R&B love songs can musically touch listeners in an affectionate, penetrating manner. Whether an artist is gushing about a budding love or announcing their devotion, this genre and subject matter really resonates with the listener. When you play one of these songs, the feelings emitted from the artist can quite powerful. Here are the 33 Best R&B love songs of all time:
1. “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé
The song is pretty iconic in the best way possible. “Crazy in Love” became a sentimental ballad that carries many of us back to our student days (depending on when you were born) and became one of the best dance songs of the 2000s.
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2. “Why I Love You” by MAJOR.
What could be superior to mutual love? Nothing. At least, that’s what R&B singer MAJOR. conveys in this song about reciprocal love and admiration. Love is a two-way road in many healthy relationships, and this sweet, heartfelt single exemplifies that notion.
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3. “Whipped Cream” by Ari Lennox
What a lovely experience it is to come to the crossing point of finally getting over a previous lover, or perhaps reaching the moment where you’re ready to take someone back.
In “Whipped Cream,” Ari Lennox addresses that emotion. The impressive R&B artist sings about how hard it is to get over an ex and how even the most daily things, such as watching tv, can easily transport you into a memory of how things used to be.
Although this information is not new to music fans, there is something about Lennox’s direct, not-afraid-to-say-how-she-feels lyrics. It motivates the listener to encounter what is difficult to admit. Honesty confirms to be one of the key ingredients in creating a remarkable record.
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4. “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross
On this single, Luther Vandross’ glossy voice is undeniably genuine as he vows his everlasting love. The 1989 release not only won over music fans but also received numerous honors, including a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
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5. “Halo” by Beyoncé
This remarkable single was written in just a few hours. Beyonce’s emotional explanation and strong delivery ensure that this song about surrendering to love will be played frequently for many years to come.
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6. “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight and The Pips
Some lyrics relieve the heart, and this chart-topping hit is one of them. Gladys Knight’s silky voice quickly changed this thrilling ballad into an explicit R&B track.
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7. “Make It Last Forever” by Keith Sweat
Who doesn’t want something great to last a lifetime? That’s the underlying principle of this classic Keith Sweat song.
In this emotional ballad, the renowned R&B artist pledges to treasure the adoration between him and his meaningful other for the rest of his life.
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8. “Be With You” by Mary J. Blige
When you have found “The One,” you want to be in their company 24 hours, seven days a week. Mary J. Blige’s heartwarming vocals sparkle on this memorable tribute to falling in love.
The chart-topping single became an immediate hit, earning two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Song, in 2006.
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9. “My Love Is Your Love” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston enlists the help of songwriter-producer Wyclef Jean to deliver this uplifting message to life.
Houston’s tone is uplifting and pleasant, like a breath of fresh air, as she straps out lyrics applauding her union’s amazing relationship. Bobbi Kristina, the late singer’s daughter, also contributes vocals to this single.
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10. “Love on Top” by Beyoncé
“Love On Top” is an amazing combination of R&B and funk influences. Her main vocals, as usual, are full of spirit, and the backing voices keep your ear tailored to each adaptive role. It’s a banger with many feel-good vibes, and the artist’s vocal range seems to have no bounds with so many different sonics. Despite her powerful voice, the instrumental provides a slow and warm backdrop.
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11. “Gonna Love Me” by Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor softly sings analogies for wins and losses in “Gonna Love Me,” a song that perfectly describes love.
At first glance, love appears to be asserting, similar to the singer’s declarations in the first verse. Teyana reveals what matters in her love life, from seeing her companion as a “shining star” to possessing her flaws.
The second verse continues with knowledge gained through suffering, shifting the chorus subject from him to her.
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12. “Spend My Life with You” by Eric Benét and Tamia
Play this song if you want to speculate about taking a walk down the aisle. In this classic wedding song, R&B singers Eric Benét and Tamia express their wish to spend their lives with their lovers.
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13. “Adorn” By Miguel
Things get steamy fast on Miguel’s 2012 intimate relations R&B love song, with an opening move like “these lips can’t wait to taste your skin.”
Armed with a lethal singing voice, the hitmaker combines the sweet taste of a youthful Marvin Gaye with the swagger of in-the-club-like-yeah Usher.
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14. “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey
This love song from the early 1990s brilliantly demonstrates Mariah Carey’s amazing vocal ability and unrivaled musicality. Her fresh sound, combined with the tender lyrics, made this a top-seller, propelling her album to the top of the charts.
While the song made the legendary artist famous worldwide, it was only the starting point of Carey’s long and illustrious career.
15. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder
This remorseful song was released when Stevie wonder was only 20 years old. Even at such a young age, it’s amazing that he was able to create such a timeless classic. The song earned him his first Grammy, proving himself forever.
16. “My, My, My” by Johnny Gill
Babyface is the instigator behind some of our generation’s most unforgettable ballads. He’s essentially formed the framework for swoon-worthy love songs, and this Johnny Gill single will be no exception.
Initially written for the R&B group After 7, this incredibly intimate song launched Gill’s solo career beyond New Edition’s popular boy band. The award-winning song was so popular that it became his biggest hit.
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17. “Love and Happiness” by Al Green
Unsure of what constitutes a long-term relationship? Take a listen to this song. Al Green’s funky beat alone tells you he is serious about business. This song exemplifies the power of love and how it transcends all emotional responses, causing the love-sick to behave erratically.
18. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge
The song may be one of the greatest flirtatious songs ever recorded, and the lyrics boil down to this; everything gets messed up when you fall in love. Your dignity and decisions change, which is the best thing in the world when you are under its influence.
Next: The top songs about falling in love with someone (our list)
19. “Always and Forever” by Heatwave
If you are searching for a song that can illustrate how much you adore someone, this is the right selection. The narrator speaks of loving someone endlessly. The singers exhibit perfect voices that rise from lower tones to tenor.
20. “My Girl” by The Temptations
Isn’t it true that we all want to improve our baby’s day? That is exactly what the item of adoration on this Temptations song does. The lovely lyric, written by Motown legend Smokey Robinson, brims with love metaphors that make your heart skip a beat.
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21. “Anniversary” by Tony! Toni! Tone!
Special occasions necessitate special songs and Tony! Toni! Tone! Masterpiece fits the bill. Lead singer Raphael Saadiq’s endearing lyrics radiate a weakness and sensibility that match the captivating instrumentation, particularly the lush violin strings that run throughout this timeless anniversary song. What day is more romantic than the anniversary of your marriage?
22. “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai
It’s difficult to avoid thoughts of that special someone when you’re deep in your feelings. Ella Mai, a London native, gets deep in hers on this sensual track, wondering what could ever substitute the jubilation she feels from her boo.
Mai’s debut single garnered her numerous nominations and awards, including a Grammy and a Billboard Award for Top R&B Song.
23. “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
Love is when someone can bring you peace. On this late-’60s track, Aretha Franklin talks openly about having a partner who meets all of her necessities and makes her feel sensual and comfortable. The Queen of Soul’s stunning performance solidifies this song’s status as an all-time amazing track in music history.
24. “Girls Need Love” by Summer Walker
The song’s honesty may only appear tempestuous and courageous to those who do not recognize the relevance of a woman’s sexual independence.
However, because Walker is candid about her wishes, the track provides a space for her and other women to be soft and susceptible in their pursuit of fulfillment.
Walker takes a moment in the chorus to call out the largely misogynistic ideologies that oppose women having control over their bodies, sex, and how they want to explore it.
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25. “Forever my Lady” by Jodeci
Raising a family with your meaningful other often marks the beginning of a new episode in the story of love. On this timeless ’90s track, R&B quartet Jodeci gorgeously honors that breakthrough.
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26. “All My Life” By K-Ci and JoJo
This late-’90s love song has become a prom and wedding staple. The voices of brothers K-Ci and JoJo Hailey hit all the right notes as they convey their gratefulness for discovering the love of their lives.
27. “Old Age” by Masego and SiR
Masego, the highly accomplished charmer and outstanding saxophonist, is joined by TDE hitmaker SiR on “Old Age,” a flirty ode to the advantages of dating up.
According to Uncle Sego, the song was inspired by his encounter with an older woman who concluded their relationship because she was satisfied that age would ultimately push them apart.
The single, produced by Jasper and Jah, is the fourth track on the debut album, Lady Lady, launched in 2018.
28. “Let’s Chill” by Guy
Committing your fiancé is a big step. Guy raises the bar with this homage to dedication and settling down. The smooth Teddy Riley-produced track is balanced by lead singer Aaron Hall’s distinctive intonations and utterances.
29. “Trip (Remix)” by Jacquees and Ella Mai
One could assert that the feud between Ella Mai and Jacquees aided the record’s prominence. But, in reality, what distinguishes “Trip” is that it’s a truly good song.
The melody, rhythms, and lyrics are all a mash-up of classic R&B. It’s soothing enough to listen to while healing from a breakup but catchy and smart enough to jam out to on your morning commute.
If you are a fan of old-school R&B, you will be crazy not to have this song on your music library, whether Ella’s original or Jacquees’ remix.
30. “Caught Up in The Rapture” by Anita Baker
Hopeless romantics fantasize about being swept up in a flurry of love. Anita Baker, a Grammy-winning artist, sings about that joyful time when nothing else relates but you and that special person.
31. “Everything” by Ella Mai Ft. John Legend
Listening to the musical composition of two music stars brings joy, irrespective of whether or not that professional contact equates to their personal lives. It’s entirely different to experience it for yourself, particularly when it’s a love song.
Ella Mai and John Legend’s voices blend in an unexpected marriage of melodies that dissolve through the skin and enclose the bones.
“Everything,” one of Ella Mai’s gems, puts music fans in the shoes of two lovers standing face to face, allowing every warm feeling roiling in their cores to flow out into the little space between them.
32. “Find Someone Like You” by Snoh Aalegra
Snoh Aalegra is a lesser known R&B singer, but her alluring voice is evocative of some of the genre’s top names. This is a lovely and semi-nostalgic single from her album Ugh, Those Feels Again.
33. “No One” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is unconcerned about what other people think in this uplifting love song. Nothing can stand in the way of her undying love for her handsome man; she sings passionately. Can we blame her when it comes to matters of the heart? Her personal life inspired her to write one of the best R&B love songs of all time.
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
