Sultry, Soulful & Unapologetic: 20 of the Best R&B Songs of 2025
In this life, only three things are certain: death, taxes, and a plethora of stellar R&B releases. And 2025 definitely over-delivered. This year might not be much to write home about on most fronts, but I’m leaving it with a Spotify library full to the brim with greatness.
The levels of versatility and innovation within the genre are at an all time high and much like 2024, the R&B world saw many artists dipping their toes in the genre-blending game — from Venna’s jazz-infused album Malik, to Odeal’s amalgamation of Afro-beats, R&B and Afro-latin with The Summer That Saved Me. Audiences were truly spoilt for choice. It was another strong year for R&B across the globe - from Europe’s rising stars, to the established heavyweights in the USA and fresh talent emerging from down under. Themes of self-expression, vulnerability and reflection weaved their way throughout, at a time when the world needs it the most.
This compilation has something for the lovers, the fighters and all those stuck somewhere in between. So have your headphones at the ready, and prepare your interest to be piqued - take a deep dive into our countdown of 20 of the best R&B tracks of 2025.
20. PROMISE - DAMEDAME*
Birmingham duo DAMEDAME*, comprised of Barbara Boko and Edith Nelson, are testing the boundaries of what it means to be an R&B artist. They don’t confine themselves to one box and take pride in being genre-fluid - namely combining R&B, soul, electronic and hip-hop sounds.
Their roster of writing credits is impressive, featuring Jorja Smith (Falling or flying, Feelings), Wizkid (Break Me Down) and Tems (Forever) - and they feature prominently in the making of their own releases with a hand in the writing and producing.
PROMISE is their first single in two years, and what a way it is to reignite their career. It’s an alternative affair that subverts your typical R&B tune. PROMISE offers sublime production, with instruments aplenty and deep, stirring vocals that spread warmth throughout your soul. This being their comeback single bodes well for the future of their musical career.
If you like this, listen to: FREEDOM and A STRANGER
19. Something Real - Jaymin
Rising South Seattle based R&B singer Jaymin is considered a rookie in the music game. He began releasing his music on streaming platforms last year with intoxicating ditty 88, and it’s abundantly clear he has a knack for it. His music is a nostalgic nod to old school R&B, with a contemporary twist - exploring themes of love, romance and vulnerability. Jodeci would be proud.
Something Real is his first release since he signed a deal with Warner Records. On the meaning of the song, Jaymin admits it’s about “craving authenticity in love and life. It’s me saying I desire - and even need - something I can truly feel and relate to.” He’s doing everything in his power to make love songs great again. Something Real is nothing short of angelic. Jaymin’s voice carves through the satiny production - delicate, yet crisp at the same time. The song was received so well, he satiated his fans by dropping Something Real (Alt Versions).
In an increasingly saturated genre, Jaymin is cutting through the noise and reviving the spirit of real yearners. Tap in.
If you like this, listen to: 88 and HELP!
18. Ghost - TheARTI$t
Newark, New Jersey is the next stop where we’re greeted with TheARTI$t, real name Nyla Simone. She’s been grinding hard for years, churning out a wealth of hits - including vastly popular numbers Sober, and Love Outloud - and is finally reaping the rewards.
Her moniker is incredibly apt as she symbolises the modern day artist - in-depth storytelling through her lyrics which paint the most vivid pictures, a high level of vibrancy, and the ability to bare her soul in a way which doesn’t demand sympathy.
Her latest full-length project Who I Am houses a selection of thoughtful tunes, and my highlight is Ghost. Pretty self-explanatory, it takes the listener through the emotional journey that comes off the back of being ghosted. We’ve all been there, it sucks, and her words ring true. TheARTI$t’s voice penetrates deeply throughout, but takes on a more subdued tone when she utters “you were just here, now you’re gone.” Ghost is a particularly poignant number, and shows that without a doubt she values the creation of hard-hitting art.
If you like this, listen to: Gravity and Better As Friends
17. *5 STAR* - THEY.
THEY. is not just any duo, it’s more like a brotherhood. Made up of members Drew Love and Dante Jones, their inception goes way back to the year 2015. Their first EP, three track Nü Religion which was released that same year, was an introduction to a world of alternative R&B. Equal parts gritty and polished.
Determined to not let their uniqueness be diluted, they stuck to the same formula with the 2017 release of Nü Religion: Hyena. The guitar riffs biting through the instrumentals of Deep End and What You Want. But their 2025 album LOVE.JONES had been filed down with a piece of sandpaper - a much smoother offering than what their fans were used to.
It’s an homage to the Black movie classic of the same name - a celebration of Black love and culture. The album is a mix of high energy, and lower tempo throwback vibes. Fifth track *5 STAR* is what it says on the tin, a song with no room for improvement. It’s downright atmospheric, with trap influences, silky-soft vocals and an unwavering level of confidence.
If you like this, listen to: Back It Up and Straight Up
16. Burning Blue - Mariah the Scientist
Mariah Amani Buckles, known more fondly as Mariah the Scientist, is an Atlanta born and raised songstress who takes pride in her emotive writing style, and wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s the definition of a lover girl - which as the internet knows all too well, can be both a blessing and a curse.
She’s on an honourable run when it comes to her releases - her 2022 album RY RY WORLD still heavily in rotation with tracks All For Me, 2 You, and Always n Forever taking up space in her top five most streamed songs on Spotify.
HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY is Mariah’s fourth studio album, a play on words emphasising that love is not automatically part of the package and needs to be earned. It navigates complex emotions and growth, and track Burning Blue focuses entirely on an intense connection with a hint of hesitation. The production - soft synths and intermittent kick drums - combined with her feather-light vocals make for an overall sensual final product. It’s safe to say she’s taking her seat at the table with some R&B greats.
If you like this, listen to: Is It a Crime and Aura
15. Liar in Love - Orla Rae
Orla Rae: a born and raised Brighton babe with the skills of an R&B veteran, despite only emerging in 2023. Her self-titled EP orla was one of the standouts of 2025 - a whistle stop tour into her lived experiences that provides a strong sense of relatability. In our interview with her back in August, Orla opened up about what she wants to bring to her music: “I try and be super honest in my songs and my writing and I’m trying to build my world and let people in. [Share] the normal human experience and try and make it sound nice.” And she’s off to an admirable start.
The second track on her debut project, Liar in Love, is an anthem for the girls. It tells the story of dealing with someone that makes you doubt your self-worth, all whilst portraying themselves to be something they’re not - thus, a liar in love. It features a smooth instrumental, punctuated by the deep notes of a guitar. Her vocals are full-bodied, akin to a good bottle of wine. It’s one of those songs you’d belt out with your closest friends. Almost like therapy.
Orla is a breath of fresh air - her music beautifully soulful, whilst being incredibly candid. Keep her in your rotation as she’s definitely one to watch for 2026.
If you like this, listen to: richest girl and Diamonds & Flowers
14. Golden Boy - cortex
Swedish artist cortex is another product of the TikTok machine. He’s been releasing music on streaming platforms since 2023 and primarily dabbled in hip-hop, but has more recently found a home in the R&B-sphere.
He was a relatively obscure name up until earlier this year, but cortex gained significant traction with a teaser of melodic track December 10th on the video sharing platform that had listeners begging for the full song - and since its release, has gone on to drop an abundance of heat. Recently released Golden Boy is a silken record - showcasing a glistening instrumental with old school facets and a dreamy tempo.
He croons: “I can’t be your golden boy, but I can make sure you feel joy // but don’t get it confused, we’re not together” - something straight out of the Brent Faiyaz playbook, his velvety cadence making toxicity sound sugar sweet.
If you like this, listen to: December 10th and Secrets
13. All Yours - Joe Kay ft. Amaria & Dylan Sinclair
Joe Kay is known as a DJ and radio host first and foremost, but a musical talent second. He’s 1/3 of the brains behind Soulection, one of the most popular platforms for showcasing R&B, soul and electronic music - described as “The Sound of Tomorrow”. In its 15th year, Joe is taking his show on the road with stops in Miami, London, Johannesburg and Los Angeles on the cards for 2026.
He overcame what he described as imposter syndrome and released his debut EP If Not Now, Then When? earlier this year. It’s a personal project that fittingly embodies the ethos of his Soulection empire - a laid-back, easy listen which fuses together the sounds of R&B and soul, whilst amplifying underground voices including Karri, Merges and band Cruza.
All Yours is a sleek composition, featuring R&B’s Floridian princess Amaria and maestro Dylan Sinclair who’s rising swiftly through the ranks. The ethereal vocals of Amaria complement the luminous tones of Dylan - both seamlessly floating across the candied production. In my opinion it’s a sensory masterpiece.
If you like this, listen to: Moonlight and Hesitation // Beggin’ and Afford You // CREW > BOO and Open (Remix)
12. NOT FAIR - Leon Thomas
Would it really be another top 20 R&B countdown if Leon Thomas wasn’t involved? Of course not. He’s the dictionary definition of a man of many talents - writer, producer and songwriter are just a few skills he has under his belt. 2025 saw the release of MUTT Deluxe: HEEL, an addition to his critically acclaimed masterpiece MUTT. It’s littered with star power, including features from Kehlani, Big Sean, and Halle. But one of the most impressive tracks is a solo affair.
NOT FAIR is a poetic number where Leon is captivated by the object of his affection. His tender vocals glide across smooth bass lines, intricate guitar riffs and the gentle tinkering of piano keys. It has every element that you’d want in an R&B song, something which is hard to come by.
If that wasn’t enough, his fans were blessed with a new EP entitled PHOLKS - a funky, psychedelic experiment that sounds like it jumped straight out of a radio in the 70s. Leon is fast becoming one of the best creatives of our generation, and it’s clear he shows no signs of hitting the brakes.
If you like this, listen to: PARTY FAVORS and My Muse
11. Keep Hush - RUBII ft. Amaria BB
RUBII is no stranger to creating musical goodness. The Birmingham-born songstress built a solid fanbase for herself with the release of her EP Olive Green in 2023. Its little sister Change & Remain was delivered in 2024 - a laid-back, lo-fi project that’s made for a night-time drive. She encompasses chill vibes with her airy production, but her lyricism has a bite to it, making her one of the more unique artists in the game right now.
Keep Hush was one of four singles released prior to her FEELUH EP - and it was the perfect introduction to the summer months. She enlisted the help of UK R&B and Dancehall prodigy Amaria BB for the Brazilian Funk dipped R&B gem. The pristine arrangement is laced with punchy flows that make for incredibly strong replay value. There’s a reason it landed in the top five of my Spotify Wrapped.
If you like this, listen to: Leave Me Alone and Grow
10. DEEPER - PARTYNEXTDOOR
2025 started off in the right way. The announcement of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, the hotly anticipated collaborative album from two of the top artists in their respective genres - PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake. After a tumultuous - yet entertaining for the masses - year for Drake, he was looking to put everything behind him and remind everyone what he was about.
DEEPER was the first teaser shared with the public. It’s a moody number, in true PARTYNEXTDOOR fashion, where he serenades the listener from a place of desire and vulnerability. He sings: “ain’t worried ‘bout my pride, I’d rather get it right than wrong tonight // you got me thinking deeper, deeper than I like.” Bold, sexy and just the right amount of indecent - no wonder it was released on Valentine’s Day.
If you like this, listen to: SPIDER-MAN SUPERMAN and Bout It
9. Ms. Goody Two Shoes - Alex Isley
Alex Isley is a descendant of greatness in the form of household names The Isley Brothers. Daughter of the legendary Ernie Isley, it’s clear to see that Alex inherited his talent and exemplary work ethic. The Los Angeles native has a myriad of anthems to her name, including the decadent Love Again, Good and Plenty with Saxophone king Masego and exquisite projects Marigold and Wilton in collaboration with friend Jack Dine.
Her 2025 WHEN EP is an eclectic mix, featuring upbeat track Mic On written and produced by everyone’s favourite DJ KAYTRANADA and my personal favourite, Ms. Goody Two Shoes. It’s a soothing, balmy ballad - her voice floating across the track like a much needed breeze. She utters the words, “yes it’s immaculate, and it’s magic” - and my only retort is touché, Alex, touché.
If you’re longing for another dose of Alex Isley’s charm, tune into her NPR Tiny Desk performance. 10/10, no notes.
If you like this, listen to: Fool’s Gold and About Him
8. can’t stop - Sasha Keable
Sasha Keable is a name that every seasoned R&B fan should have on their radar by now. The British-Colombian singer boasts a voice complete with rich, earthy tones that complements her impressive musical catalogue. This current run isn’t Sasha’s first taste of success. She burst onto the scene over a decade ago, lending her vocals to tracks including Overtime and Voices - collaborations with Snakehips and Disclosure.
Her 2021 release Intermission was the last we’d hear from Sasha for some time, as she took a break to find her love for music again. Speaking on The Dotty Show earlier this year, she admitted: “I did say to myself if it don’t work this time I’m done.” The release of Hold Up in 2024 was the birth of a new era, and proved the break was arguably the best thing for her career.
Amongst dropping an immaculate Tiny Desk performance and supporting GIVĒON on his North American tour, Sasha amassed over 70m Spotify streams across 184 countries - her EP act right playing a huge part in that. It’s an indulgent body of work, which includes the sumptuous, but somewhat toxic number can’t stop. Stacked with harmonies and self-assured lyrics in true Sasha Keable style, it displays her range in all its glory. With more music to come in the new year, she continues to state her case for being one of UK R&B’s most exciting young things - all the while reminding the naysayers that the genre is in safe hands.
If you like this, listen to: TAI CHI and heartbeat
7. Obsessive - Girlfriend
Kenya Edwards, known by her stage name Girlfriend, references R&B and reggae music as the inspiration for her diverse sound. Her formative years were spent recording musical covers that she went on to post on Facebook, realising that she wanted to take this music thing seriously. I speak for most people when I say I’m glad she did.
Putting pen to paper is her idea of healing - allowing her to speak the truth that the real her wants to avoid - and it built up to her mellow offering It’s Complicated. A short project with seven tracks, but beautifully contemplative nonetheless. It opens with Bon Voyage, a collab with spirited rapper Tierra Whack which sounds like a 90s classic, and is brought to a close with delicate track Obsessive.
On its origins, Girlfriend stated: “this song came to life because I was in a situation where I wasn’t in a fully committed relationship, but I also wanted this guy all to myself.” Obsessive tastefully captures the inner turmoil that comes with pining after someone, without emphasising a feeling of self-pity. It’s a deeply personal battle with her feelings, one that certainly hits home.
If you like this, listen to: Emergency and Sticky Situation
6. MR. E - DESTIN CONRAD
On the top 20 list for the second year running is R&B’s darling, Destin Conrad. One of the freshest, most authentic artists around today, Destin has gone above and beyond to establish himself as a serious contender in the R&B field. He came in all guns blazing four years ago with indulgent EP COLORWAY, a record that sounds like it could have been made by someone 10 years his senior.
He cites his position in the queer community as something that inspires the music he creates: “It’s super important that people know I’m queer in the R&B space because there’s so many people that need that music.” And this couldn’t be anymore prevalent with his latest offering - GRAMMY nominated debut album LOVE ON DIGITAL. It’s a project that feels fun and bubbly, but also brooding and considered.
Mr. E is an ode to Destin’s alter ego. The beat is stripped back in comparison to some of his other songs, but it still packs a punch - with effortless runs in the chorus from long-time friend Sasha Keable. While the soft lilt of his voice is still recognisable, the lyrics are anything but sweet - “borrow that n**** baby, we can take turns // think him wicked but I’m wickeder.”
If you like this, listen to: FMU! and wASH U AWAY
5. Make It Right - Lekan
Newcomer Lekan has made it his mission to bring a heavy dose of passion, sensitivity and introspection to his music. The first generation Nigerian-American who hails from Ohio has a distinct, silky baritone edge to his voice. The kind of timbre that warms you up on a cold winter’s night. He opened his account on a strong note with alluring slow jam Familiar in 2023, followed by Need Somebody and Pray For Me.
On his debut EP So You Know, he sampled Erykah Badu’s Didn’t Cha Know for airy track On Me. Getting a sample cleared from the queen of neo-soul herself on your debut project? You just know he means business.
Make It Right was his first release of 2025. It’s a fragile number, Lekan putting emphasis on a feeling of regret over a past relationship: “you found somebody when I didn’t take it serious, last night I hit you, can’t lie I miss you, wondering if it’s something we might try again.” Some may see a move like this as mildly crazy, while others would just consider it truthful. Male artists openly expressing their feelings through their songwriting is quickly becoming the standard in R&B, and it’s deeply refreshing. More of this please.
If you like this, listen to: Pray For Me and Come Thru
4. Pity - Amaria BB
Since her breakthrough single Slow Motion in 2021, Amaria BB has propelled herself to staple status in the UK R&B and Dancehall scenes. She’s known from a young age that music was her destiny and she has managed to create a space just for herself. And not many can compare.
Amaria’s creative output is second to none - projects What’s Done in the Dark, 6.9.4.2, and a barrage of singles delivered throughout her six year career speaks volumes. She consistently curates infectious hooks and her unmistakably buttery vocals are commonplace in all of her work. She has all the makings of a star - charisma and bags of talent - both of which were on display for all to see at her recent sold-out show at Islington Assembly Hall. She whisked through her vast discography, including her latest enchanting body of work, 9PM IN PARIS.
Pity was a standout track on the record and during her performance. It’s a salacious, fiery track outlining the brazen act of cheating (please, don’t try this at home). It’s taboo, but with the expertise in which this song is written, it’s a guilty pleasure I’m proud to claim. The interpolation of Tanya Stephen’s 2004 classic It’s a Pity makes it even smoother (if that was possible). Amaria’s heavenly voice often juxtaposes the downright lewd content in her music - and that’s no mean feat.
If you like this, listen to: Experience and It’s On
3. Folded - Kehlani
With a career spanning 10+ years, Kehlani is an an integral part of the R&B genre. She went from humble beginnings as a member of a girl group, to dropping Complex’s 28th best album of 2014 with Cloud 19, and countless heavy-hitting albums after that.
She has played a huge role in re-inflating the lungs of R&B with glossy track Folded. It’s a deep cut - incorporating a tight, dynamic guitar loop and operatic strings with a gutsy vocal arrangement. The track explores the conflicting level of care you can still have for someone despite things not working out. On why she opted to fold the clothes instead of doing the wounded ex routine and bundling them into a trash bag, Kehlani says: “that was like a gesture, almost like an olive branch. I’m waving a little bit of a flag here which means that I really, really, really care.” The success of Folded spawned the Folded Homage Pack, where she brought together legends Toni Braxton, Brandy, Mario, Tank, JoJo and Ne-Yo for remixes.
While this track was enough to have her eating good for years to come, its successor Out the Window was born three months later. A textbook old school banger, with a cover to match.
If you like this, listen to: Hate the Club and Everything Is Yours
2. Lil’ Obsession - BOY SODA
If you’re looking for something sweet, BOY SODA is exactly what you need to satisfy your cravings. The Australian-Samoan singer-songwriter is fast becoming an important member of the new school class of R&B. He’s truly exhilarating, his music a thorough discovery of sonic textures and boundary-pushing.
He fully arrived on the scene this year with his debut album SOULSTAR. It’s a 13-track crowd pleaser that incorporates symphonic instruments (My Body) with meteoric guitar shredding (PM) and deft notes. His vocals are an enticing combination of rough and smooth - dulcet tones intertwined with a drop of raspiness.
On track Lil’ Obsession, silver-tongued BOY SODA sugarcoats his heartbreak, making the concept of waving the white flag and accepting the relationship is over sound somewhat gentle. The magic of the song was heightened with the addition of GRAMMY Award winning artist Ambré on the remix.
Lil’ Obsession is one of few tracks that was executed faultlessly, and I’m not ashamed to admit it went platinum in my house.
If you like this, listen to: Hit the Road! and 4K
1. back of the club - kwn
If the Oxford Dictionary chose a ‘Name of the Year’, I’d say kwn’s would be it. The East London artiste has been on everyone’s lips lately, after having another year for the books. Her worst behaviour remix outperformed the original, bagging the number nine spot on the Billboard Hot R&B chart, she shared her riveting sophomore EP with all due respect with the world, and sold out her headline tour across the UK, Europe and North America in seconds. Light work.
She’s a connoisseur of the bedroom anthem, expertly fusing together R&B, soul and trap that culminates in something provocative. It was hard to choose just one song for this list, but track four on the EP back of the club is a lesson in near perfect songwriting. It’s an impassioned, heated number that sounds like honey was dripped over every syllable - her confidence permeating the syrupy instrumental. It’s accompanied by an equally sexy video, the tension between her and her partner can make even those watching behind the screen hot under the collar. When you think it can’t get any better, the verses make way for a hypnotic bridge, transporting the listener to another realm. It’s four minutes and 33 seconds that I didn’t want to end.
If you like this, listen to: do what i say and five more
Still after more R&B goodness? Check out the full best of R&B playlist below!
