With absolute madness occurring in the world on what seems like a daily basis, fans are most likely needing some comfort music. No genre is more comforting to listen to than RB. While there haven’t been too many mainstream releases, there have been some amazing songs dropped by some of the biggest artists from The Weeknd to Mary J. Blige. Plus upcoming stars like Queen Naija and Bleu have had room to shine.
Struggling to find a list of the Hip Hop Albums that have been shifting the culture? Take a look at our lists for Hip Hop, Rap and RB to get a complete survey of the projects that are dictating the conversation within Hip Hop.
- The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2022 …(so far)
- The Best Rap Albums of 2022 …(so far)
- The Best RB Albums of 2022 …(so far)
Need some new songs to throw in the rotation but Spotify and user-created playlists are way too long? We kept it simple and added only the best of the best songs from each month to make sure you get the songs you need without a hassle. Peep the lists below.
Looking for some up and coming rappers and underground gems? We’ve done the work for you and highlighted the short EPs, mixtapes and projects to check out if you’re tired of the mainstream album cycle.
Editor’s note: Songs from this list were released between December 1, 2021 – March 28, 2022.
“No Love” – Summer Walker f. SZA Cardi B
“Letter To Ur Ex” – Mahalia
“Happy Hour” – Buddy f. T-Pain
“NWA” – Lucky Daye f. Lil Durk
Los Angeles-based singer Lucky Daye has been quietly making waves in contemporary RB for a few years now. His 2021 album Table For Two was one of the year’s best and it appears his foot is on the gas. “NWA,” featuring Lil Durk is Daye’s latest song, which finds the singer crooning over lively production from frequent collaborator D’Mile. The “Over” artist also succeeded in securing Lil Durk, arguably his biggest guest-feature to date, for a smooth verse about the luxurious ways he spoils a lover.
“Love’s Train” – Silk Sonic
“Out Of Time” – The Weeknd
“Out of Time” is not only a standout from Dawn FM for being a top Weeknd vocal performance but also a deviation from the overwhelming pop, dance, and disco direction he leaned into on the album. Whether you want to call it Michael Jackson mimicry or genuine inspiration, Abel “restores the feeling,” bearing his soul over a Tomoko Aran “Midnight Pretenders” sample. Lyrically, it’s the in-depth, emotional, and closest-to-RB offering that longstanding Weeknd fans would want from the LP, admitting to not only mistreating a lover but all of the important people in his life. This is hidden under bright instruments and nostalgia-inducing synths, further displaying the Toronto star’s often unappreciated range.
“Rent Money” – Mary J. Blige F. Dave East
“Walk Through Fire” – Bleu F. Ne-Yo
Bleu might have outdone himself in a short period of time. His new single “Walk Through Fire” features RB legend Ne-Yo and follows up their recent, two-part collaboration “Stay Down.” “Walk Through Fire” is a simple, minimalist piano ballad with each vocalist taking turns singing the same verse, yet simultaneously an impactful breath of fresh air. The imagery of “That’s why every time you smile I get a little bit closer to the sky” or “I would walk through fire just to hear you say, say ‘I do’” makes this more than a cute love song; it’s a high-stakes admission of adoration. They might as well have added wedding bells in the background because Bleu and Ne-Yo have something special within their musical union.
“Jealously” – FKA Twigs F. Rema
“No One Gets Me” – Johan Lenox
“Rapture In Blue” – Cautious Clay
“Brown Eyes And Backwoods” – Tom The Mailman
Tom The Mail Man is impossible to pin down. His sound is ever evolving, and though it takes influence from emo, pop and hip hop, the result is always unique. “Brown Eyes and Backwoods” finds Tom reminiscing on a love that wasn’t meant to be, lacing stunning vocals over a simple guitar refrain which cuts straight to the heart. – David Brake
“Softly (Remix)” – Amber Mark F. Popcaan
“Rent Free” – 6lack
“Tears In The Club” – FKA Twigs f. The Weeknd
“Poison” – Aaliyah f. The Weeknd
“Plentiful” – Alicia Keys f. Pusha T
Alicia Key’s new double-LP sits at 26-tracks, but perhaps no song stands out as much as the intro. “Plentiful” is a perfect blend of silky piano chords, hard drums courtesy of Swizz Beatz and standout melodies from Keys. Pusha T and Alicia Keys aren’t necessarily the two names that come to mind when you think of your dream musical duos, but the duality of Key’s heart wrenching vocals and Pusha’s menacing bars leaves you hoping for a joint EP (ideally it would be produced by Swizz also).
“Midnight River” – Pink Sweat$ f. 6lack
“MERCEDES” – Brent Faiyaz
“Drones” – Terrace Martin f. Kendrick Lamar, James Fauntleroy, Ty Dolla $ign, Snoop Dogg
Terrace Martin has an unprecedented skill in getting the very best from his featured artists, and on the eponymous track on his latest project DRONES, the genre-bending artist wrangled excellent verses from Kendrick Lamar, James Fauntleroy, Snoop Dogg and Ty Dolla $ign. Grandiose, yet approachable, “Drones” is pure rap / RB excellence.
Contributing writers: David Brake, Trent Clark, Kyle Eustice, Jeremy Hecht, Devon Jefferson, Dana Scott, Armon Sadler, Ben Brutocao, Michael Saponara, Anthony Malone, Matthew Ritchie Josh Svetz.
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM NOVEMBER 2021
- “Unloyal” – Summer Walker f. Ari Lennox
- “$payforhaiti” – KAYTRANADA f. Mach-Hommy
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM OCTOBER 2021
- “Nothing Feels Better” – Pink Sweat$
- “Nineteen” – PinkPantheress
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM SEPTEMBER 2021
- “Altar” – Kehlani
- “Ex For A Reason” – Summer Walker f. JT
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM AUGUST 2021
- “Angels” – Tinashe f. Kaash Paige
- “Boomerang” – Yebba
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM JULY 2021
- “Got Me Like” – Amaria Mick Jenkins
- “Wild Side” – Normani f. Cardi B
- “Aura” – Mariah the Scientist
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM JUNE 2021
- “Running Blind” – Lucky Daye
- “Lost You” – Snoh Aalegra
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM MAY 2021
- “What Are We?” – Inayah
- “Motorbike” – Leon Bridges
- “Bussdown” – Jorja Smith f. Shaybo
OTHER FAVORITE RB SONGS FROM APRIL 2021
- “Party Life” – Miguel
- “Gone” – Jorja Smith
- “Get Into It (Yuh)” – Doja Cat
Article source: https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.60590/title.best-r-b-songs-of-the-year
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