm and sultry vocals blend beautifully, resulting in a love song that exudes mature allure.

The music video faithfully recreates a classic R&B aesthetic, with dramatic direction that’s a highlight in itself.

It’s a song you’ll want to play on a drive or during a quiet night.

Highly recommended for those who want to feel the sparkle and bittersweetness of love.

SkyBENNIE K

BENNIE K – Sky

The 10th single included on the 2005 album Japana-rhythm.

As the track representing “autumn” on an album themed around the seasons, it’s a sentimental R&B-style song whose gentle lyrics seep into the heart.

Its wish to remain true to oneself tugs at the tear ducts.

An evergreen classic.

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Beautifulw-inds.

Beautiful (MUSIC VIDEO Full ver.) / w-inds.

A single released in 2004.

Since it was a song provided by Sukima Switch, it has that breezy freshness while also evoking a sense of wistfulness, doesn’t it? Rather than R&B, it leans more pop.

It’s a song about a guy who can’t get over the person who dumped him, but given the vibe of the time, it also has a youthful, cute side.

And the lyrics are outstanding.

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ButterflyKōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / Butterfly

This song was a big hit too, wasn’t it? Rather than R&B, it has a lot of 2-step and speed garage elements, but the bassline is very jazzy.

Even people who really know music would probably think it’s cool, right? I feel like it’s only now that we can appreciate it that way.

Back then, a lot of R&B tracks were rhythmically awkward because they were arranged to be easy to sing, based on J-pop.

So that it overflows with kindnessJUJU

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

Ms.

JUJU tends to give a strong impression as a jazz singer, but I think she’s also a vocalist with the ability to perform R&B flawlessly.

Many of her music videos are structured like dramas and are highly polished, which is another part of her appeal, so I definitely recommend checking them out.

Night Grooveiri

iri – Night groove | Sofar Tokyo

This is a track by iri, who burst onto the scene like a comet as a next-generation R&B and Neo Soul singer.

While incorporating contemporary Future Bass and Vaporwave, her discotheque sensibilities and vocal style, tailored to Japanese ears, are garnering major attention.

She also makes extensive use of irregular BPMs, resulting in a richly textured work throughout the album.