[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.

Playlist

[2026] A Collection of Popular R&B Songs in the U.S. [Beginner-Friendly]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Say My NameDestiny’s Child		Destiny’s Child classic R&B
2	Thinkin Bout YouFrank Ocean		Introducing Frank Ocean’s masterpieces
3	Try AgainAaliyah		Be encouraged by Aaliyah’s innovative masterpiece
4	Fallin’Alicia Keys		Alicia Keys's debut single becomes a big hit
5	No Diggity (ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen)Blackstreet		Blackstreet’s hip-hop soul masterpiece
6	End Of The RoadBoyz II Men		A famous ballad by Boyz II Men
7	Untitled (How Does It Feel)D’Angelo		D'Angelo's sensual ballad masterpiece
8	FantasyMariah Carey		Mariah Carey's romantic pop song
9	SnoozeSZA		SZA’s signature song wins a Grammy
10	Confessions Part IUsher		The opening track of Usher’s classic album Confessions
11	PoisonBell Biv DeVoe		Bell Biv DeVoe’s signature song “Poison”
12	The Boy Is MineBrandy&Monica		Brandy and Monica’s classic R&B
13	So SickNe-Yo		Ne-Yo’s heartbreak ballad, a timeless classic still loved today
14	Cranes in the SkySOLANGE		Solange’s sophisticated R&B song
15	Bad HabitSteve Lacy		Introducing Steve Lacy’s masterpiece, “Bad Habit.”