Top 100 R&B Songs of the 2010s

R&B music in the 2010s saw a mix of classic soul influences and modern pop sounds. Big-name singers and new artists alike blended smooth vocals with hip-hop beats, while storytelling and romantic themes remained central. Ballads and dance tracks both found success, helped by streaming and social media. Many songs from this era became very popular, often reflecting personal stories or catchy melodies. Overall, 2010s R&B was known for its emotional depth, strong vocals, and broad appeal that crossed over into the pop charts.

Adorn by Miguel

Miguel is an American R&B singer known for his smooth voice and romantic songwriting. He blends classic soul and funk styles with modern pop sounds. His music often features heartfelt lyrics about love and longing. Miguel became popular in the early 2010s and is admired for his rich tone and modern approach to R&B music.

Best Part by Daniel Caesar

Daniel Caesar is a Canadian R&B singer and songwriter. He became known for his gentle, soulful voice and intimate acoustic sound. His songs often feature soft guitar and smooth melodies. Caesar’s style mixes old-school soul and modern R&B, and he writes emotional love ballads. He gained a reputation for heartfelt duets and sincere lyrics.

Love On Top by Beyoncé

Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, and performer widely regarded as a global pop and R&B superstar. She first gained fame with the group Destiny’s Child and later had a hugely successful solo career. Her music combines R&B, pop, and soul, often featuring strong vocals and dance beats. Beyoncé is known for powerful performances and chart-topping hits.

Drunk in Love by Beyoncé

Beyoncé (again) is known for reinventing R&B and pop styles throughout her career. In her solo work, she blends sultry R&B with high-energy dance and hip-hop elements. Her songs often celebrate love, empowerment, and confidence. Over the 2010s she continued to set trends and release many hit songs that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.

Partition by Beyoncé

Beyoncé (once more) remains one of the most influential R&B/pop artists of the decade. Her music often combines sensual R&B grooves with catchy pop hooks. She is praised for her vocal range and dramatic style. Beyoncé’s albums and singles have frequently topped charts, and she uses a mix of retro soul influences and modern production in her songs.

Love Lies by Khalid & Normani

Khalid is an American singer known for his smooth, mellow R&B style. He writes and sings songs about young love and life, often with a gentle, easygoing delivery. Normani is an American singer who first gained fame in a girl group and later launched a solo R&B/pop career. She mixes strong vocals with dance-ready beats. Both Khalid and Normani focus on emotional singing and modern R&B sounds.

Exchange by Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller is an American R&B singer and songwriter known for blending R&B and trap music. His songs often feature moody beats and atmospheric production, with lyrics about love and relationships. Tiller’s style is laid-back and his voice has a gentle, melodic quality. He gained popularity with heartfelt songs and a style sometimes called “trap soul.”

Pretty Wings by Maxwell

Maxwell is an American R&B singer known for his smooth falsetto voice and neo-soul sound. He was part of the late-1990s soul revival and continued success into the 2010s. His music often mixes classic soul grooves with lush, modern production. Maxwell writes romantic, introspective songs and is praised for his vocal control and emotional delivery.

Sure Thing by Miguel

Miguel (again) continues his style of blending R&B, funk, and soul. He writes most of his own music and is known for passionate love songs with lush production. Miguel’s sound in the 2010s stayed true to classic R&B but with a modern twist, using electronic beats and guitar. He often balances raw emotion with polished vocals in his work.

Focus by H.E.R.

H.E.R. is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful R&B and mysterious image. She often performs wearing sunglasses and keeps her identity partly private, focusing attention on the music. H.E.R. plays guitar and piano and writes introspective songs about love and heartache. Her smooth voice and modern soul style brought her critical acclaim and awards in the late 2010s.

Boo’d Up by Ella Mai

Ella Mai is a British R&B singer who gained fame in the late 2010s. She sings smooth, laid-back songs about love and relationships. Her voice is warm and expressive. Ella Mai often uses mellow beats and classic R&B melodies. She became well-known for turning old-school soul influences into fresh, modern hits and is considered part of a new generation of R&B artists.

You & I by John Legend

John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. His music blends R&B, soul, and pop. He is known for his rich, soulful voice and elegant piano ballads. Legend often writes romantic love songs and performs with a smooth, heartfelt style. He gained fame in the 2000s and continued to release popular R&B-influenced songs through the 2010s, earning several awards and hits.

Location by Khalid

Khalid (again) brings a relaxed style to contemporary R&B. He uses breathy vocals and mellow beats. His lyrics are often straightforward and relate to young adult experiences. Khalid’s music is both radio-friendly and laid-back, mixing gentle R&B with influences of pop and electronic music. He gained a large audience with songs that feel both personal and universal.

Needed Me by Rihanna

Rihanna is a Barbadian-American singer known for blending R&B, pop, and dancehall. She became a superstar in the late 2000s and continued releasing hit songs through the 2010s. Rihanna’s style is versatile: she sings ballads as well as club-ready tracks. Her voice has a distinctive tone, and she often chooses bold, edgy production. She is also known for her fashion and strong public image.

Kiss It Better by Rihanna

Rihanna (again) is celebrated for her powerful and versatile voice. Over the 2010s, she experimented with different genres including R&B, pop, and electronic. Even in her quieter ballads, Rihanna’s R&B roots show in soulful vocals and emotional delivery. She often worked with top producers to blend traditional soul elements with modern sounds, making each song feel fresh and contemporary.

Love on the Brain by Rihanna

Rihanna (once more) often incorporates classic soul and R&B styles into her music. She has a wide vocal range and isn’t afraid to use raw emotion in her singing. In the 2010s she balanced upbeat tracks with more personal songs. Her influence in R&B comes from mixing Caribbean rhythms and modern pop-R&B production. She became one of the biggest music stars of the decade.

The Weekend by SZA

SZA is an American singer-songwriter known for her unique R&B style. She often blends traditional soul and R&B melodies with modern beats and honest lyrics. Her voice can be gentle and vulnerable. SZA’s songs often explore relationships and self-expression from a personal perspective. She debuted in the mid-2010s and quickly became a rising star in the R&B scene.

The Worst by Jhene Aiko

Jhene Aiko is an American R&B singer known for her ethereal and mellow sound. Her music often has a dreamy quality, mixing gentle vocals with soft instrumentation. Jhene writes very personal and emotional songs, frequently about love and healing. She often layers vocals and uses vocal effects, giving her tracks a modern, atmospheric vibe.

Earned It by The Weeknd

The Weeknd is a Canadian singer and producer known for his dark, moody R&B sound. He first gained attention with atmospheric, mysterious songs about love and excess. His voice ranges from falsetto to deeper tones. In the 2010s he blended 1980s-style synths and modern R&B beats. The Weeknd is known for his cinematic production and emotional performances.

In the Night by The Weeknd

The Weeknd (again) combines pop and R&B in his music. His songs often have a haunting quality and deal with complicated emotions. He writes most of his own material and produces with a cinematic style, using echoing vocals and heavy bass. In the 2010s he became famous for catchy songs that still felt moody and soulful, setting a new tone in R&B.

Starboy by The Weeknd

The Weeknd (once more) is known for blending smooth R&B vocals with upbeat pop and electronic elements. He often collaborates with big-name producers and artists from different genres. His image and lyrics can be mysterious or flashy. By the late 2010s he was one of the most popular R&B artists, with hits that topped charts while keeping an alternative edge.

Call Out My Name by The Weeknd

The Weeknd (again) often writes about love, heartbreak, and nightlife. His singing voice is strong and emotional, and he frequently uses falsetto. Throughout the 2010s, he mixed pop hooks with traditional R&B soulfulness. Even when making pop songs, The Weeknd kept a darker, atmospheric style. He helped bring a new sound to mainstream R&B with his unique production.

All of Me by John Legend

John Legend (again) combines R&B and soul with classical piano. He is known for heartfelt ballads. Legend’s voice is smooth and rich, often delivering full band arrangements that highlight his piano skills. In his career he has crossed between pop, R&B, and gospel influences. This wide appeal made him a staple in adult contemporary radio and brought classic-sounding R&B to a broad audience.

Redbone by Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino is the stage name of Donald Glover, an American artist known for rap and R&B. As Childish Gambino he writes and performs songs that mix genres. “Redbone” shows his soulful, retro R&B side with a vintage funk style. He has a playful approach to music production and often sings in falsetto. He became famous for creative videos and blending old-school soul with modern themes.

Get You by Daniel Caesar

Daniel Caesar (again) uses gentle guitar and soft rhythms in his R&B music. His singing style is calm and intimate. He often performs acoustic or lightly produced tracks, focusing on emotional lyrics and melody. Caesar’s work typically feels personal and warm, continuing the tradition of singer-songwriters in R&B. He is praised for sincere vocals and simple, elegant arrangements.

Back to Sleep by Chris Brown

Chris Brown is an American R&B singer and dancer. He became famous as a teenager with upbeat hits, and over time he also released romantic R&B ballads. His style includes pop and hip-hop influences, and he is known for smooth vocals and energetic performances. He often showcases strong vocal runs and choreography. Brown’s music in the 2010s ranged from club tracks to slow love songs.

Fine China by Chris Brown

Chris Brown (again) is known for blending modern R&B with pop and hip-hop. His voice is flexible, and he’s known to sing both fast-paced R&B tracks and smooth slow jams. In addition to singing, he’s famous for dancing. Over the 2010s he collaborated with many producers to keep his sound fresh and often mixed upbeat grooves with soulful singing.

Don’t Mind by Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is an American singer known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” She rose to fame in the 1990s but continued charting into the 2010s. Her music blends R&B, gospel, and soul. She is known for powerful, emotional vocals and honest lyrics about love and life struggles. Mary J. Blige’s career has influenced many modern R&B singers and she maintains a strong vocal presence even in slower ballads.

Pray for Me by Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton is an American R&B and soul singer. He has a deep, rich voice and often sings about love, hardship, and redemption. His style is classic soul with a modern touch. Hamilton’s songs feature heartfelt lyrics and gospel influences. He became popular for singing about real life and emotion, blending traditional soul sounds with a contemporary production style in the 2010s.

Swim Good by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is an American singer-songwriter known for his experimental and personal R&B. He writes poetic and reflective lyrics, often focusing on relationships and self-discovery. His singing style is soft and introspective. Frank Ocean’s music pushes the boundaries of R&B by mixing unusual song structures and ambient production. He gained a cult following for albums that blend R&B with art-pop and jazz influences.

Crew by GoldLink ft. Brent Faiyaz

GoldLink is an American rapper and singer who often mixes R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. His style can include rap verses and sung choruses. Brent Faiyaz is an American R&B singer with a silky voice. He often sings soulful melodies and harmonies. Together, they blend rhythmic beats with smooth R&B vocals. GoldLink and Faiyaz represent a modern R&B scene that is eclectic and cross-genre.

Leave It Smokin by Tamia

Tamia is a Canadian R&B singer known for her smooth, elegant voice. She often sings about love and heartache in ballads that emphasize her vocal range. Tamia’s style is classic R&B with a contemporary polish. She is admired for her clear tone and control. Over many years she has had hits with slow, romantic songs and continues to be respected in the R&B community for consistent vocal talent.

Long As I Live by Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is an American R&B singer with a deep, sultry voice. She found fame in the 1990s and continued releasing music into the 2010s. Her songs are known for romantic themes and smooth production. Braxton often works with ballads that highlight her husky singing style. She has won multiple awards and is known for bringing classic soul elements into contemporary R&B over her long career.

One in a Million by Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo is an American singer-songwriter known for his melodic R&B hits. He writes many of his own songs and for other artists. His style mixes romantic lyrics with catchy hooks. Ne-Yo’s smooth voice and dance-friendly beats helped him become popular in the mid-2000s and 2010s. He often brings classic R&B crooning together with modern pop production.

Lake by the Ocean by Maxwell

Maxwell (again) continues to represent modern soul and R&B. His songs often have a warm, intimate feel. He writes and produces music that recalls the great soul singers of the past. Maxwell’s lush arrangements and falsetto vocals create a romantic mood. He is celebrated for keeping the spirit of 1970s soul alive in a 21st century context, with many fans appreciating his smooth style.

Body Party by Ciara

Ciara is an American singer and dancer whose music blends R&B and pop. She became famous in the mid-2000s and continued making hits into the 2010s. Ciara’s songs often feature dance beats and sultry lyrics. She is known for her energetic dance moves and strong, breathy vocals. Her style combines confident empowerment with sensual R&B vibes, maintaining her popularity over many years.

24K Magic by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is an American singer-songwriter known for his throwback R&B and pop sound. He often draws from 1970s and 1980s funk, soul, and R&B. Bruno has a versatile voice and strong showmanship. His music is upbeat, danceable, and nostalgic. In the 2010s he released several albums with R&B influences, combining classic grooves with modern pop and catchy hooks.

Versace on the Floor by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars (again) frequently pays tribute to old-school R&B and soul. He sings smooth love songs and party anthems with equal skill. His vocal style can range from falsetto to powerful belts. Bruno writes and performs in a very polished way, often using live instrumentation and retro-style production. He is known for reviving classic vibes in a contemporary way.

That’s What I Like by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars (once more) mixes R&B with pop flair. He often sings romantic lyrics and uses fun, showy arrangements. His voice is clean and dynamic. Bruno is also a talented dancer and performer. By the late 2010s he had many hits that topped the charts, reinforcing his reputation for crafting catchy, R&B-inspired pop tunes.

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for blending R&B with soul and pop. She writes much of her own music and accompanies herself on piano. Alicia’s voice is strong and expressive. She became famous in the 2000s and kept making hits into the 2010s. Her songs range from powerful anthems to intimate ballads, always with a soulful feel.

Stay with Me by Sam Smith

Sam Smith is a British singer known for their soulful pop and R&B ballads. They have a clear, emotive voice often compared to classic soul singers. Smith’s music focuses on love and heartache. They became famous in the 2010s and often worked with R&B producers. Even though some songs are pop, their style is deeply influenced by gospel and soul, making them fit into the contemporary R&B scene.

Closer by Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo (again) is recognized for his smooth, romantic R&B songs. He often includes strong melodies and gentle falsetto vocals. Ne-Yo is also a prolific songwriter for others. His music often combines modern beats with soulful harmonies. Over his career he has delivered many mid-tempo love songs that were popular on R&B radio, showing a consistent style of emotional yet catchy music.

How Many Drinks by Miguel

Miguel (third time) keeps the same soulful R&B vibe in all his work. He writes about romance and relationships with a blend of passion and coolness. His vocals can be both silky and powerful. Miguel often produces his tracks with funky guitar lines and electronic beats. He is seen as a creative force in modern R&B, with a personal and polished approach to the genre.

Every Kind of Way by H.E.R.

H.E.R. (again) continues to focus on intimate, guitar-driven R&B. She often emphasizes feelings in her lyrics and performance. Her singing is smooth and warm. H.E.R. gained a reputation for skilled musicianship, especially with guitar. Her style is influenced by 1990s R&B and contemporary soul. By the late 2010s she was winning awards for her honest, traditional-sounding R&B songs with a modern twist.

Better by Khalid

Khalid (again) is known for heartfelt R&B tunes. His voice is light and soothing, and he often discusses themes of youth and growing up. Khalid works with minimalistic production that highlights his vocals. In the 2010s he brought a fresh sound to R&B, mixing youthful perspective with the genre’s smooth style. His songs became popular with broad audiences, bridging pop and urban radio.

Young Dumb & Broke by Khalid

Khalid (once more) appeals especially to younger listeners with relatable lyrics. He sings about everyday life and love in a straightforward way. His music often uses simple but catchy melodies. Khalid’s style of R&B is very accessible and mellow. In the 2010s he became one of the breakout stars of modern R&B, known for combining sincerity with a chill, minimalist vibe.

Trip by Ella Mai

Ella Mai (again) continues to represent new R&B talent. Her voice is smooth and slightly husky. She grew up loving old-school R&B and her music often reflects that. Ella Mai writes songs about affection and romantic moments. By the late 2010s she had become a known name with songs that blend classic soul feeling with current production trends, appealing to a younger audience.

2 On by Tinashe

Tinashe is an American singer and dancer known for mixing R&B with hip-hop and pop. She often includes strong beats and energetic hooks in her songs. Tinashe’s voice is airy and versatile. She originally wrote and produced much of her own material. In the 2010s she released singles that showcased her dance skills and singing, making her popular in the contemporary R&B and pop scene.

Love More by Chris Brown

Chris Brown (again) often uses slick production in his R&B songs. His vocals are energetic and youthful. Over the years he has shown a mix of rap influences and pure R&B ballads. Chris Brown also dances, so many of his tracks have a club-friendly rhythm. Even in love songs, his style stays modern and polished, keeping R&B vocals on top of current urban beats.

Consideration by Rihanna

Rihanna (again) in this period showed a wide musical range. She mixed Caribbean rhythms and electronic production with R&B heart. Her collaboration songs still featured her powerful voice over bold beats. In “Consideration” she teamed up with a then-new R&B singer SZA. Rihanna’s willingness to experiment kept her music fresh – she could sing slow R&B and then follow up with a dance track, all with her own distinctive style.

Thinkin Bout You by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean (again) is known for his thoughtful, literary lyrics and gentle voice. His R&B songs often use odd chord changes and minimalist beats. He writes very personal songs that feel like stories. Ocean’s style is unique; even though some songs are soft and romantic, others can be mysterious. He has been praised for updating R&B with experimental songwriting and production.

Sativa by Jhene Aiko

Jhene Aiko (again) often blends singing and poetry. Her vocals are whispery and calm. In “Sativa,” she collaborated with rapper Swae Lee, but her part stays smooth and melodic. Jhene’s sound is very mellow; she often uses slow, dreamy rhythms. Her lyrics can be reflective. She became one of the most recognizable new voices in R&B by the mid-2010s.

Cranes in the Sky by Solange

Solange is an American singer and songwriter known for creative, artful R&B. She is Beyoncé’s sister but has her own style. Her music blends soul, funk, and electronic elements with poetic lyrics. Solange often aims for a relaxed, meditative vibe in her songs. She is praised for being bold and different, focusing on artistry. Her work in the 2010s is seen as thoughtful and soulful, even as it pushes R&B in new directions.

River by Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges is an American singer who brought a retro soul sound to modern R&B. His music echoes 1960s soul with live band arrangements and a warm voice. “River” is a simple but emotional ballad. Leon’s style is very classic; he sings with clear pronunciation and gentle vibrato. In the 2010s he reminded listeners of old-school R&B/soul even as his songs were new.

Coming Home by Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges (again) continues with that vintage style. His songs often feature gentle guitar and a steady, old-fashioned beat. He writes personal, reflective lyrics with a humble tone. Bridges is known for honesty and sincerity in his singing. By the mid-2010s he stood out as one of the few new artists embracing classic soul music style in the R&B genre.

Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware

Jessie Ware is a British singer whose music mixes R&B and soul with electronic pop. She started her career in the early 2010s and became known for smooth, passionate ballads. Her voice is powerful yet controlled. Jessie often sings emotional love songs. Though she is from the UK, her style is heavily influenced by classic R&B and soul, making her work popular with R&B fans worldwide.

In Common by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys (again) often explores more experimental sounds. “In Common” has a laid-back, groovy beat and lyrics about a modern relationship. Alicia wrote it herself. She continues to merge her soulful singing with new styles of R&B. Her creative approach to production shows that even as an established artist, she kept evolving and trying new things in the 2010s.

Issues/Hold On by Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor is an American singer and performer whose music blends R&B, soul, and hip-hop. She started as a teenager and later released her own albums. Teyana’s voice is raw and emotive. Her songs often talk about real-life issues and relationships with honesty. She is known for strong lyrics and a powerful delivery, carving her niche as a bold voice in R&B.

Dance 4 You by Beyoncé

Beyoncé (again) has a deep catalog of slow jams. “Dance 4 You” is a romantic track that showcases her ability to balance sensual lyrics with smooth R&B production. Over the 2010s she continued making songs that appeal to both pop and R&B audiences. Even in gentler songs, her vocal performance and songwriting show a commitment to quality, reflecting her status as an R&B artist who can do it all.

Superwoman by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys (once more) often writes songs of empowerment. “Superwoman” celebrates strength and independence with a classic R&B arrangement. Her music frequently has gospel undertones and live instrumentation. In the 2010s Alicia showed she still had the soulful voice and lyrical depth that made her famous. She uses her R&B roots to inspire listeners, focusing on themes of resilience and love.

Slow Motion by Trey Songz

Trey Songz is an American R&B singer known for both smooth ballads and club hits. He often writes about romance and passion. Trey’s voice is strong and expressive, and he can add runs and riffs in his singing. Throughout the 2010s he was a regular presence in urban radio, mixing contemporary beats with traditional R&B singing. His performances and videos also highlight a sexy, confident style.

Wasting Time by Brent Faiyaz

Brent Faiyaz is an American R&B singer and producer known for a minimalist, laid-back style. His voice has a husky, emotional tone. He often collaborates with other artists and creates moody, atmospheric songs. In the late 2010s, he emerged as a new voice in R&B with tracks that feel very personal. His music typically focuses on introspective lyrics and a slow, spacious R&B production.

Before I Do by Sevyn Streeter

Sevyn Streeter is an American R&B singer and songwriter. She got attention in the 2010s with a mix of upbeat tracks and ballads. Sevyn’s singing style is smooth and soulful. She often writes about love and personal experiences. Her music has contemporary production but strong R&B roots, and she has worked with many big names in hip-hop and R&B, helping her songs sound polished and modern.

Superpower by Beyoncé

Beyoncé (again) loves to experiment. “Superpower” is a softer track with a soulful feel. In her work she often incorporates themes of strength and unity. By 2010s she was not just a singer but a cultural icon, and her music often reflects personal as well as social themes. Her versatility means she could release an the anthemic dance hit and then a quiet, emotional ballad like this on the same album.

Cupid by Lloyd

Lloyd is an American R&B singer who started in the 2000s and continued releasing music in the 2010s. He has a mellow, sweet voice and often sings romantic lyrics. Lloyd’s music is traditionally R&B with catchy hooks. He writes many of his own songs about love and attraction. During the 2010s he maintained a smooth R&B style, focusing on memorable melodies and feelings.

Back to Love by Bobby V

Bobby V (born Bobby Valentino) is an American R&B singer known for silky vocals and melodic songs. He became popular in the early 2000s and continued his career into the next decade. Bobby V often sings about relationships and romance in a gentle style. His music carries a classic R&B vibe with modern beats. Fans appreciate his strong tenor voice and warm, emotional delivery.

Fortunate by Maxwell

Maxwell (once more) released “Fortunate” in 1999, but continues to influence R&B. This intro covers the artist again. His early work bridged 90s soul and 2010s R&B. His sound stayed consistent over the years: romantic soul with a touch of jazz and funk. Maxwell’s style remained lush and refined, and in the 2010s he was still looked upon as a leader in bringing authentic soul into contemporary R&B.

Trust and Believe by Keyshia Cole

Keyshia Cole is an American R&B singer known for her raw, emotional singing. She often incorporates hip-hop elements into her R&B sound. Keyshia’s music is personal, addressing heartbreak and empowerment. Her voice is strong and gritty, which helped her stand out. Throughout the 2010s she released heartfelt ballads and soulful anthems, maintaining her reputation for honest, intense R&B performances.

It Kills Me by Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona is a Canadian R&B singer known for her powerful vocals and emotional ballads. She gained recognition in the late 2000s and continued to make an impact into the 2010s. Her music often blends classic soul with contemporary R&B, showcasing her rich, expressive voice. Fiona’s heartfelt lyrics and strong vocal performances have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Motivation by Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland is an American singer and actress who rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child. In her solo career, she has explored various musical styles, including R&B, pop, and dance. Rowland’s sultry vocals and confident stage presence have made her a standout artist. Her work in the 2010s solidified her status as a versatile performer in the R&B genre.

Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. She emerged in the early 2000s and continued to influence the R&B scene throughout the 2010s. Keys’ music often features themes of love, empowerment, and self-discovery, delivered through her emotive vocals and skilled piano playing.

Can’t Be Friends by Trey Songz

Trey Songz is an American R&B singer recognized for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads. He began his career in the mid-2000s and maintained popularity into the 2010s. Songz’s music often explores themes of love and relationships, characterized by his expressive singing style and contemporary R&B production.

There Goes My Baby by Usher

Usher is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who has been a prominent figure in R&B since the 1990s. Known for his dynamic performances and emotive vocals, Usher’s music in the 2010s continued to resonate with audiences. His songs often blend traditional R&B elements with modern influences, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Lotus Flower Bomb by Wale featuring Miguel

Wale is an American rapper known for his poetic lyrics and fusion of hip-hop with other genres. Miguel is an American R&B singer celebrated for his smooth vocals and eclectic style. Their collaboration combines Wale’s introspective verses with Miguel’s soulful chorus, creating a memorable track that bridges rap and R&B.

Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande & The Weeknd

Ariana Grande is an American pop and R&B singer with a powerful vocal range. The Weeknd is a Canadian artist known for his moody, atmospheric R&B style. Their collaboration blends Grande’s soaring vocals with The Weeknd’s distinctive sound, resulting in a sultry and emotionally charged duet.

Climax by Usher

Usher’s “Climax” showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through minimalist production and falsetto vocals. The song reflects a mature approach to R&B, focusing on the complexities of relationships. Usher’s performance in this track highlights his continued relevance and adaptability in the evolving R&B landscape of the 2010s.

Diamonds by Rihanna

Rihanna is a Barbadian singer known for her versatile voice and genre-spanning music. In the 2010s, she continued to dominate the charts with hits that blended pop, R&B, and dance influences. “Diamonds” features her emotive vocals and a soaring melody, exemplifying her ability to craft memorable and impactful songs.

Adorn by Miguel

Miguel’s “Adorn” is a modern R&B classic, featuring his smooth vocals and romantic lyrics. The song’s lush production and heartfelt delivery showcase Miguel’s talent for blending traditional R&B elements with contemporary sounds. His work in the 2010s solidified his status as a leading figure in the genre.

Sure Thing by Miguel

“Sure Thing” is another standout track from Miguel, highlighting his knack for crafting intimate and soulful R&B songs. The song’s catchy melody and sincere lyrics resonate with listeners, further establishing Miguel’s reputation for creating music that connects on an emotional level.

Love on Top by Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s “Love on Top” is a joyful, upbeat R&B track that showcases her vocal prowess and dynamic range. The song’s retro-inspired sound and infectious energy reflect Beyoncé’s ability to draw from classic influences while delivering fresh and contemporary music.

Drunk in Love by Beyoncé

“Drunk in Love” features Beyoncé’s sultry vocals and a hypnotic beat, creating a modern R&B anthem. The song’s sensual lyrics and atmospheric production demonstrate her willingness to explore new sonic territories while maintaining her signature style.

Partition by Beyoncé

In “Partition,” Beyoncé delves into a more provocative and experimental sound, blending R&B with electronic elements. The track’s bold lyrics and innovative production highlight her artistic evolution and willingness to push boundaries within the genre.

Love Lies by Khalid & Normani

Khalid and Normani’s “Love Lies” is a smooth, contemporary R&B duet that captures the complexities of modern relationships. Both artists bring their unique vocal styles to the track, creating a harmonious and emotionally resonant song that appeals to a wide audience.

Exchange by Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller is an American singer known for his blend of R&B and hip-hop, often referred to as “trap soul.” “Exchange” features his melodic vocals and introspective lyrics, showcasing his ability to convey vulnerability and emotion through his music.

Pretty Wings by Maxwell

Maxwell is an American R&B artist celebrated for his smooth falsetto and neo-soul sound. “Pretty Wings” is a poignant ballad that highlights his vocal control and emotive delivery, reaffirming his status as a key figure in contemporary R&B.

Focus by H.E.R.

H.E.R. is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting. “Focus” is a minimalist R&B track that emphasizes her emotive vocals and lyrical depth, solidifying her place in the modern R&B scene.

Boo’d Up by Ella Mai

Ella Mai is a British R&B singer who gained prominence with her hit “Boo’d Up.” The song’s catchy hook and classic R&B feel resonated with audiences, marking her as a rising star in the genre.

You & I by John Legend

John Legend is an American singer and pianist known for his soulful ballads and smooth vocals. “You & I” is a heartfelt song that showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful melodies.

Location by Khalid

Khalid’s “Location” is a laid-back R&B track that combines his distinctive voice with relatable lyrics about young love. His unique sound and authentic storytelling have made him a standout artist in the 2010s R&B landscape.

Needed Me by Rihanna

“Needed Me” features Rihanna’s confident vocals and a minimalist beat, creating a moody and empowering R&B track. The song’s themes of independence and self-worth resonate with listeners, further cementing her influence in the genre.

Kiss It Better by Rihanna

In “Kiss It Better,” Rihanna delivers a passionate performance over a guitar-driven R&B track. The song’s emotional intensity and raw lyrics showcase her versatility and depth as an artist.

Love on the Brain by Rihanna

“Love on the Brain” sees Rihanna channeling classic soul influences, with a powerful vocal performance that highlights her range and emotive capabilities. The song’s vintage feel and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout in her discography.

The Weekend by SZA

SZA is an American singer-songwriter known for her alternative R&B style and candid lyrics. “The Weekend” explores complex relationship dynamics with honesty and nuance, showcasing her unique voice and perspective.

The Worst by Jhene Aiko

Jhene Aiko is an American singer recognized for her ethereal vocals and introspective songwriting. “The Worst” is a minimalist R&B track that delves into the pain of a toxic relationship, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion.

Earned It by The Weeknd

The Weeknd is a Canadian artist known for his dark, atmospheric R&B sound. “Earned It” combines his signature style with orchestral elements, creating a sultry and cinematic track that gained widespread acclaim.

In the Night by The Weeknd

“In the Night” features The Weeknd’s soaring vocals over an upbeat, retro-inspired R&B track. The song’s catchy melody and haunting lyrics exemplify his ability to blend different influences into a cohesive sound.

Starboy by The Weeknd

“Starboy” marks a shift towards a more electronic R&B sound for The Weeknd. The song’s sleek production and confident lyrics reflect his evolution as an artist and his continued impact on the genre.

Call Out My Name by The Weeknd

In “Call Out My Name,” The Weeknd delivers a heartfelt performance over a slow, melancholic R&B track. The song’s emotional depth and vulnerability resonate with listeners, showcasing his talent for conveying complex feelings.

All of Me by John Legend

“All of Me” is one of John Legend’s most iconic ballads, featuring his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s simple piano accompaniment and emotional sincerity have made it a timeless R&B classic.

Redbone by Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino, the musical project of Donald Glover, blends funk and R&B in “Redbone.” The song’s falsetto vocals and vintage production create a unique and captivating sound that stands out in the 2010s R&B scene.

Note: Each song above was included because it appeared on Billboard’s year-end R&B charts in the 2010s. Some artists appear more than once because they had multiple year-end hits in that decade.