300 Best R&B Songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s

While R&B has evolved significantly in recent years, it’s the essence of the ‘80s and ‘90s that is firmly rooted in modern day R&B music sensibilities. Many purists consider the ‘80s and ‘90s the holy grail of mainstream R&B. Thanks to commercial accessibility through radio and television formats, several R&B band and artists were able to reach a wider audience globally in these decades paving the way for the future.

The list below showcases an epic collection of R&B songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s. If you are a fan of music from this genre, you will have a lot to say.

10 Best R&B Songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s

1. “I Will Always Love You”—Whitney Houston (1992)

2. “Billie Jean”—Michael Jackson (1982)

3. “I Just Called to Say I Love You”—Stevie Wonder (1984)

4. “Endless Love”—Lionel Richie and Diana Ross (1981)

5. “Un-Break My Heart”—Toni Braxton (1996)

6. “End of The Road”—Boyz 2 Men (1991)

7. “Always Be My Baby”—Mariah Carey (1995)

8. “Hello”—Lionel Richie (1984)

9. “Say My Name”—Destiny’s Child (1998)

10. “Let’s Hear it For the Boy”—Deniece Williams (1984)

What Is R&B and How Did It Come Into Being?

A genre of popular music, R&B came into being through the realms of African American music movements. Since it first emerged in the 1940s, every decade in R&B has employed a distinctly different sound and style. As R&B started taking shape in the late ‘60s, it branched into a magnanimous mainstream entity through high-value productions of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

This new ballad and dance-oriented sound in black music added highly sophisticated programmed beats. Since the ‘80s, urban R&B comprises of a technologically advanced sound that has become the focal point of mainstream music. The R&B sound in the modern era is an amalgamation of funk, soul, dance-pop, new jack swing, disco, electronic music and hip-hop. Lush vocal arrangements and sophisticated production form the distinctive character of the genre.

#11—20

11. “Part Time Lover”—Stevie Wonder (1985)

12. “Genie in a Bottle”—Christina Aguilera (1999)

13. “The Boy Is Mine”—Brandy and Monica (1998)

14. “Say You Say Me”—Lionel Richie (1986)

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15. “I’ll Make Love to You”—Boyz 2 Men (1992)

16. “Saving All My Love for You”—Whitney Houston (1985)

17. “No Scrubs”—TLC (1999)

18. “Super Freak”—Rick James (1981)

19. “I Feel For You”—Chaka Khan (1984)

20. “All My Life”—K-Ci & Jojo (1997)

R&B in the ‘80s

The ‘80s ushered a new era of musical styles in mainstream. Contemporary R&B took the spotlight combining diverse elements of pop, funk, soul, electronic music, and hip hop. Artists associated with this genre had a huge impact on mainstream music charts, with several songs becoming chart-toppers globally. The drum machine-backed rhythms became the signature sound of contemporary R&B in the ‘80s. Electronic sounds flourished propelling a hybrid avatar of R&B-disco to new heights.

Dance inspired R&B became hugely popular in the decade. Quiet storm radio formats showcased a smooth, romantic jazz influenced sound that became popular in R&B ballads. The romantic sentiment fueled with tastefully diverse rhythms and tempos gave R&B in the ‘80s its signature identity. As artists started combining R&B music styles with hip hop rhythms and dance-pop, it paved the way for the new jack swing movement.

#21—30

21. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”—Whitney Houston (1987)

22. “Smooth Criminal”—Michael Jackson (1988)

23. “On Bended Knee”—Boyz 2 Men (1994)

24. “Always”—Atlantic Starr (1987)

25. “You Make Me Wanna…”—Usher (1997)

26. “What’s Love Got To Do With It”—Tina Turner (1984)

27. “That’s The Way Love Goes”—Janet Jackson (1991)

28. “Rhythm of the Night”—DeBarge (1985)

29. “No Diggity”—Blackstreet featuring Dr.Dre, Queen Pen (1996)

30. “Every Little Step”—Bobby Brown (1988)

R&B in the ‘90s

Several bands and artists associated with R&B started fusing diverse musical styles thereby expanding the mainstream success of the genre. R&B ballads showcased through the quiet storm format became hugely popular in the decade. The texturally smooth sounds of ballads helped propel the popularity of Urban adult contemporary, a radio format to new heights. Soul-inspired vocal trends and vocal harmonies made a comeback in the ‘90s, with many artists employing the style in their R&B scheme of things.

As R&B artists started experimenting with hip hop sounds, a new form of dance-inspired R&B hip hop emerged. This new style of music appealed to both R&B and hip-hop audiences. The new jack swing movement, a fusion genre that showcased production and rhythm techniques of dance-pop and hip hop fused with urban contemporary R&B styles became excessively popular in the ‘90s. The use of sampled beats and syncopated rhythms created using the drum machine gave different styles of R&B a unique identity.

#31—40

31. “Waterfalls”—TLC (1994)

32. “Bad”—Michael Jackson (1987)

33. “I Have Nothing”—Whitney Houston (1992)

34. “Vision of Love”—Mariah Carey (1990)

35. “Cherish”—Kool & The Gang (1985)

36. “One Sweet Day”—Boyz 2 Men and Mariah Carey (1995)

37. “Baby, Come to Me”—Patti Austin and James Ingram (1981)

38. “Bills Bills Bills”—Destiny’s Child (1999)

39. “Smooth Operator”—Sade (1984)

40. “Never Knew Love Like This Before”—Stephanie Mills (1980)

R&B Ballads in the ‘80s and ‘90s

Some of the biggest R&B ballads owe it big to the ‘80s and ‘90s. Several R&B bands and artists of the ‘80s and ‘90s made an impact with their aesthetically crafted R&B love songs. Pop-infused R&B ballads and love songs stamped their authority showcasing diverse vocal abilities of singers. The sequenced sounds of drum beats, synthesizers, guitar, and saxophone encompassed with soul-stirring emotive vocal delivery gave R&B ballads their signature sound.

Several acclaimed sessions musicians were hired by producers to work with R&B bands and artists of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Love, romance, crushes, breakups, unrequited love, and relationships formed an integral part of lyrical themes in R&B ballads and R&B love songs. R&B duets had a great deal of success in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Several R&B bands and artists had tremendous success with their debut albums and singles in the decade.

#41—60

41. “The Way You Make Me Feel”—Michael Jackson (1987)

42. “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)”—En Vogue (1992)

43. “All Around the World”—Lisa Stansfield (1989)

44. “Motownphilly”—Boyz 2 Men (1991)

45. “No Ordinary Love”—Sade (1992)

46. “Feels Good”—Tony! Toni! Tone! (1990)

47. “You Dropped a Bomb on Me”—The Gap Band (1982)

48. “Every Time I Close My Eyes”—Babyface featuring Kenny G and Mariah Carey (1996)

49. “My Prerogative”—Bobby Brown (1988)

50. “Creep”—TLC (1994)

51. “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)”—Soul 2 Soul (1989)

52. “Fantasy”—Mariah Carey (1994)

53. “Can You Stand the Rain”—New Edition (1988)

54. “Pony”—Ginuwine (1996)

55. “Sexual Healing”—Marvin Gaye (1981)

56. “Doo Wop (That Thing)”—Lauryn Hill (1998)

57. “How Will I Know”—Whitney Houston (1985)

58. “Back At One”—Brian McKnight (1999)

59. “On My Own”—Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald (1986)

60. “If I Ever Fall In Love”—Shai (1992)

R&B Dance Songs in the ‘80s and ‘90s

Although the early ‘80s sound was dominated by disco beats, the mid-80s witness a gradual shift from purely disco-laden songs to a sophisticated form of R&B dance. The use of drum machines became the centrifugal element of creating rhythms, beats and textures in dance music. Certain R&B acts of the ‘80s employed diverse elements of funk, soul, and smooth jazz in their dance-laced R&B songs to create new soundscapes in dance music. R&B dance songs had astounding mainstream success and topped the music charts in several countries.

As different forms of electronic music became rampant in the ‘90s, the trend of fusing new styles, sounds, and genres grew into prominence. This resulted in a cross-pollination of R&B avatars that came to the forefront. R&B hip hop and teen pop stormed the dance formats making a huge splash on music charts in the ‘90s. R&B dance songs combined different elements of funk, new jack swing, soul, pop, and hip hop to create a mesmerizing charm like no other. Alongside smooth R&B and contemporary R&B ballads, it was dance-flavored R&B that took the game to a whole new level in the ‘90s.

#61—80

61. “Freak Me”—Silk (1992)

62. “Never Too Much”—Luther Vandross (1981)

63. “Unpretty”—TLC (1999)

64. “Girlfriend”—Pebbles (1987)

65. “Remember The Time”—Michael Jackson (1991)

66. “Word Up!”—Cameo (1986)

67. “Another Sad Love Song”—Toni Braxton (1993)

68. “Let’s Groove”—Earth, Wind & Fire (1981)

69. “Emotions”—Mariah Carey (1991)

70. “Too Close”—Next (1997)

71. “Just Got Paid”—Johnny Kemp (1986)

72. “Nice and Slow”—Usher (1997)

73. “Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)”—Billy Ocean (1984)

74. “I Wanna Know”—Joe (1999)

75. “Nightshift”—Commodores (1985)

76. “You’re Makin Me High”—Toni Braxton (1996)

77. “When Doves Cry”—Prince (1984)

78. “Nobody's Supposed to Be Here”—Deborah Cox (1998)

79. “You are My Lady”—Freddie Jackson (1985)

80. “Sittin’ Up In My Room”—Brandy (1995)

Melismatic Vocal Techniques in R&B

R&B in the ‘80s and ‘90s became known for it’s supremely proficient use of melisma. The ability to successively move between several different notes in a single syllable of text was showcased flawlessly through melismatic vocal techniques employed by R&B singers in the decade. R&B love songs and ballads showcased a wide spectrum of melismatic vocal techniques.

R&B singers of the ‘80s and ‘90s were known for their highly intricate vocal runs, vocal riffs, grace notes, and arpeggios embellished in songs in a tasteful manner. Several R&B love songs and ballads demonstrated stylistically phenomenal vocal delivery and the innovative use of melisma showcasing artistic expression and emotional depth. The highly enigmatic vocal styles and vocal techniques of R&B singers in this decade took vocal dynamics to a whole new level. The use of melisma in R&B is showcased in a highly engaging manner by

#81—100

81. “Shake You Down”—Gregory Abbott (1986)

82. “Heartbreaker”—Mariah Carey (1999)

83. “Don’t Let Go”—En Vogue (1996)

84. “I Feel Good All Over”—Stephanie Mills (1987)

85. “Save the Best for Last”—Vanessa Williams (1992)

86. “Get Down On It”—Kool &The Gang (1981)

87. “Thong Song”—Sisqo (1999)

88. “Kiss”—Prince (1986)

89. “Can We Talk?”—Tevin Campbell (1993)

90. “All Night Long (All Night)”—Lionel Richie (1983)

91. “Water Runs Dry”—Boyz 2 Men (1994)

92. “Celebration”—Kool & the Gang (1980)

93. “Don't Leave Me”—Blackstreet (1996)

94. “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going”—Billy Ocean (1985)

95. “My Love is Your Love”—Whitney Houston (1998)

96. “U Know What's Up”—Donell Jones (1999)

97. “Love You Down”—Ready for the World (1986)

98. “Return of the Mack”—Mark Morrison (1996)

99. “Fresh”—Kool & the Gang (1984)

100. “Breathe Again”—Toni Braxton (1993)

#101—125

101. “Forget Me Nots”—Patrice Rushen (1982)
102. “Real Love”—Mary J. Blige (1992)
103. “What Have You Done for Me Lately”—Janet Jackson (1986)
104. “Weak”—SWV (1992)
105. “Ain’t Nobody”—Chaka Khan and Rufus (1983)
106. “Candy”—Cameo (1986)
107. “Anytime”—Brian McKnight (1997)
108. “Freeway of Love”—Aretha Franklin (1985)
109. “Twisted”—Keith Sweet (1996)
110. “Love Come Down”—Evelyn Champagne King (1982)
111. “Not Gon’ Cry”—Mary J. Blige (1995)
112. “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)”—Billy Ocean (1986)
113. “Sweet Lady”—Tyrese (1998)
114. “Whip Appeal”—Babyface (1989)
115. “I'm Ready”—Tevin Campbell (1993)
116. “Sweet Love”—Anita Baker (1985)
117. “Together Again”—Janet Jackson (1997)
118. “Give Me the Night”—George Benson (1980)
119. “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)”—Whitney Houston (1995)
120. “Outstanding”—The Gap Band (1982)
121. “I Miss You”—Aaron Hall (1993)
122. “Tender Love”—Force MDs (1985)
123. “Honey”—Mariah Carey (1997)
124. “Nite and Day”—Al B. Sure! (1988)
125. “One in a Million”—Aaliyah (1996)

#126—150

126. “Roni”—Bobby Brown (1988)
127. “Come and Talk to Me”—Jodeci (1991)
128. “When She Was My Girl”—Four Tops (1981)
129. “I’m Your Baby Tonight”—Whitney Houston (1990)
130. “Don’t Stop the Music”—Yarbrough and the Peoples (1981)
131. “Poison”—Bell Biv DeVoe (1990)
132. “Cool It Now”—New Edition (1984)
133. “The First Night”—Monica (1998)
134. “Give It to Me Baby”—Rick James (1981)
135. “I Swear”—All-4-One (1994)
136. “Love T.K.O.”—Teddy Pendergrass (1980)
137. “Don’t Walk Away”—Jade (1992)
138. “She Works Hard for the Money”—Donna Summer (1986)
139. “Masterpiece”—Atlantic Starr (1991)
140. “Shower Me With Your Love”—Surface (1988)
141. “On and On”—Erykah Badu (1997)
142. “The Rain”—Oran “Juice” Jones (1986)
143. “I'll Give All My Love to You”—Keith Sweat (1990)
144. “Here and Now”—Luther Vandross (1989)
145. “Don't Wanna Fall in Love”—Jane Child (1992)
146. “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)”—Freddie Jackson (1985)
147. “Love Like This”—Faith Evans (1999)
148. “Let It Whip”—Dazz Band (1982)
149. “Red Light Special”—TLC (1994)
150. “Oh Sheila”—Ready For The World (1985)

#151—175

151. “Gett Off”—Prince (1991)
152. “Juicy Fruit”—Mtume (1983)
153. “No, No, No Part 2”—Destiny’s Child featuring Wyclef Jean (1998)
154. “Your Smile”—Rene & Angela (1985)
155. “Right Here”—SWV (1991)
156. “I Love Your Smile”—Shanice (1991)
157. “Fantastic Voyage”—Lakeside (1981)
158. “Can You Stop the Rain?”—Peabo Bryson (1991)
159. “Secret Lovers”—Atlantic Starr (1985)
160. “Looking For a New Love”—Jody Watley (1982)
161. “Candy Rain”—Soul For Real (1995)
162. “Solid”—Ashford and Simpson (1984)
163. “Love Takes Time”—Mariah Carey (1990)
164. “Operator”—Midnight Star (1984)
165. “Let the Beat Hit 'Em”—Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam (1991)
166. “Baby”—Brandy (1994)
167. “Lovergirl”—Teena Marie (1984)
168. “I Wanna Sex You Up”—Color Me Baad (1991)
169. “Back and Forth”—Aaliyah (1994)
170. “Slow Hand”—Pointer Sisters (1981)
171. “Just Kickin’ It”—Xscape (1993)
172. “Don’t Disturb This Groove”—The System (1987)
173. “When Can I See You Again?”—Babyface (1993)
174. “Mercedes Boy”—Pebbles (1987)
175. “Body and Soul”—Anita Baker (1994)

#176—200

176. “When I Think of You”—Janet Jackson (1985)
177. “Count on Me”—Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans (1995)
178. “I Wanna Be Down”—Brandy (1994)
179. “A Woman Needs (Just Like You Do)”—Ray Parker Jr. featuring Raydio (1981)
180. “I Wanna Love You”—Jade (1995)
181. “I’m So Into You”—SWV (1992)
182. “Nobody”—Keith Sweat and Athena Cage (1996)
183. “Hit Me Off”—New Edition (1996)
184. “All The Things (Your Man Won't Do)”—Joe (1997)
185. “I Like It”—DeBarge (1982)
186. “Are You That Somebody”—Aaliyah (1998)
187. “Stomp”—The Brothers Johnson (1980)
188. “Dreamlover”—Mariah Carey (1993)
189. “She's Playing Hard to Get”—Hi-Five (1992)
190. “Yearning For Your Love”—The Gap Band (1981)
191. “Don’t Take it Personal (Just One of Dem Days)”—Monica (1995)
192. “Humpin' Around”—Bobby Brown (1992)
193. “Candy Girl”—New Edition (1983)
194. “Forever My Lady”—Jodeci (1991)
195. “New Attitude”—Patti LaBelle (1985)
196. “Baby-Baby-Baby”—TLC (1992)
197. “I Want Her”—Keith Sweat (1987)
198. “I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)”—Hi-Five (1990)
199. “Lies”—En Vogue (1990)
200. “Giving You the Benefit”—Pebbles (1990)

#201—225

201. “Anniversary”—Tony! Toni! Tone! (1993)
202. “Computer Love”—Zapp (1986)
203. “Rub You the Right Way”—Johnny Gill (1990)
204. “Let’s Get Serious”—Jermaine Jackson (1980)
205. “Have You Ever?”—Brandy (1998)
206. “Time Will Reveal”—DeBarge (1983)
207. “If You Love Me”—Brownstone (1995)
208. “Friends and Lovers”—Gloria Loring and Carl Anderson (1985)
209. “Kissing You”—Keith Washington (1991)
210. “Miss You Much”—Janet Jackson (1989)
211. “You're the One”—SWV (1995)
212. “Joanna”—Kool & The Gang (1983)
213. “In My Bed”—Dru Hill (1996)
214. “Caravan of Love”—Isley-Jasper-Isley (1985)
215. “Only You”—112 Featuring Notorious BIG and Mase (1996)
216. “Lady”—D'Angelo (1995)
217. “Tell Me What You Want Me to Do”—Tevin Campbell (1991)
218. “I’ve Learned to Respect the Power of Love”—Stephanie Mills (1985)
219. “Knockin' Da Boots”—H-Town (1993)
220. “The Right Stuff”—Vanessa Williams (1988)
221. “Free Your Mind”—En Vogue (1992)
222. “Don’t Be Cruel”—Bobby Brown (1988)
223. “Hey Mr. D.J.”—Zhane (1994)
224. “Missing You”—Diana Ross (1985)
225. “Love Shoulda Brought You Home”—Toni Braxton (1992)

#226—250

226. “Turned Away”—Chuckii Booker (1989)
227. “Fortunate”—Maxwell (1999)
228. “Any Time, Any Place”—Janet Jackson (1994)
229. “All This Love”—DeBarge (1982)
230. “What About Your Friends?”—TLC (1992)
231. “Being With You”—Smokey Robinson (1981)
232. “How Deep is Your Love?”—Dru Hill (1998)
233. “Mr. Telephone Man”—New Edition (1984)
234. “Running Back to You”—Vanessa Williams (1991)
235. “If This World Were Mine”—Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn (1982)
236. “Let's Ride”—Montell Jordan (1998)
237. “Shining Star”—The Manhattans (1980)
238. “I Believe I Can Fly”—R. Kelly (1996)
239. “Save The Overtime”—Gladys Knight and The Pips (1983)
240. “Caught Out There”—Kelis (1999)
241. “Dancing In the Sheets”—Shalamar (1984)
242. “Stroke You Up”—Changing Faces (1994)
243. “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ Out But The Rent”—Gwen Guthrie (1986)
244. “Tell Me”—Groove Theory (1995)
245. “Little Walter”—Tony! Toni! Tone! (1988)
246. “Don't Wanna Change the World”—Phyllis Hyman (1991)
247. “You, Me and He”—Mtume (1984)
248. “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”—Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett (1987)
249. “You Remind Me”—Mary J. Blige (1991)
250. “Between The Sheets”—The Isley Brothers (1983)

#251—275

251. “My, My, My”—Johnny Gill (1990)
252. “Oooh La La La”—Teena Marie (1988)
253. “I Belong to You (Every Time I See Your Face)”—Rome (1997)
254. “Somebody’s Watching Over Me”—Rockwell (1984)
255. “I Belong to You”—Toni Braxton (1993)
256. “Show Me the Way”—Regina Belle (1987)
257. “Touch Me, Tease Me”—Case Featuring Foxy Brown, Mary J. Blige (1996)
258. “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)”—Jeffrey Osborne (1986)
259. “For Your Love”—Stevie Wonder (1995)
260. “I’m Your Angel”—R.Kelly and Celine Dion (1998)
261. “This is for the Lover in You”—Babyface (1996)
262. “Where My Girls At”—702 (1999)
263. “If”—Janet Jackson (1993)
264. “Dance Floor”—Zapp (1982)
265. “If Your Girl Only Knew”—Aaliyah (1996)
266. “Romantic”—Karyn White (1992)
267. “Bump N’ Grind”—R. Kelly (1993)
268. “Rumor”—Timex Social Club (1986)
269. “How Can I Ease the Pain?”—Lisa Fischer (1991)
270. “I Like”—Guy (1988)
271. “Brown Sugar”—D'Angelo (1995)
272. “That Girl”—Stevie Wonder (1982)
273. “They Don't Know”—Jon B. (1997)
274. “Love Overboard”—Gladys Knight & the Pips (1987)
275. “Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)”—Patti LaBelle (1991)

#276—300

276. “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”—Carl Carlton (1982)
277. “Exclusivity”—Damian Dame (1991)
278. “How ‘Bout Us”—Champaign (1981)
279. “Dream on Dreamer”—Brand New Heavies (1994)
280. “All I Want Is Forever”—Regina Belle and J.T. Taylor (1989)
281. “Never Gonna Let You Go”—Tina Moore (1995)
282. “Do Me!”—Bell Biv Devoe (1989)
283. “The Best Things In Life Are Free”—Luther Vandross & Janet Jackson (1992)
284. “Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)”—R. Kelly featuring Ronald Isley & Ernie Isley (1995)
285. “Before I Let Go”—Maze (1981)
286. “He's Mine”—Mokenstef (1995)
287. “Someone to Love”—Jon B. & Babyface (1995)
288. “Don’t Look Any Further”—Dennis Edwards (1984)
289. “Happily Ever After”—Case (1999)
290. “Tasty Love”—Freddie Jackson (1986)
291. “Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)”—Mint Condition (1991)
292. “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”—The Royalettes (1982)
293. “Groove Thang”—Zhane (1992)
294. “Encore”—Cheryl Lynn (1983)
295. “So You Like What You See?”—Samuelle (1990)
296. “A Little Bit More”—Melba Moore featuring Freddie Jackson (1986)
297. “Freak Like Me”—Adina Howard (1995)
298. "I Know Your Hot Spot”—Enchantment (1982)
299. “Let's Chill”—Guy (1990)
300. “Don't Be Afraid”—Aaron Hall (1991)

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