[2026] A Collection of Popular R&B Songs in the U.S. [Beginner-Friendly]

Suddenly, but when you hear “R&B,” what kind of songs come to mind?Even in the J-POP scene, there have been many massive hits since the ’90s that incorporated R&B influences, and even those who aren’t particularly interested have surely heard melodies and grooves shaped by R&B at least once.In this article, under the theme of Popular R&B Songs from the United States—the genre’s home—we present a carefully curated selection based on factors like commercial appeal and lasting influence on the scene.While focusing mainly on R&B from the ’90s onward, we’ve also included tracks from the 2010s and 2020s, so beginners should definitely check them out.