Best R&B Songs 2025: Reviving Real R&B
Discover the best R&B songs of 2025 from artists like Elmiene, Kehlani, and Leon Thomas, proving R&B's soul and emotion are thriving.
R&B has given us iconic music from artists like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Usher, Atlantic Starr, Keith Sweat, Jodeci, Tony! Blige, and Chris Brown. However, the genre seemed to have lost its charm due to excessive pop influence and trap elements.
The sound shifted: too much pop influence, too much trap bleeding in, a blend of genres that pulled R&B away from what made it special.
Artists like SZA and Ella Mai sparked a revival, and in 2025, new talent is maintaining that momentum, creating music with intimacy, meaningful lyrics, and soulful vocals.
Author's summary: R&B's soul and emotion are thriving in 2025.