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

Say My NameNEW!Destiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child – Say My Name (Official Video)

An R&B classic known as the signature masterpiece of the top-tier girl group Destiny’s Child! Its lyrics—pressing a suspicious lover over the phone to say your name—intertwine thrillingly with an unconventional beat to create an unforgettable track.

Included on the landmark 1999 album The Writing’s on the Wall, it was released as a single and went on to achieve overwhelming success, including hitting No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

The dramatic behind-the-scenes story of a lineup change during the video shoot is also well known among fans.

Its influence is immeasurable, having even been used in the trailer for the 2020 film Candyman.

It’s an irresistible song for when you want to feel the push-and-pull of romance or sink into the groove of ’90s R&B.

Thinkin Bout YouNEW!Frank Ocean

Thinkin Bout You

Singer-songwriter Frank Ocean, who helped usher in the wave of alternative R&B.

His narrative-driven lyrics, drawn from personal experience, and his genre-defying sound design are highly acclaimed.

Among his works, this song is the one that rapidly heightened anticipation for the masterpiece Channel Orange.

Released in 2012, it drew major attention, including a nomination in the main Grammy categories.

I believe its lyrics—likening unrequited love to natural phenomena like tornadoes—and his beautiful yet fragile falsetto deeply stir listeners’ emotions.

It’s the perfect track for a quiet night alone, when you want to bask in a lingering, bittersweet mood.

Try AgainNEW!Aaliyah

Aaliyah -Try Again (Original Video)

With her sophisticated vocals and fashion, Aaliyah became an icon of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

This track, featured in the 2000 film Romeo Must Die in which she starred, remains an innovative number that still sounds fresh today.

Timbaland’s distinctive, off-kilter beat is highly addictive and pairs exquisitely with Aaliyah’s whisper-like vocals.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of trying again no matter how many times you stumble, never feel preachy, and their cool composure has surely encouraged many listeners.

Included on the soundtrack Romeo Must Die: The Album, it also set a record at the time by reaching No.

1 in the U.S.

based on radio airplay alone.

It’s a perfect classic for moments when you want to regain confidence or reset your mindset.

Fallin’NEW!Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Fallin’ (Official HD Video)

Alicia Keys, the R&B singer who continues to captivate the world with her extraordinary vocal prowess and piano skills.

This work is her striking debut single, which shot up the U.S.

charts around April 2001 and reached No.

1.

With a gospel-honed, powerful voice, she brilliantly conveys both the exhilaration of falling in love and the aching contradiction of feeling like you’re losing yourself.

It propelled the success of the classic album Songs in A Minor and achieved the remarkable feat of winning Song of the Year at the Grammys the following year.

It’s a timeless track whose opening piano riff draws everyone in from the first moment, making it a heartfelt recommendation for late-night listening or for anyone who wants to feel true soul.

No Diggity (ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen)NEW!Blackstreet

Blackstreet – No Diggity (Official Music Video) ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen

Blackstreet is an R&B group led by Teddy Riley, the creator of New Jack Swing.

This track from their 1996 album “Another Level” is a supreme number featuring hip-hop heavyweight Dr.

Dre and female rapper Queen Pen.

Its sticky groove sampling Bill Withers’s classic and its sophisticated choral work intertwine to create a sound that can truly be called the pinnacle of hip-hop soul.

Its popularity is evident from the fact that it topped the US charts at the time and also won a Grammy.

It’s perfect for late-night drives or parties where you want to get hyped with friends, so if you want to experience the history of R&B, definitely give it a listen!

End Of The RoadNEW!Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men – End Of The Road

When it comes to discussing the history of R&B, surely they are indispensable.

Boyz II Men, the vocal group that set countless milestones in the ’90s.

Released in June 1992, this work is a sublime ballad also known as a featured song in the Eddie Murphy–starring film Boomerang.

Produced by the likes of Babyface, it broke the then-longest-running record by spending 13 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

Their harmonies, which seem to embrace the pain of heartbreak, and the exhilarating a cappella section toward the end deliver a fresh sense of awe every time you listen.

If you want to experience the very essence of R&B, I can confidently recommend this piece—be sure to check it out.

Untitled (How Does It Feel)NEW!D’Angelo

D’Angelo – Untitled (How Does It Feel) (Official Music Video)

In the history of R&B, there may be no other ballad as sensual and beautiful as this one.

The singer is D’Angelo, a charismatic figure of neo-soul.

Featured on his masterpiece Voodoo, released in January 2000, this sublime track is an homage to his idol, Prince.

There’s even a story that he and Raphael Saadiq went into the studio and built its framework in just a few hours.

The unhurried rhythm and layered harmonies draw listeners into a sweet, intoxicating world.

At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001, it won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

The striking physique he showcased in the music video was a hot topic at the time, but above all, the song’s craftsmanship is outstanding.

It’s a perfect choice for a night when you want to sink into a romantic mood!